The media finally had a chance to speak with the new Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator, Christian Parker, and the fanbase was hyped by what they heard. The team will run a 3-4 front that will have some 4-3 and 5-2 spacing, and Parker spoke glowingly about teaching his students and knowing each needs different tactics. These things are incredibly important, but maybe most important was what he said about the nickel corner position.
Parker talked about a versatile piece who had to play not just deep, but in the slot, at linebacker, and even on the defensive line. With those details now known, the chances that the player is actually a cornerback are unlikely. A cornerback being big enough to play linebacker or on the defensive line isn’t realistic, and they would need the instincts to play deep safety. A safety is big enough to set an edge, or play linebacker, and their job is playing deep safety most of the time, so their adjustment is only their coverage in the slot. Knowing this, who are some prospects that the fans should keep an eye out for in the upcoming draft?
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSafety Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
Nov 14, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) breaks up a pass play intended for Minnesota Golden Gophers tight end Jameson Geers (86) during the first half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn ImagesDillon Thieneman is already flying up draft boards, but a second-round pick a month ago might not make it to the Cowboys at No. 20. If he gets there, he will now be a serious option at that spot. Parker said the nickel position might be his top priority due to everything they have to do, so using a first-round pick on one makes sense.
Thieneman played 220 snaps in the slot, 17 at defensive line, 648 in the box, and 697 deep in his last two seasons at Oregon. He is 6-foot, 205 pounds, and plays bigger than that. He has a high IQ, especially in zone, knows how to follow a quarterback's eyes, and makes plays in coverage. Thieneman had eight interceptions in his three years at Oregon. He makes plays in the run game by seeing it and attacking, rather than stacking up a blocker and shedding them to make a play. He would be the perfect fit for Parker's versatile slot corner needs.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSafety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
Dec 23, 2025; Boca Raton, FL, USA; Toledo Rockets safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (7) celebrates a third down stop against the Louisville Cardinals during the third quarter of the Boca Raton Bowl at Flagler CU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Romance-Imagn ImagesEmmanuel McNeil-Warren is a bit of a projection at the hybrid nickel position only because he hasn't played a lot of slot corner, and those snaps have decreased every season at Toledo. He went from 95 snaps there in 2023 to 65 in 2024 and 33 last season.
Assume Parker and his staff can get McNeil-Warren to play adequately in the slot, because he is great everywhere else. He has the range to take away the deep ball sideline to sideline, and he is a playmaker in the box. McNeil-Warren is excellent at getting to the ball carrier, whether attacking to beat blocks or using his range to defeat runners to the corner. He has an incredible tackle radius and uses his reach to make opposing runners fumble. He forced nine fumbles at Toledo, a real playmaker.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSafety Kamari Ramsey, USC
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 27: Kamari Ramsey #7 of the USC Trojans intercepts a pass intended for Jabre Barber #1 of the Texas A&M Aggies during first half of the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on December 27, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)Kamari Ramsey’s stock slipped somewhat because his 2025 tape didn't match his phenomenal 2024 work. He battled a knee injury and wasn't the guy who eliminated tight ends and held his own against slot receivers in the passing game. He was no longer the downhill player who attacked ball carriers behind the line of scrimmage, whether in the run game or the screen game. He wasn't the same guy who separated pass catchers from the ball with big hits or attacks at the catch point. He has limitations that could take him out of the top 50, or even into Day 3, but if Parker and his staff believe he can be the player he was in 2024 and develop from there, then Dallas could take a shot on him.
You can find Mike Crum on Twitter @cdpiglet or on YouTube at Across the Cowboys podcast
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: 3 draft prospects at DB who fit Christian Parker's style for Cowboys
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