3 Dallas Cowboys who could steal starting jobs in 2019

1. Jourdan Lewis, Cornerback

Over the past two seasons, Jourdan Lewis has outplayed his draft status. The third-round pick out of Michigan has been a strong performer and is one of the better coverage guys on the team. He also showed he has a clutch gene as he made the game-sealing interceptions off of Drew Brees when Dallas shocked the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football.

Even with him playing as well as he has, Lewis was used for just 201 snaps last season according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). His lack of use was a shame as Lewis scored higher than any corner outside of Byron Jones per PFF.

After grading out at 72 as a rookie, Lewis was given a 76.6 in his second season. As for the player who starts ahead of him, Chidobe Awuzie, he saw a decline. Picked one round ahead of Lewis in 2017, Awuzie was good as a rookie with a score of 78.4 but then declined last season, finishing with a 63.9.

Now, PFF’s scoring system isn’t always perfect, but it is an indication of Awuzie’s struggles last season. With Jones locking down one side, opponents did pick on Awuzie throughout the season and he had his share of struggles.

Perhaps this season can see Lewis come in and earn more time. He does have an uphill climb as defensive back coach Kris Richard favors longer corners and that’s an area where Awuzie tops Lewis.

Having said that, he could still come in and prove to be the better corner during camp and force the team’s hand. He surely has the skill to do just that.

For more grades, advanced statistics and more at Pro Football Focus, subscribe to PFF’s EDGE or ELITE subscriptions at ProFootballFocus.com.