Dallas Cowboys safety Jayron Kearse
As the NFL Draft approaches, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves at a crossroads with their safety position. While they addressed some needs during free agency, key questions remain. Let’s dive into the current state of the Cowboys’ safety depth chart, analyze their recent moves, and explore potential draft strategies to bolster this crucial position.
Recap of the Cowboys’ Free Agency Moves at Safety
The Cowboys made a few moves at the safety position in free agency, prioritizing retaining familiar faces:
- Re-signing Malik Hooker: Bringing back Hooker on a 2-year, $8 million contract signals the Cowboys’ belief in his potential. After a relatively quiet first year in Dallas, recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in 2020, Hooker showed glimpses of the talent that made him a first-round pick. The Cowboys are banking on him returning to form and becoming a playmaker on the back end.
- Securing Jayron Kearse: Dallas locked up Kearse on a 2-year, $10 million deal, rewarding his team-leading 92 tackles in 2021. However, the Cowboys view Kearse more as a hybrid linebacker/safety, indicating their desire for a true coverage safety to complement his skillset.
- Moving on from Damontae Kazee: Kazee remains unsigned, and it appears unlikely he’ll return to Dallas. The Cowboys have assigned his number 18 to veteran wide receiver James Washington, further solidifying their decision to move on.
Evaluating the Current Safety Roster and Identifying Potential Gaps
With Hooker and Kearse returning, the Cowboys have a solid foundation at safety. However, concerns linger:
- Donovan Wilson’s Injury History: Wilson, when healthy, brings a physical presence and playmaking ability. However, his injury history raises concerns. He missed half of the 2021 season with various ailments, making his reliability a question mark.
- Israel Mukuamu’s Development: The Cowboys drafted Mukuamu in the sixth round last year, transitioning him from cornerback to safety. However, he remained primarily inactive during his rookie season. His development and ability to contribute in 2022 are uncertain.
Exploring the Cowboys’ Options in the 2022 NFL Draft
The Cowboys could stand pat at safety and rely on their current roster. However, with Wilson entering the final year of his contract and both Hooker and Kearse on two-year deals, the draft presents an opportunity to secure their future at the position.
- Mid-Round Potential: While safety isn’t a glaring need, the Cowboys could target a prospect in the middle rounds (3rd-5th) with upside. They could prioritize players with versatility (like Kearse) who can contribute on special teams while developing.
- Historical Trends: The Cowboys haven’t drafted a safety in the first two rounds since Roy Williams in 2002. Their last safety selection in the third round was J.J. Wilcox in 2013. This suggests they value other positions more highly in the early rounds.
Key Factors Influencing the Cowboys’ Draft Decision
- The Board’s Assessment: Ultimately, the Cowboys’ draft strategy depends on the available players and how their board grades them. If a safety they love falls to them, they could pounce.
- Addressing Other Needs: The Cowboys have needs at wide receiver, offensive line, and defensive end. They might prioritize these positions over safety, especially in the early rounds.
- Free Agency Activity: The Cowboys could still add a veteran safety after the draft if they don’t address the position to their liking.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance
The Dallas Cowboys face an intriguing dilemma at safety. While they’ve made moves to solidify the position in the short term, long-term questions persist. The 2022 NFL Draft presents an opportunity to invest in the future and find a playmaker to complement their current roster. Whether they prioritize the position or address other needs remains to be seen. The Cowboys must weigh their options carefully and make strategic decisions to build a championship-caliber defense.
