The 2016 NFL Draft completely changed the Dallas Cowboys for better, and the first name that comes to mind is quarterback Dak Prescott. For some people, it could be the top selection and already one of the best running backs in the league, Ezekiel Elliott. These two are definitely fighting for the top spot.
The same goes with defense. We have linebacker Jaylon Smith, defensive end Charles Tapper, and defensive tackle Maliek Collins. However, there is one player that has definitely changed the Cowboys, and he was drafted in the sixth round. We may not see this yet, but Dallas found a gem called Anthony Brown. He is a 5-foot-six cornerback who weighs 196 pounds, and he was the one who replaced the starting cornerback Morris Claiborne after he got injured.
Brown is only 22, and he started nine games for the Cowboys, plus he was a significant part of the final five duels in the regular season. He had 55 tackles, eight pass defends and one interception. However, this is not why we mention him. Namely, Anthony Brown allowed the fewest yard (0.21) per coverage snap of any NFL cornerback in those five games.
Over the last five weeks of his rookie season, Cowboys CB Anthony Brown allowed the fewest yards per coverage snap of any NFL cornerback. pic.twitter.com/W9W0AjK88o
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) May 31, 2017
Because of the great performances, starting cornerbacks Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne were allowed to leave in free agency, and Brown will get a starting position in the upcoming season. The Cowboys have strengthened the defense even more with the addition of four defensive backs during the draft.
There is no doubt that Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott changed the dynamics and the team, generally speaking. They had an extraordinary season and will be the core parts for the years to come. However, Anthony Brown also had a huge effect on this Dallas Cowboys team, and he is expected to have a great future.
