The Dallas Cowboys secondary has been the subject of much discussion this offseason. With the hiring of former Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Kris Richard, many expect the Cowboys to change their defensive back thresholds, and shuffle around the personnel.
Fans are hoping Richard will build a new version of the Legion of Boom in Dallas, centered around long cornerbacks and a physical strong safety. To complete the puzzle, however, they’d need someone who can play free safety and execute as a centerfielder. Someone who can fulfill the Earl Thomas role to a certain extent. It could be argued that Byron Jones has the skillset to fill that role, but it has been reported Richard would like to move him to cornerback full time.
The safety who should be focused on by Cowboys Nation moving forward, however, might be Xavier Woods. The former sixth round pick was considered a steal during the 2017 NFL Draft, and his rookie season verified that as well.
Xavier Woods finished his rookie season with 41 tackles, 1 for loss, 1 fumble recovery, and an interception. Woods was used as an X-Factor so to speak, moving around the defense and providing position flexibility. Playing as the nickel corner, the strong safety, and the free safety at times, Woods made his impact felt from multiple spots.
While this versatility lends him more to Nickel and Dime packages on defense, I believe he could be a full time free safety if given the opportunity to do so. No, he isn’t the prototypical “centerfielder” like Thomas is in Seattle, but Woods could be an important chess piece for this young secondary.
I believe he was misused as a slot cornerback, and is better suited to play safety going forward. Hopefully with new blood in the defensive coaching staff, and a full season worth of film on Xavier Woods’ strengths and weaknesses, the Cowboys will find a way to make this talented player valuable on the field.
I strongly agree with this and have been hoping we might do this since Kavon Frazier had his coming out party at home against Washington. Frazier is a true strong safety that can step in the box to play the run and he is a sure tackler. Byron Jones is much better suited to play cornerback as his coverage ability is top notch. He’s proven himself thus far in his career handling some of the best TEs in the league (we play reed, engram, and ertz twice a year also) and had a good rookie year playing outside corner. I like him on the outside with Chido and Lewis playing the slot. Which brings us to woods. Xavier showed us his coverage and tackle skills as a rookie playing the nickel last year. Both traits are needed to play that free safety position. But, he had 14 career interceptions in college, including 7 his senior year playing free safety for La Tech. I think this shuffling puts our personnel in the position to optimize their strengths and with the improvement and talent in the front 7, we could have a formidable defense for the next few years.
well said
When Collins moved to RT, the thinking was to use his great physical tools and not only fill the void when Free retired, but upgrade the position. Uncertainty existed then but it has pretty much worked.
Similar for Jones to CB. We don’t know if he will excel, only that if he does you will have bookends talent there with him and Awuzie. Then that helps solve the puzzle inside. The best projection is that Woods and Frazier are that tandem. Both with learning curves, but a lot of upside potential.
If I am spending in free agency this year, I’d rather go elsewhere besides Earl Thomas. Much rather bet on Woods and go get a swing OL or speed WR if available.