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Dallas Cowboys: 5 biggest questions circling the defense

By Steven Mullenax

ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 12: Xavier Woods #25 celebrates an interception with Jourdan Lewis #27 and Jeff Heath #38 of the Dallas Cowboys during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 12: Xavier Woods #25 celebrates an interception with Jourdan Lewis #27 and Jeff Heath #38 of the Dallas Cowboys during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 25: Free safety Byron Jones #31 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts with safety Xavier Woods #25 of the Dallas Cowboys after breaking up a fourth down pass during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 25, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 25: Free safety Byron Jones #31 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts with safety Xavier Woods #25 of the Dallas Cowboys after breaking up a fourth down pass during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 25, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

#5. Can Byron Jones finally find a role?

Former first round selection Byron Jones hasn’t been a terrible player for the Cowboys in his first three seasons in the NFL. He simply has been all that good, especially considering his high draft status. More was expected of the impressive athlete that set an unofficial world record for the standing broad jump during the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine.

After playing all over the defensive secondary his rookie season, Dallas has cemented Jones at safety for the last two years. What the Cowboys needed was a true difference-maker at the position. Instead, Jones has proven to be a willing, but inconsistent tackler who shows little to no football instincts. And the fact he’s recorded a total of two interceptions in three years is laughably depressing.

But the Cowboys haven’t given up on Jones. They picked up his fifth year option for 2019. And they are moving him back to cornerback, a position he played during his first season in Dallas.

The hiring of new pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach Kris Richard could be viewed as Jones’ best chance of finally finding an effective role on this Dallas defense. Richard was one of the orchestrators of the Legion of Boom as the Seattle Seahawks former defensive coordinator. His past work with tall, athletic corners like Jones could be the key to finally unlocking the first rounder’s potential.

Next: The all-time best defenders to wear the Star

So, there you have it. Our five biggest questions circling the Dallas Cowboys defense following last month’s draft. Do you agree with our list? Or are there some issues you deem more pressing that this defensive unit needs to address? If so, leave them in the comment section below.

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