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The Dallas Cowboys have improved just about every weak position on the roster this offseason, while improving an already elite offensive line. They added depth at cornerback with Byron Jones and Corey White. Greg Hardy and Randy Gregory will provide the defense with a much stronger pass rush. A healthy Sean Lee and Rolando McClain will headline a linebacker group that should be a strength of the defense.
With all the improvements Dallas has made throughout the past three months, one position has been ignored to an extent: safety. It’s not that the position needs to be overhauled with a new duo. It’s that the current pairing of J.J. Wilcox and Barry Church is just average. Both players fit better as strong safeties playing close to the line of scrimmage. Unfortunately, there’s only room for one strong safety on the field.
Wilcox is asked to play the role of free safety and roam the middle part of the field. He has the speed and physicality to succeed as a safety in the NFL, he just lacks the instincts and play recognition in coverage. In his defense, he’s only played safety for three years — one in college and two with the Cowboys. He’s improved each year but still leaves something to be desired as a free safety, and it’s unknown if he can become a ball hawk for this team.
On the plus side, Wilcox made key plays when needed. He picked off three passes in 2014, two of which came in the last three games of the regular season. He also forced a fumble in Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles in what was one of his best games of the season.
With Church, the Cowboys essentially have a fourth linebacker on the field. He brings physicality much like Wilcox does, laying big hits while not missing many tackles in the process. Unfortunately, he’s extremely limited in coverage. He’s forced to stay close to the line of scrimmage and has a tough time matching up against opposing tight ends.
Dallas doesn’t have a true free safety on the roster, but the depth at cornerback could impact how the safety position shakes out. If all the current corners remain on the roster and stay healthy — such as Morris Claiborne and Brandon Carr — either Jones or White could be used at free safety. In that situation, my guess is that Wilcox could move down to strong safety with Church possibly working as a “Big Nickel,” an extra safety/linebacker in nickel sets.
In the end, saying safety is the team’s weakest position can be seen as a good thing. If Church and Wilcox are the weakest players on the roster, the Cowboys are much better off than most teams. A formidable safety duo may not get praise or recognition, but it also won’t lose you many ballgames.
