Why USC Football CB Isaac Taylor-Stuart was a sneaky good pickup for the Cowboys

When Isaac Taylor-Stuart wasn't drafted this year, the USC football cornerback was sure to be picked up as an undrafted free agent. He was originally a first-round prospect by some top analysts heading into the season. Sure enough, the Dallas Cowboys scooped him up.

Unfortunately he, like SC's other starting corner in Chris Steele, didn't have the opportunity to develop in their last seasons as Trojans due to terrible coaching from Defensive Coordinator Todd Orlando. Taylor-Stuart unfortunately collected only 39 tackles, only one pick, and only three PD's.

Any NFL scout, however, could see how impressive his speed is when they turn on the film. When he was at Helix High School he reportedly ran a 40-yard dash in the 4.2-4.3 range (4.42 at NFL Scouting Combine). ITS can outrun nearly any receiver thrown at him, even in the NFL.

USC Football CB Isaac Taylor-Stuart has speed that can't be taught, and will give him a chance for playing time with Dallas.

Whenever receivers would try to blow past Isaac Taylor-Stuart when he was with the USC football program, he'd force them to the sideline. He knew how to use his speed, and what to do when someone would challenge it. He can show patience and stay low when backpedaling because he knows he has the burners to keep up with receivers.

Therefore, he has a good chance to move up the depth chart a bit if he can really showcase these strengths in non-press coverage. What ITS will need to work on, however, will be staying with the receiver while the ball's IN the air.

That's why he had poor analytics last year (giving up 26 completions out of 38 attempts for 440 yards and three TD's in 2021). If he can improve his awareness when the quarterback decides to test him and stay with the receiver with the ball in the air, he's going to see some action in Jerry World this upcoming season.

Of course Trevon Diggs and Kelvin Joseph are likely to start over him at the two corner spots, with Anthony Brown likely manning the nickelback spot. If Taylor-Staurt wants to be next in line and jump some of the four-to-six backups that are potentially ahead of him right now, though, he can.

He has the speed to do it, and if he can use NFL coaching to help him cover receivers with the ball out of the quarterback's hand, he'll surely be in the mix.