The Dallas Cowboys safety room looks vastly different than five years ago.
And by different, I mean they are much more talented.
Even still, injuries have shown up at inopportune times for some players still in the hunt to build their brand in the NFL.
Donovon Wilson earned his financial security last season and will be on the roster as one of the three starting safeties for this team.
Unfortunately, not everyone holds those cards. Israel Mukuamu suffered a hamstring injury that will hopefully only sideline him for a few weeks.
With that, I doubt Izzy has much to worry about as well.
Nevertheless, their absences allow others to showcase their talents and secure playing time in training camp that would have otherwise not been available.
Markquese Bell and Tyler Coyle lead the pack, but another player continues to turn heads and is making things interesting.
Juanyeh Thomas is battling hard to steal a roster spot
Juanyeh Thomas's number wasn't the only thing that changed for him since last season.
At Georgia Tech, he was consistently in the spotlight as one of the defensive stars but also made solid contributions on special teams.
As he concluded his collegiate eligibility, most draft analysts thought he would at least be a draftable player.
Like many players before and after him, it did not pan out that way.
He did not get his name called within the 262 selections and ultimately signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent.
Dallas subsequently brought him back on a future/reserve contract.
Basically, the team has him guaranteed at least through training camp preventing another team pouching him.
Not to mention, his salary does not count toward the salary cap.
The financial is great but what about the player. Here's the nitty gritty.
Thomas has the NFL measurables. He looks the part and it's shocking that more teams didn't clamor for his services.
His official height according to the 2021 NFL Combine records was 6'1″ and he weighed in at 212 pounds.
He also posted a 4.55 in the 40-yard dash, which is plenty fast for a potential box safety.
● DB Spotlight ●
Juanyeh Thomas – Georgia Tech
• Thomas has excellent size at 6'3 220. He's been very productive in his career with 134 Tackles, 3 Tackles for Loss, 3 INTs, 6 Pass Breakups, 1 TD and 4 Forced Fumbles. pic.twitter.com/s9wzwpZsqh
— NCAAF Nation (@NCAAFNation247) August 31, 2021
With Wilson being down for some time, he is a natural fit to slide into that role.
He was known as a tremendous hitter in college, and with Donovon out, we could certainly use that part of his repertoire once live games begin.
Like last season, Thomas will use the preseason to buoy himself ahead of others.
Bones Fassel will have to become his best friend if he truly wants to secure a roster spot.
Markquese Bell and Tyler Coyle won't make it easy for Juanyeh
The competition in that safety unit will continue to be fierce.
At the top of the heap sits Jayron Kearse, Malik Hooker, and Donovon Wilson when healthy.
Mukuamu occupies the second tier.
Finally, we have the third tier, and that level only comes into play if Dallas carries five safeties into the season.
Markquese Bell is the player everyone wants to make this team. He was a stud at Florida A&M in his own right.
He kept a firm grip on an active roster spot the entire season and played 22 total snaps on the defensive side of the ball.
Tyler Coyle played in one less snap than Bell sitting at 21.
Both guys did not leave a lasting impression, but they are still firmly in contention.
So, where does that leave Juanyeh? There's little room for error with two players in front of him clamoring to make the team.
Luckily for Thomas, he is gaining ground on both of them quick, fast, and in a hurry.
Cowboys second-year S Juanyeh Thomas saw some first-team work today, playing nickel with Israel Mukuamu (hamstring) out. Secondary also down S Donovan Wilson (calf) and CB Trevon Diggs (toe). Thomas impressed on special teams last preseason. One to watch. pic.twitter.com/1vAe9bJ4oZ
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 28, 2023
All three guys will have a chance to play plenty of snaps in the three preseason games.
For Juanyeh, I anticipate his game elevating once he is in live action against players that are not his teammates.
Getting reps with the first team isn't the end all be all but he is definitely trending in the right direction.
