2013 NFL Draft: Safety a Priority for Dallas Cowboys

By Jesus Flores

 

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

 

When the Dallas Cowboys’ season came to an abrupt end at the hands of the Washington Redskins, one thing was very obvious; no, it’s not that the Cowboys need a new quarterback.

It was that the defense cannot create turnovers and cannot stop the run.  I’ve been an advocate of building the defensive line for quite some time now, but it seems that Jerry Jones is not.  For whatever reason, Jones doesn’t feel that the defensive line requires high draft picks to be successful, but hopefully that mentality will change this offseason.

If it doesn’t change, however, the Cowboys must address the safety position.  Let’s face it; Gerald Sensabaugh is not a very good player.  My most memorable Sensabaugh moment of the season was watching him stand around and watch Redskins running back Alfred Morris scamper down the field for a touchdown.  That moment sealed Sensabaugh’s fate on this team, in my opinion.

Barry Church came on strong in the offseason, but suffered a torn Achilles tendon, and it’s going to be interesting to see if he can make a full recovery.  Danny McCray served as a spot starter, but is not much more than a special teams player.  Matt Johnson was limited due to hamstring injuries and was subsequently placed on injured reserve.

This year’s draft features a safety that I’m excited about, and I haven’t excited about the safety spot since Earl Thomas and Eric Berry came out of college a few years back.  Well who is this guy, you might ask.  That player is none other than University of Texas safety Kenny Vaccaro.

At 6’1” 218 pounds, he has the size to be successful at the pro-level and has been considered the Big 12’s best safety.  He’s a versatile defensive back who displays great athleticism and can play both safety spots.  He has the strength to bully opposing tight ends and receivers and is solid in run support, although he would have to learn to wrap up and not just go for the big-hit.

Overall, he could be a day two pick, but many pro scouts doubt he will fall out of the first round of the 2013 draft.

Jesus Flores is a Dallas Cowboys writer for www.RantSports.com  Follow him on Twitter @SSgtFlo1

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