CC #21

Caelen Carson

Cornerback · Wake Forest

A fifth-round Wake Forest cornerback the Cowboys graded as a steal who has battled injuries early in his career.

Caelen Carson arrived in Dallas as a fifth-round pick the Cowboys valued far above his draft slot, and he opened his rookie year as the Week 1 starting cornerback before injuries repeatedly interrupted his progress. He's now working to string together a full, healthy season.

★ Fifth-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in the 2024 draft

★ Named the Cowboys' Week 1 starting cornerback as a rookie

★ Recorded 119 career tackles across four seasons at Wake Forest

Path to the league

Carson played four seasons at Wake Forest, appearing in 36 games and racking up 119 tackles, three interceptions and two forced fumbles, with his best statistical season coming as a redshirt junior in 2023. He drew invites to the Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine before Dallas took him in the fifth round of the 2024 draft, 174th overall, a pick the Cowboys' front office called a value given where they had him graded.

Career highlights

Carson was named the Cowboys' Week 1 starting cornerback as a rookie in 2024, starting five games before a shoulder injury cost him 11 games that season. His instincts and quick feet in coverage were the traits that made Dallas view him as a steal in the fifth round.

2025 season recap

Carson opened the 2025 season on injured reserve after hyperextending his knee in training camp, then was activated ahead of Week 7 on October 18. He finished with career totals of 44 tackles and 6 pass deflections through his first two seasons, still searching for his first fully healthy year in the league.