For rookie cornerback Caelen Carson, the Dallas Cowboys’ fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, it’s all starting to click.
He went from the surrealism of the moment to taking the field for practice at team headquarters for rookie minicamp, anxious to go to work, all in the span of two weeks.
Carson, who goes by “Seat Belt” at Wake Forest, gave an explanation of the origins of the moniker.
“I was a true freshman in college when it happened, and my roommate and teammate said to me, ‘Damn, you’re always locking people up.'” “You’re similar to a seat belt,” he said. “It stuck with me from there.”
Nevertheless, he isn’t ready to transform that nickname into NFL memorabilia just yet. “Yes, he continued, back in college. “Coming soon, but I’ve gotta earn my way first — earn my stripes.”
Carson’s path to the Cowboys began with his ability to shut down opponents’ receivers. Al Harris, a former Pro Bowl cornerback who is now the team’s associate head coach and defensive backs coach, did not take long to help Carson adjust to the high standards in Dallas.
After all, the rookie cornerback is joining a group that includes the tenacious takeaway talent of Jourdan Lewis, as well as two First-team All-Pro players who have made history: Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland.
Carson remarked, “I can tell [Harris] is a great coach already.” In just three days, I’ve already learned a lot. I understand how they operate here and the reason behind their high interceptions. I can see why they produce plays.
Don’t bank on him revealing the magic, though.
“It’s a secret,” he said. “It’s the secret sauce. I can’t tell you that.”
Whatever it is, Carson wants it, but Diggs and Bland already have it. Regarding veterans joining rookies as early as next week, he stated,
“I’m looking for those guys to take me under their wing.” “I have those ties to Maryland, as does Trevor. Something is present there. All I want to do is see how they work and pick up tips from them.”
Carson is primarily an outside corner, but when necessary, he can drop inside to nickel corner. This is partly because of his physicality and the fact that he doesn’t overthink the distinctions between the two positions.
Carson can do the same, and he wouldn’t hesitate to do so, much like Bland, who made his breakthrough as a nickel corner in Year 1 before emerging as a record-setting defensive back on the outside in Year 2, or the occasions when Lewis was asked to take reps on the boundary.
A wide receiver by trade became a cornerback (does that sound familiar, Diggs?). His physical prowess permits such adaptability. “The teams that were looking at me in the draft, they wanted versatility, and I think I showed that I can play inside or outside,” Carson stated.
“Since you’re always covering someone, [the positions aren’t all that different]. Furthermore, you are always in the zone when you are in it. To me, the difference isn’t that great.
“It’s not really important to me. I feel at ease because I can cover anyplace.” His willingness—or rather, his hunger—to hit receivers is a continuation of that comfort.
The 22-year-old rookie responded, “Yeah, I think you’re not a corner, or whatever you are, if you don’t tackle.” “It makes you a complete player.”
