Dallas Cowboys: 3 Senior Bowl prospects who fit 2021 NFL Draft needs

By Randy Gurzi | Feb 1, 2021

Jan 26, 2021; Mobile, Alabama, USA; American defensive lineman Payton Turner of Houston (98) and American defensive lineman Marvin Wilson of Florida State (21) talk between drills during National team practice during the 2021 Senior Bowl week. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dallas Cowboys Senior Bowl Prospects. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse

If the name sounds familiar, it’s because Ifeatu Melifonwu is the younger brother of a defensive back who turned heads back in the 2017 NFL Draft. Obi Melifonwu was a former teammate of Byron Jones at Connecticut and the 6-foot-4, 224-pound safety absolutely dominated the Scouting Combine.

He ended up being selected by the Raiders in the second round but never lived up to expectations. He was out of the NFL in 2020 but recently signed with the San Francisco 49ers as a futures prospect. Now, his younger brother is working his way into the NFL and is quickly jumping up boards — especially after his showing during the Senior Bowl.

Ifeatu Melifonwu is listed at 6-2 and 212 pounds which is fantastic size for a defensive back. He’s considered a zone cover guy, but in Mobile, he showed off his ability to shine in one-on-one drills as well.

Ifeatu Melifonwu showing up in 1-on-1's🍿 pic.twitter.com/2YBBpIeo15
— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 28, 2021

In Dallas, a player such as Melifonwu would be a great fit. They’re currently pretty rough at cornerback and that could get even worse if they lose both Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis in free agency.

Right now, Trevon Diggs is ready to take on more responsibility, and their 2020 second-round pick did show signs of being a legit NFL starter as a rookie. Having said that, the Cowboys need another starter and Melifonwu could be their guy.

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