FRISCO, TEXAS — Given the current structure, it's one of the positions the Dallas Cowboys can actually be pretty confident in, and it's a safe position. They've chosen not to re-sign Jaylon Kearse for now, but that doesn't change how wealthy they are in the group, especially with Mark's Bell likely to return to his home position. If the movement is assumed to be safe.
Then there's Juannie Thomas, who showed great improvement in his second year, and the entire group is led by former first-round pick Malik Hooker and impact playmaker Donovan Wilson.
So should they think at all about the possibility of taking another player in the 2024 NFL Draft?
In our new series, “High Low,” we'll be digging deeper into this, with each edition focusing on a different position group heading into draft week.
Odds: very low
Malik Hooker: The former first-round pick remains in Dallas after signing a contract extension last July. This makes them excellent anchors in a position that provides not only high-level talent but also the best leadership for a rejuvenated group heading into 2024. Hooker, a stabilizing force at the third level of the defense, is exactly what Dallas needs, and he will be in a position with some changes afoot.
donovan wilson: Like Hooker, Wilson recently received a contract extension, but unlike his elder statesman, he was drafted by Dallas, developed his talent, started as a sixth-round pick, and went on to become one of Dallas' best and brightest hitters. He has risen through the ranks to become one of the strongest safeties. NFL. Wilson is a heat-seeking missile who missed all of last year's training camp before slowing down in the first half of the season due to a calf strain, only to find his way back to form. He enters 2024 as another steadying force in the backfield.
Marquez Bell: Talk about being thrown into the fire, because that's exactly what happened to Bell in 2023. Spending his rookie season at home safety on the Cowboys' practice squad, the former FAMU standout was moved to linebacker following DeMarvion Overshaw, who tore his ACL in the preseason. Bell performed well in the short term, but his lack of mass cost him later on. And Mike Zimmer will put him back where he belongs: safe.
Juannie Thomas: Every time he was given the chance, Thomas impressed as a second-year player who, like Bell, spent his rookie season on the team's practice squad trying to prove himself. However, he would get multiple chances in 2023, particularly as a substitute for Jaylon Kearse whenever Kearse was out with an injury, and he made an impact on games. And even when the veterans aren't. Expect his Jacket snap count to be a significant upgrade from the previous Yellow.
Israel Mukuam: This is where safety groups get interesting. Mukuamu continues to be heralded as a player who can also take reps at nickel corner in a pinch (see vs. Tampa Bay for evidence), but he is constantly being looked at to determine if he can perform consistently. It's not like he's in the spotlight. And considering he enters his contract year in 2024, it's literally now or never for the flexible defensive back.
Sheldrick Redwine: Redwine knows a thing or two about competing for turns, considering he's been doing so since joining the team in 2022. The Cowboys liked his potential as a depth piece/insurance player, so they signed him to a futures contract in January, but he will be acquired. There will be plenty of opportunities for him to show he's more than that once training camp begins.
When you look at Dallas' safety position, they have a great balance of talent, youth, and veteran IQ/leadership, which is why I don't think they should be pressured to use a draft pick at the position. , or at least one that I don't think is premium.
This is a spot best addressed late in Day 3 or in undrafted free agency.
