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Dallas Cowboys: Starting safety role Xavier Woods to lose

By Steven Mullenax

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 31: Wide receiver Torrey Smith #82 of the Philadelphia Eagles attempts a catch against strong safety Xavier Woods #25 of the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 31, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 31: Wide receiver Torrey Smith #82 of the Philadelphia Eagles attempts a catch against strong safety Xavier Woods #25 of the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 31, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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The Dallas Cowboys seem very comfortable in allowing former sixth rounder Xavier Woods to become their starting free safety in 2018.

The Dallas Cowboys appear to be content with their current situation at safety. But how can they be? Last year’s starter, former first round selection Byron Jones, has now been moved to cornerback. This after Jones was forced to swap series with Kavon Frazier last year. Frazier himself being a former sixth rounder.

Safety Jeff Heath finished last season strong after a slow start. Heath led the Cowboys with three interceptions last year as the starter. His strong safety role within the secondary appears to be secure.

All signs point to the starting free safety role being Xavier Woods to lose. That is unless the Cowboys somehow pull off a blockbuster trade that brings rumored Seattle Seahawks disgruntled All-Pro safety Earl Thomas to Dallas.

A sixth round selection out of LaTech in 2017, Woods played primarily covering the slot last year as a rookie. He ended his first season recording 42 total tackles, three pass defends and an interception. This offseason, Woods is getting a crash course on what it takes to be a starting free safety in the NFL.

When asked about Woods being able to take a big step up in his development in Year Two, here’s what Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli had to say.

"“We do,” responded Marinelli via the team’s official website. “[Woods is] everything we felt he was when we drafted him. Really smart. He’s got good football awareness … I think he can hit up front, no question. But I think he’s got that awareness and speed at the free safety that you look for. Very sure tackler in space.”"

According to Marinelli, Woods has all the tools to be a successful starting safety in the NFL. Despite all the trade rumors involving Thomas, the common sentiment coming out of the Cowboys camp this offseason is that most seem to believe they already have a future star in the making on the roster in the 22-year old Woods.

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Barring the signing of a free agent or some kind of miracle trade, Xavier Woods seems to be penciled in as the starter for the Dallas Cowboys at free safety in 2018. His performance in training camp will likely determine how the Cowboys proceed. If Woods performs well, Dallas may opt to roll the dice with him. If he falters, there are plenty of avenues that can be pursued to address the need.

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