Nahshon Wright was selected by the Cowboys with the No.99 and Cowboys fans erupted in outrage at the selection in the 2021 NFL Draft. Wright, a genuine “reach” to the draft community, was widely regarded as the worst pick in the class.
When Kelvin Joseph was selected for 55 picks earlier, he did not command the same level of universal contempt. Joseph, who had warnings, was as yet viewed as one of the most outstanding crude cornerback possibilities in the draft who had genuine “blast” potential. “Bust” was all anyone could see in Wright’s future.
The draft classmates are both on opposite paths nearly two years into their professional careers; Wright taking over as the starting quarterback, and Joseph is close to losing his game-day active status completely.
Joseph started the season as a special team player and development prospect after a tumultuous offseason and a training camp that was extremely volatile. Joseph was disappointed when he was forced into the defensive starting lineup because of injuries to Anthony Brown and Jourdan Lewis.
Joseph was benched after giving up 219 yards, four touchdowns, a 66.7 completion percentage, and a 147.9 passer rating, making room for the once-maligned Wright.
Wright wasn’t perfect, but he’s getting better, and he even made his first interception of his career. On the field, Wright has demonstrated awareness and willingness to resist the run.
Wright may not be the ideal candidate for CB2, but he is the Cowboys’ best option right now and probably the ideal candidate for the position if Dallas advances into the playoffs.
Joseph, on the other hand, has become such a burden that he may not even be safe to play special teams. The postseason, which begins in just two weeks, is a time when margins are narrow and any mistake could mean the difference.
These two young cornerbacks’ story is far from over, and anything could happen in the future. However, at the moment, they are on opposite paths, and things are going very differently than most people had anticipated.