NFL Draft 2023: Top 5 cornerbacks the Cowboys should target to shore up their ranks

The Dallas Cowboys must pay attention to their defensive needs, even though the majority of attention is focused on enhancing their attack. More expertise is needed to maintain their position at the highest level in the league.

With Trevon Diggs entering the last season of his rookie deal and starting cornerback Anthony Brown out of the team, there is a significant gap in the defense.

The Cowboys' straying gaze may shift to the draft, given how strong the 2023 class is overall. The team should focus on these top five CBs in the coming month.

Top five cornerbacks the Dallas Cowboys should target

1. Christian Gonzalez, Oregon

In man coverage, Christian Gonzalez works as a specialist. Gonzalez can prosper from a range of man-covering strategies thanks to his good size, outstanding mobility and mirroring skills. He was extremely congruent with his knack for hitting receivers off the line of scrimmage and getting into phases as a defender.

Gonzalez is a guy whom the Cowboys would undoubtedly love to sign, but doing so would require little luck.

2. Devon Witherspoon, Illinois

Devon Witherspoon earned a few invitations from institutions like South Alabama after graduating from high school. He accepted Illinois' top offer and committed there in 2019.

Witherspoon's final year saw a surge in his defensive ability. He appeared 12 times and had 738 snaps. He recorded 32 successful tackles while missing five. He only allowed a 35% receiving percentage for 206 yards. The most striking element of his performance was his excellent quarterback rating allowed of a mere 25.3.

In his last appearance, Witherspoon only allowed one catch for 6 yards against Northwestern while also recording two interceptions and a low quarterback rating allowed of only 2.8.

Along with Trevon Diggs and Daron Bland, Witherspoon's physicality and aggressiveness at the catch point and when tackling would make for a fantastic trio.

Depending on the opponents, Witherspoon and Bland might alternate between slots and perimeter responsibilities while Diggs protects the opponent's best wide receiver.

3. Cam Smith, South Carolina

Cam Smith has several positive qualities. He is the perfect size for an NFL CB and has excellent reflexes with athletic ability. He had good performances against top 10 teams like Clemson and Tennessee to close off the 2022 season, and he had a good game against potential first-round wide receiver Jalin Hyatt.

Smith's showing at the combine was even more outstanding. His 40-yard sprint time was 4.45, and his 38-inch vertical jump was in the 75th percentile. Even while his arm length was slightly below what the Cowboys might prefer in cornerbacks, it was still in the 60th percentile for cornerbacks.

If Smith is a top draft choice for the Cowboys, it will be down to the scouting staff to investigate any alleged character issues with the player.

4. Kelee Ringo, Georgia

Georgia-born Kelee Ringo is a cornerback proposition. Ringo is expected to be a top candidate when the Cowboys go on the market next month, so there is a big chance that they will have done their research.

The Cowboys would consider Kelee Ringo as a cornerback based on his physique. His testing results for athleticism and quickness were exceptional, putting him in the top tier of CB candidates for this selection.

The Dallas Cowboys' scouting method heavily emphasizes speed, flexibility and explosive strength. Therefore, Kelee Ringo is expected to be on the Cowboys' shortlist.

5. Joey Porter Jr., Penn State

The father of Joey Porter Jr. was a linebacker in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals. Joey Porter Sr. won one Super Bowl and earned five All-Pro nods while also making four Pro Bowls.

Porter participated in 10 games last year. With 27 tackles, 11 pass breakups, and an allowed quarterback rating of just 63.6 in one season, his performance significantly improved.

Dan Quinn may use him in some schemes, so if he can improve his consistency, he has a chance to develop into an All-Pro cornerback.