Dallas Cowboys' Drafting Dilemma: A Look at Recent Defensive Picks
The Dallas Cowboys have long been celebrated for their prowess in the draft, often unearthing gems that bolster their roster. However, recent years have seen a dip in their success, particularly on the defensive side.
The 2023 first-round selection of Mazi Smith stands out as a notable misstep, marking one of the more disappointing picks in the team's history. But Smith isn't alone; players like Kelvin Joseph, Trysten Hill, Nahshon Wright, Sam Williams, and Neville Gallimore have also struggled to deliver the impact the Cowboys had hoped for from their early-round investments.
Yet, it's not all doom and gloom. The Cowboys' draft board has had its share of triumphs, reaching back to 2017 when they snagged safety Xavier Woods in the sixth round.
Woods, who became a reliable starter for Dallas, played 48 games and built a commendable career. Despite his achievements, Woods was recently released by the Tennessee Titans, a move that surprised many given the Titans' ample cap space.
New head coach Robert Saleh's focus on youth and speed on defense made Woods expendable.
Xavier Woods' Surprising Release and Its Implications
The Titans' decision to release Woods frees up nearly $4 million in cap space. Woods participated in 11 games last season, starting 10, before a hamstring injury sidelined him for the remainder of the year. During his tenure with the Cowboys, Woods proved to be a solid starter, earning a 69.45 defensive grade and a 70.6 coverage grade, while logging nearly 850 snaps annually, according to Pro Football Focus.
At 30, Woods' stats remain respectable-never allowing more than 8.5 yards per catch in a season and conceding just six touchdowns over 2,000 coverage snaps. While his interception numbers aren't staggering, with five picks and 18 passes defended, they reflect a steady presence on the field.
Ironically, Woods hits the free-agent market at a time when the Cowboys' safety depth is thinner than it has been in years. Despite this, with new defensive coordinator Christian Parker seeking to inject more athleticism and versatility into the position, Woods may not align with their future plans. His ability to play across the defensive backfield, including significant time in the slot, is noteworthy, but age and recent injury concerns likely steer Dallas in a different direction.
As Woods navigates free agency, the Cowboys are poised to explore other options to strengthen their secondary, wishing their former safety the best in his next chapter.