Dallas Cowboys safety George Iloka is a sleeping giant

Clue #2 – Kris Richard Prototype

Another clue that Iloka is a sleeping giant is right under our collective nose. His size and athleticism are exactly what passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach Kris Richard covets at safety. Former Seattle Seahawk safety Kam Chancellor, who needs no further introduction, was 6-foot-3, 225 pounds.

I can hear the laughter as I place Chancellor and Iloka in the same sentence. Before spitting out your food, give it a second thought. Chancellor was a passed over fifth-round selection back in 2010, chosen 133rd overall.

Luckily, Chancellor was married to Richard’s coaching system and an All-Pro was born. Now, no one is calling Iloka a sure All-Pro, but a sure sleeper and possible high-quality starter is a balanced analysis.

Under the guidance and leadership of Richard, the Cowboys were extremely aggressive targeting form Oakland Raiders’ safety Obi Melifonwu last October, bringing him in for a reported workout. But the freak-athlete settled to play for his hometown team, the New England Patriots, instead.

There is no doubt in my mind that if Melifonwu didn’t have the option of his hometown dream team, he would have chosen Dallas. Richard was interested in acquiring the uber-athletic 6-foot-4, 225-pound safety. See the pattern?

Iloka has Richard now. And Cowboys’ vice president of player personnel Will McClay’s fingerprints are all over this sneaky acquisition. When both McClay and Richard are co-signing a move, Iloka has significant sleeper upside at minimum.