After the Arizona Cardinals selected cornerback Tay Gowan in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft, he made a bold declaration. He said he felt he would be the “Tom Brady of corners,” referring of course to the sixth-round status of Brady, who is arguably the greatest player in NFL history.
The young man does not lack confidence. It is something that Cardinals cornerbacks coach Greg Williams said is requisite to being a successful man-press corner in the NFL.
Williams appeared on the “Big Red Rage” and noted how Gowan has more than just the confidence he needs to be successful in the NFL.
“He’s got that confidence,” he explained. “The thing about him is once you get to know him, it’s not just what he says, he actually lives that.
“He backs it up by his work ethic. It’s not just talk. A lot of guys can talk it, but you really have to believe it and you have to walk the walk. So far, since I’ve known this young man, he has what it takes to walk the walk when it comes to that type of confidence.”
Gowan is not necessarily expected to be an impact player as a rookie. He projects as only an outside cornerback, based on his length, speed and playing experience. He will compete with Robert Alford and fellow Day 3 draft pick Marco Wilson for a spot in the lineup, but he likely will be needed on special teams.
Since both Alford and Malcolm Butler are on one-year contracts, Gowan could potentially be a starter in 2022.
His confidence and work ethic will be necessary if he is going to become something.
The Cardinals do not have a lot of production from their sixth-round picks in recent years. Getting a starter would be huge.
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