Big Nickel Potential Fits

[Cowboyny]

CP has said this is his most important position in his scheme. They are looking for that S/LB tweener who is strong against the run, able to blitz effectively and handle coverage out of the slot. Parker describes this player as being intelligent, instinctive and physical. We have discussed Cooper DeJean role as the nickel with Philly as the type of player they are seeking. B. Baker is another example of this big nickel type of player.

Downs-the perfect fit for this role. He might not be great in man coverage. but checks all the other boxes.
McNeil-Warren-he reminds me of the good version of D. Wilson in the box but with some coverage ability.
Thieneman-can play the nickel, but might be a better roof safety. Cowboys haven't shown any interest
Scott-a poor man's Downs. However, older prospect and more of a zone coverage player. He struggled as a corner
Kyle Lewis-he is that LB/S hybrid that impressed at the senior bowl with his coverage.
Kilgore-another hybrid prospect that might be more of a nickel only
Ramsey-played the slot last season, but played better as a safety
Perkins Jr-the ultimate tweener and chess piece, where he can play several roles

Cowboys have brought in Downs, McNeil-Warren, Scott and Ramsey thus far as 30 visitors. I don't think they are looking to add another starting safety, but filling that big nickel role.

 

[baltcowboy]

CP has said this is his most important position in his scheme. They are looking for that S/LB tweener who is strong against the run, able to blitz effectively and handle coverage out of the slot. Parker describes this player as being intelligent, instinctive and physical. We have discussed Cooper DeJean role as the nickel with Philly as the type of player they are seeking. B. Baker is another example of this big nickel type of player.

Downs-the perfect fit for this role. He might not be great in man coverage. but checks all the other boxes.
McNeil-Warren-he reminds me of the good version of D. Wilson in the box but with some coverage ability.
Thieneman-can play the nickel, but might be a better roof safety. Cowboys haven't shown any interest
Scott-a poor man's Downs. However, older prospect and more of a zone coverage player. He struggled as a corner
Kyle Lewis-he is that LB/S hybrid that impressed at the senior bowl with his coverage.
Kilgore-another hybrid prospect that might be more of a nickel only
Ramsey-played the slot last season, but played better as a safety
Perkins Jr-the ultimate tweener and chess piece, where he can play several roles

Cowboys have brought in Downs, McNeil-Warren, Scott and Ramsey thus far as 30 visitors. I don't think they are looking to add another starting safety, but filling that big nickel role.

You left out Sonny Styles. Supposedly he is great in coverage. Remember Fred Warner covering CD in San Francisco playoff game.

 

[JBS]

Caleb Downs, be it at 12 or moving up a few picks is still the dream scenario w our first pick, imo. I don’t think there is a better option than that for us.

 

[darthseinfeld]

CP has said this is his most important position in his scheme. They are looking for that S/LB tweener who is strong against the run, able to blitz effectively and handle coverage out of the slot. Parker describes this player as being intelligent, instinctive and physical. We have discussed Cooper DeJean role as the nickel with Philly as the type of player they are seeking. B. Baker is another example of this big nickel type of player.

Downs-the perfect fit for this role. He might not be great in man coverage. but checks all the other boxes.
McNeil-Warren-he reminds me of the good version of D. Wilson in the box but with some coverage ability.
Thieneman-can play the nickel, but might be a better roof safety. Cowboys haven't shown any interest
Scott-a poor man's Downs. However, older prospect and more of a zone coverage player. He struggled as a corner
Kyle Lewis-he is that LB/S hybrid that impressed at the senior bowl with his coverage.
Kilgore-another hybrid prospect that might be more of a nickel only
Ramsey-played the slot last season, but played better as a safety
Perkins Jr-the ultimate tweener and chess piece, where he can play several roles

Cowboys have brought in Downs, McNeil-Warren, Scott and Ramsey thus far as 30 visitors. I don't think they are looking to add another starting safety, but filling that big nickel role.

I think Stukes fits to a T. I think he could be a/the target at 92.

Thompson is a FS that can play big Nickel, so that could why they arent in on Theineman. Most of the guys we have brought in are SS types

McNeil-Warren could be in play at 20, although Im not super excited about that. Ramsey, Scott and Kilgore could be in the play in the 2nd if we move down

 

[darthseinfeld]

Caleb Downs, be it at 12 or moving up a few picks is still the dream scenario w our first pick, imo. I don’t think there is a better option than that for us.

I'm not a big fan of using high picks to target guys for roles, because those roles can go away with coaching changes. Downs is a great fit because if that role goes away, he can play in any scheme

 

[LouBrown]

Again, this position is not a LB/S tweener.

It is a CB/S tweener, if anything. The nickel has to be able to cover WRs vertically and in space. Otherwise, they are just running a 4-3 with an uncovered Will.

Guys like Louis and Perkins do not fit the role.

 

[beware_d-ware]

If the Cowboys are dead set on getting a nickel out of this draft, I would go for Brandon Cisse at #20. He is physical as hell and has an explosive first step that I think would really play well covering underneath.

 

[LouBrown]

I think Stukes fits to a T. I think he could be a/the target at 92.

Thompson is a FS that can play big Nickel, so that could why they arent in on Theineman. Most of the guys we have brought in are SS types

McNeil-Warren could be in play at 20, although Im not super excited about that. Ramsey, Scott and Kilgore could be in the play in the 2nd if we move down

I love Stukes but I don't think he'll make it to 92.

 

[AsthmaField]

Downs is the guy, if they can get him.

Otherwise, Scott. As people here know, I’m a huge fan of Keionte Scott, so I’d be really happy with that if they can’t manage downs.

 

[Cowboyny]

I think Stukes fits to a T. I think he could be a/the target at 92.

Thompson is a FS that can play big Nickel, so that could why they arent in on Theineman. Most of the guys we have brought in are SS types

McNeil-Warren could be in play at 20, although Im not super excited about that. Ramsey, Scott and Kilgore could be in the play in the 2nd if we move down

Yes, Stukes belongs on the list. Most our hybrid SS/Linebacker types.

 

[Cowboyny]

If the Cowboys are dead set on getting a nickel out of this draft, I would go for Brandon Cisse at #20. He is physical as hell and has an explosive first step that I think would really play well covering underneath.

Really don't believe CP wants a traditional nickel, could be wrong, but all indications he wants a good box player.

 

[Cowboyny]

Again, this position is not a LB/S tweener.

It is a CB/S tweener, if anything. The nickel has to be able to cover WRs vertically and in space. Otherwise, they are just running a 4-3 with an uncovered Will.

Guys like Louis and Perkins do not fit the role.

You're thought process is thinking of a traditional slot which CP isn't going to use. He wants to play two high safeties, which leads to a light box, which is why this player has to be a strong run defender.

 

[ghst187]

Caleb Downs, be it at 12 or moving up a few picks is still the dream scenario w our first pick, imo. I don’t think there is a better option than that for us.

I tend to agree, I think he may be the best player in the draft full stop.

 

[LouBrown]

You're thought process is thinking of a traditional slot which CP isn't going to use. He wants to play two high safeties, which leads to a light box, which is why this player has to be a strong run defender.

Then you are referring to a 4-3 Will.

Teams stopped running 4-3 because that Will is a liability against 11 personnel. The player can be a run defender, but mostly they have to cover.

 

[Cowboyny]

Then you are referring to a 4-3 Will.

Teams stopped running 4-3 because that Will is a liability against 11 personnel. The player can be a run defender, but mostly they have to cover.

CP wants another strong run defender on the field.

 

[morasp]

I'm pretty sure Stukes was a top 30 visit.

Here is some information that I looked up a while ago about the responsibilities of the nickel in the cover 8.

In a Cover 8 defense, the nickelback’s responsibilities are primarily focused on underneath coverage, run support, and blitzing, depending on the specific scheme and offensive formation.

• Underneath Coverage: The nickelback typically covers the slot receiver or running back on short routes such as curls, slants, and outs. In Cover 8, which is a two-deep zone scheme, the nickelback often guards the flat or shallow middle zones, ensuring tight coverage on quick passes and preventing easy completions.
• Run Support: The nickelback is crucial in stopping the run, especially on outside runs or screens. They must be ready to shed blocks from tight ends or running backs and make tackles in space, often acting as a hybrid linebacker in run fits.
• Blitzing: In Cover 8, the nickelback is frequently used as a blitzing weapon, especially on the weak side. Their speed and agility allow them to attack the quarterback from the slot, disrupting timing and forcing hurried throws. This is especially effective when the defense uses a "snake" blitz or zone blitz.
• Communication and Awareness: The nickelback must coordinate with the safeties and linebackers, reading route concepts and adjusting coverage based on the offensive formation. Their route recognition and football IQ are critical to maintaining defensive integrity in complex Cover 8 schemes.
• Positioning: The nickelback lines up in the slot, between the cornerback and the defensive line, allowing them to cover the middle of the field while supporting both the passing and running games.

In modern football, the nickelback in Cover 8 is a versatile, high-IQ player who bridges the gap between traditional cornerbacks and linebackers, making them essential in pass-heavy, spread offenses.

 

[cnuball21]

Downs is the obvious choice but I am a big fan of Stukes.

Scott is fun but he does not give you the same coverage ability.

I also like Terrell as an inside / outside guy.

 

[LouBrown]

CP wants another strong run defender on the field.

I understand what he is saying. But a guy who can't cover is just a Will lol.

A "big nickel" is just a corner who can tackle and maybe set an edge against a TE

 

[tm1119]

You're thought process is thinking of a traditional slot which CP isn't going to use. He wants to play two high safeties, which leads to a light box, which is why this player has to be a strong run defender.

Yeah…a CB that can tackle. You made a thread about Big Nickel and used 5’10 195 pound Budda Baker as 1 of 2 examples. Please make that make sense. The other example being Cooper DeJean, a pure college boundary CB.

And the fact that you put Harold Perkins Jr on this list….not sure you could possibly be further off

 

[AKATheRake]

Look up Haulcey from LSU. Does all of that. Probably can get him in the late 2nd, early 3rd.

The Hogs upfront are the most important in the defensive scheme make no mistake about that. But in the secondary, it's the DB that does what you're talking about for Parker.