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Dallas Cowboys: Are Marcus Peters’s past transgressions an issue?

By Stephen Forsha

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Feb 23, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Marcus Peters runs with the ball after catching a pass in a workout drill during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

If there is one thing the Dallas Cowboys can look past when it comes to a players on their roster it is the fact they know folks aren’t perfect, and they are willing to gives those players second and third chances.

This is where Marcus Peters, a cornerback from Washington, and the Cowboys’ 27th overall selection comes into play.

With Peters, who is slated by many draft experts to be a first round choice in the 2015 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 30, it has been written he clashes with coaching staffs.

Rob Rang of CBSSports.com wrote about Peters (6-0, 197 pounds), and exactly what ultimately led to his dismissal from the Washington Huskies roster this past season.

"“Rang wrote in Peters’ draft profile: Repeatedly clashed with coach Chris Petersen’s staff in 2014. He was served a one-game suspension after a sideline tirade against Eastern Washington in the second game of the season, and reportedly got into an argument with an assistant coach in practice that ultimately led to his dismissal from the program.”"

Something like that can’t happen with Peters on the Cowboys’ roster, but currently their roster has players on it (Greg Hardy, Josh Brown, amongst others) who have been given second chances in the NFL.

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Peters has yet to even join an NFL team and is being questioned, so I ask what team who vastly needs help at the cornerback position can hide a player like Peters on their roster? What team can take the spotlight off him and let him learn the pro style of the game?

The answer is no other than the Cowboys. The former Washington Huskies cornerback would benefit from being drafted by the Cowboys, plus the Cowboys could improve at one of their weakest positions on the field, so it is a win-win situation.

Peters didn’t have the best 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine (4.53) but does have a 37.5 vertical jump. In three seasons at the University of Washington, Peters played in 35 games where he recorded 129 total tackles, one sack and 11 interceptions.

In his abbreviated junior season in ’14 (nine games), Peters recorded 30 total tackles (25 solo), four of which were for a loss, and three interceptions. His best season may have been his sophomore campaign where he finished with 44 solo tackles (55 total), one sack and five interceptions.

Peters even has two defensive touchdowns in his collegiate career, one coming from an interception and one on a fumble recovery. There is no question Peters has the talent to be an NFL player, even one who is in the starting lineup.

According to Thic Nhi Nguyen on DallasCowboys.com (via The Daily of the University of Washington) Peters “wowed” on his pro day:

"“He wowed scouts in his return to campus at Pro Day as he showed off his soft hands, loose hips and quick feet during defensive back drills.”"

With the Cowboys needing help at the cornerback position this upcoming season as they allowed 302 passing yards per game in the postseason (251 yards per game in the regular season), Peters could be a welcome addition to the defensive roster for sure, so maybe he “wowed” the Cowboys as well.

Jan 11, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Richard Rodgers (89) catches a pass for a touchdown against Dallas Cowboys defensive back Sterling Moore (26) and free safety J.J. Wilcox (27) in the fourth quarter in the 2014 NFC Divisional playoff football game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

As a team in ’14, the Cowboys allowed 355 total yards per game, 14th in the NFL, so if they still have Super Bowl dreams that will have to improve, though in defense of the Cowboys, the champion New England Patriots allowed 344 yards per game last season.

Where the Cowboys need improvement on defense is they allowed the opposition to gain a third down conversion 44 percent of the time in ’14, along with allowing plays of 40-plus yards 14 times (third most in the NFL).

Having another dependable cornerback in ’15 could cut back those type of gains against them. For Peters to work well with “America’s Team,” he must calm down with his coaches, leave his past digressions behind him, and start fresh when he enters the NFL. If there is one team in the NFL who Peters could be benefit from being on with his past, it is the Cowboys.

The Cowboys and Peters on the same side could be a win-win situation, and right now maybe both need each other more than they realize.

Next: Mock Draft: Cowboys take a CB

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