Jacob Parrish compares favorably to CBs of Cowboys past, Terence Newman and Jourdan Lewis

There’s a lot to like about Jacob Parrish and his potential fit with the Cowboys.

Losing Jourdan Lewis to the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency was a tough blow to the Dallas Cowboys. Add that to the unknown timetable of when Trevon Diggs can return from his season-ending injury last year, and there’s currently a lot of uncertainty at the cornerback position in Dallas.

To keep from being absolutely desperate at CB heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, the Cowboys did re-sign versatile DB Israel Mukuamu and traded for former first-round pick Kaiir Elam. Unless either or both suddenly has a career resurgence, the need to still upgrade the position remains at a high level of urgency.

Sadly, the only secure thing at CB for the Cowboys currently is DaRon Bland, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract. This could further complicate things at the position considering Derek Stingley just agreed to a three-year, $90 million deal with the Houston Texans. That could further complicate things at CB for the Cowboys for the future.

Add all of this up and it’s pretty obvious the cornerback position still needs to be addressed, most likely with one of the Cowboys premium picks in the first three rounds. It wouldn’t at all be surprising if they use their first- or second-round pick on a CB, but if they wait until the third-round there is a player they could have their sights set on.

Kansas State CB Jacob Parrish could be close to an ideal fit for what Matt Eberflus is looking for in his secondary. Parrish has inside/out versatility and is equally effective in press-man or zone coverage. At 5’10”, 191-pounds he’s a little undersized compared to what the Cowboys have preferred to the position recently, but fortunately not in Eberflus’ scheme.

While it’s still unknown how his talent will translate at the next level in the NFL, comparing him to present and past cornerbacks who have had success in the league with similar size and athletic testing numbers should be encouraging.

Terence Newman

HT: 5’10” | WT: 189 | Arm: 31 3/8″ | 40: 4.37 | 10-yd split: 1.56 | Broad: 11’4″ | Vert: 41″ | Bench: 10 reps

Like Jacob Parrish, Terence Newman is also a Kansas State alum and was drafted by the Cowboys fifth overall in the first round in the 2003 NFL Draft. The two-time Pro Bowler’s size and athletic testing numbers are nearly identical to Parrish’s, minus Newman besting him in the broad and vertical jump. Newman was a fan favorite during his time in Dallas and it wouldn’t be all that surprising if Parrish follows in his footsteps if drafted by the Cowboys.

Jourdan Lewis

HT: 5’10” | WT: 188 | Arm: 31 5/8″ | 40: 4.47 | 10-yd split: 1.59 | Broad: 10’1″ | Vert: 34.5″ | Bench: 15 reps

Could Jacob Parrish be the next Jourdan Lewis for the Cowboys? It’s entirely possible if we were to solely base his fit comparing their size and athletic testing numbers. Lewis was a former third-round pick (92nd overall) in the 2017 NFL Draft and was a mainstay in Dallas’ secondary. Parrish is also projected to be a third-round selection and very well could step in as Lewis’ replacement in the slot as a rookie.

Jaylon Johnson

HT: 5’11” | WT: 193 | Arm: 31 3/8″ | 40: 4.50 | 10-yd split: 1.59 | Broad: 10’4″ | Vert: 36.5″ | Bench: 15 reps

Jaylon Johnson was a was a second-round pick (50th overall) in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. His comparison to Jacob Parrish may carry more weight considering he excelled in Matt Eberflus’ defense during their time together in Chicago. The two-time Pro Bowler and one-time Second-Team All-Pro CB provides some evidence Parrish’s lack of ideal size shouldn’t hinder his fit in Eberflus’ defense on the outside or even in the nickel.

Jaire Alexander

HT: 5’10” | WT: 196 | Arm: 31 1/8″ | 40:4.38 | 10-yd split: 1.52 | Broad: 10’7″ | Vert: 35″ | Bench: 14 reps

Jaire Alexander was a first-round pick (18th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. Although injuries have been a problem for him lately, he’s been one of the better outside CBs when healthy since entering the league and has been named to the Pro Bowl twice as well as being a two-time Second-Team All-Pro., Maybe Jacob Parrish can follow suit, minus the injuries of course.

Overall, while it’s true there’s no way of knowing how Jacob Parrish will do at the next level, these comparisons based on size and athletic testing numbers, at the very least, provide encouragement he can be successful. And considering he seems like a good fit in Matt Eberflus’ defense as well as being linked to former Kansas State and the new Cowboys OL coach Conor Riley, there is a good reason to believe he’s already on Dallas’ radar.