Wake Forest DB Caelen Carson 'surprised' Cowboys drafted him

Saturday at the NFL Draft is when some teams decide to take a risk and select players they believe to have solid potential despite being a late-round pick. The Dallas Cowboys went with a defensive back in the fifth round with the No. 174 overall pick, taking Wake Forest‘s Caelen Carson.

Apparently, there had not been too much communication between the Cowboys and Carson before his name was called from Detroit. Carson revealed the last time he spoke with Dallas was back at the NFL Combine, calling the move ‘surprising.’

“New Cowboys CB Caelen Carson said he didn’t speak with team since his formal interview at combine,” Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News said via X. “Called being drafted to Dallas ‘pretty surprising.’ Expected to be selected in third to fourth round. Went late fifth. ‘This is God’s plan.’ Compared own game to a raw Jaycee Horn.”

With Carson officially being selected, the relationship between the two can begin to form. For at least the next few seasons, the Wake Forest product is a Cowboy. He will be around some great defensive backs as well to begin the journey of his NFL development.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Caelen Carson

Ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, Lance Zierlein of the NFL Network gave his evaluation of Carson. Dallas might feel like they are getting a steal, projecting him to be drafted sometime in the third round. He wound up being a fifth-round pick, great value from the Cowboys.

Zierlein believes Carson can eventually turn into a third cornerback on a roster, something Dallas does need moving forward.

“Carson’s game is most suitable for press-man and Cover 2 looks, although he’s capable of handling most coverages,” Zierlein said. “He doesn’t have as many snaps under his belt as some prospects, so his instincts and break anticipation aren’t fully focused yet. He’s much better from press than off-man coverage and does a nice job of utilizing his physicality to rough up the release and contest catches when he’s in position.

“He works through route combinations from zone and will come downhill and strike with good purpose most of the time. Carson’s angles to the throw and as a tackler can be spotty, leading to missed opportunities. Overall, the physical traits are ahead of the positional skills, but there is enough in place to project him as an eventual CB3.”