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It’s been a rather exciting offseason for the 2019 Dallas Cowboys. After making quite a few splashes in free agency and the trade market, Cowboys fans seemed to be much more excited heading into the NFL draft this offseason, more so than others.
If there’s one position Cowboys Nation still seems to be concerned about it’s the talent at the safety position outside of third-year safety Xavier Woods. With Jeff Heath slated to be the starting strong safety, many Cowboys fans are ready to see some new blood take over as the starter. Heath hasn’t been a bad player for the Cowboys, but there’s no denying that if there was one position that could be upgraded on the defensive side of the ball, strong safety would likely be at the top of the list.
After not signing Earl Thomas in free agency, and not looking to make a trade for any of the names floated around on the market, Cowboys fans are left wondering who on the current roster will be giving Jeff Heath competition in training camp and the preseason?
It may just be sixth-round pick, Donovan Wilson.
Wilson is the epitome of strong safety with his big hit ability, and cover abilities out of the slot. Wilson, while lacking ideal size, plays with tremendous effort, toughness, and leadership at the safety position, and is already started to turn some heads this offseason in OTA’s and minicamp.
Wilson’s pick to end practice was easily the play of the day for me.
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) June 11, 2019
The rookie darted from the numbers to the sideline after reading Rush’s throw. Dove at the sideline to come down with the INT, which the ref ruled a catch.
While Donovan Wilson is known more for his run-support abilities and enforcing skills in the middle of the field, continuing to make plays on the football while in coverage will force Jeff Heath to bring his “A” game this offseason. Wilson is coming for the starting strong safety job.
While it’s still early, and Wilson still has a long ways to go, splash plays like this should get fans excited for his ability to stick around the next four years, and potentially play a much more valuable role in the Dallas defense than many expected when he was drafted in the sixth round by the Dallas Cowboys.
Do you think Donovan Wilson could push Jeff Heath for the starting strong safety role?