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Dallas Cowboys: Ranking NFC East defenses by position

By Brad Austin

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 25: Quarterback Carson Palmer #3 of the Arizona Cardinals is sacked by defensive end Tyrone Crawford #98 of the Dallas Cowboys, defensive tackle Maliek Collins #96 and defensive end Demarcus Lawrence #90 during the first half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 25, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 25: Quarterback Carson Palmer #3 of the Arizona Cardinals is sacked by defensive end Tyrone Crawford #98 of the Dallas Cowboys, defensive tackle Maliek Collins #96 and defensive end Demarcus Lawrence #90 during the first half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 25, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /
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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) /

CORNERBACKS

  1. Philadelphia (Jalen Mills, Ronald Darby, Sidney Jones)
  2. Dallas (Chidobe Awuzie, Jourdan Lewis, Byron Jones)
  3. Washington (Josh Norman, Orlando Scandrick, Quinton Dunbar)
  4. New York (Janoris Jenkins, Eli Apple, William Gay)

Analysis: It takes three solid corners to defend in this division and the rankings reflect that. Mills and Darby are solid starters for the Eagles, yet Jones may be the most talented. The projected 2017 first rounder’s rookie season was wiped out by a pre-draft injury. Talent alone found him drafted above both Cowboys starting corners.

Speaking of Cowboys rookie corners, once Awuzie and Lewis played together in the final four games the upgrade in talent was evident. Add Jones and new DB guru coach Kris Richard to the mix and this unit will be a bright spot. Norman is still a lock down type for Washington, although his fellow corners are a big drop-off. The Giants have a worthy starting pair but beyond that is open season.

SAFETY

  1. Philadelphia (Malcolm Jenkins, Rodney McLeod, Chris Maragos)
  2. New York (Landon Collins, Darian Thompson, Andrew Adams)
  3. Washington (D.J. Swearinger, Montae Nicholson, Deshazor Everett)
  4. Dallas (Jeff Heath, Xavier Woods, Kavon Frazier)

Analysis: The Eagles return a very effective starting duo featuring 2017 Pro Bowler Jenkins. Collins is a Pro Bowl tackle machine for the Giants. Washington doesn’t project fear with their safeties, but still tops Dallas. The Cowboys are even further marred in safety disarray than the lacking 2017 group.

Heath continues to start for lack of a legit starting caliber player to unseat him. Woods is promising but unproven in a bigger role outside of slot coverage. Without signing a starting free agent before September, this position will sting all year.

Next: Dallas Cowboys - 15 best first-round picks of all-time

For the Heath faithful, the carnage is coming now that NFC East foes have highly talented running backs heading his way. Late reactions and bad tackling angles will soon be magnified beyond defense.

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