Did the Dallas Cowboys land themselves another undrafted gem?
The Dallas Cowboys have found themselves some legendary players through signing undrafted rookie free agents. Have the Cowboys struck gold again?
The Dallas Cowboys have a good track record when it comes to finding hidden gems among the undrafted rookie free agents that are signed following the annual NFL draft.
Legendary players like quarterback Tony Romo, safety Cliff Harris, wide receiver Drew Pearson, cornerback Everson Walls and special teams ace Bill Bates are just some of the undrafted diamonds the Cowboys have discovered in their storied history.
In fact, some of the best players on Dallas’ current roster, like kicker Dan Bailey and right tackle La’el Collins, are undrafted gems.
The Cowboys are certainly hoping that someone in their current crop of undrafted rookie free agents surprises them this offseason and becomes one of those legendary players to be discovered virtually out of nowhere.
According to one NFL writer, that prospect might be San Diego State defensive back Kameron Kelly.
"“A corner with 4.66-second 40-yard dash speed, like Kameron Kelly, shouldn’t be viewed as a hindrance for the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive system,” wrote Brent Sobleski for Bleacher Report recently. “He can still be a physical presence out wide or cover half the field as a safety … The 6’2″, 204-pounder has experience playing both positions as a four-year contributor.”"
During his four seasons with the Aztecs, Kelly registered 164 total tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, nine interceptions, 15 pass defends and forced two fumbles. Despite switching to cornerback his senior season, the rookie’s lack of speed (4.66 forty at the Combine) likely makes him a better safety in the NFL. Kelly is a physical run defender with underrated ball skills making him a strong candidate at free safety for Dallas.
The lanky Kelly joins a very talented and young defensive secondary in Dallas. Although many see the undrafted rookie as a possible cornerback prospect, the Cowboys have a clear need at free safety. Although, if there is one defensive back coach capable of getting the most out of Kelly’s frame as a corner, it’s Kris Richard.
The former Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator and the coach at the helm of the Legion of Boom, Richard found Super Bowl success with a focus on taller defensive backs like Kam Chancellor and Richard Sherman, who both chime in at 6-foot-3 each.
But the Cowboys seem fairly stacked at the cornerback position right now with Anthony Brown, Chidobe Awuzie, Jourdan Lewis, Marquez White and Duke Thomas all vying for spots. Throw in former safety Byron Jones, who is returning to corner this offseason, and it makes more sense for Kelly to be focused at safety.
Next: Top 10 Undrafted Free Agents in Dallas Cowboys History
Currently, the Dallas Cowboys have Jeff Heath, Kavon Frazier, Jameill Showers, Marqueston Huff and Xavier Woods filling the depth chart at safety, with the latter as the early favorite to fill the starting role left by Byron Jones. Having someone like Kelly compete at safety (and on special teams) seems like the best way for him to make the final roster as a rookie, although I’m not convinced Dallas is done addressing this particular need quite yet.