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Did the Dallas Cowboys Get the Steal of the Draft Again?

By Reid Hanson

Sep 10, 2015; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers running back Leon Allen (33) is brought down by Louisiana Tech Bulldogs safety Xavier Woods (7) down the field during the first half at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2015; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers running back Leon Allen (33) is brought down by Louisiana Tech Bulldogs safety Xavier Woods (7) down the field during the first half at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Dallas Cowboys had a heck of draft and one player in particular could end up being the steal of the draft.

Call me greedy but I’m looking for another steal. Last year the Dallas Cowboys unquestionably scored the steal of the draft when they selected Dak Prescott deep in the fourth round. Dak, of course, went on to become the best rookie quarterback since…ever.

One year later and I’m looking for another – and you know what? I don’t have to look too hard to see another potential steal on the Cowboys roster. Xavier Woods, drafted number 191 in the draft’s sixth round, could be that man.

He may not be the Dak Prescott of 2017 but he has a chance to be the Anthony Brown of 2017. Because if you remember, Brown made a case for the defensive steal of the draft…

Measurables

Xavier Woods lacks some of the attractive measurables you look for when selecting a defensive back. His 4.54 40-time is fast enough but it’s not as fast as you’d like. At 5’11” he’s not optimal height and at just under 200lbs, he’s hardly the build of an NFL safety. His 18.2 percent tFREAK score says as much regarding his size.

But it’s the more underrated measureables Woods excels in. His 3-cone time of 6.72 was the fastest amongst his peers at the combine. Agility drills backed up his time, showing fluidity in his movement and ability to change direction quickly.

Production

In 2016 Xavier Woods claimed five interceptions, six pass break-ups, and 89 tackles. He collected those playing in the box, back deep in coverage, and even manned up in the slot. Woods can effectively play zone and man coverage (something he’ll be asked to do plenty in Dallas). He only allowed a 58.4 quarterback rating when the opposition targeted him in coverage.

Pro Football Focus gave Woods an 85.0 coverage grade (16th among safeties) and rated him as one of 10 mid round gems in their post draft coverage.

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Intangibles

It’s the intangibles that put Xavier Woods over the top. He has natural ball skills that can’t be taught. When the ball is released, Woods is following it. Better yet, if he gets his hands on the ball, rest assured he’s catching it.

Woods has loads of experience playing single high safety – a scheme Rod Marinelli has been leaning on for some time despite not having ideal personnel. Woods is that missing personnel. Taking on the centerfielder role, Woods can aggressively patrol centerfield. He gambles and gives up big plays from time to time.  But he makes big plays as well and instills a little fear in opposing quarterbacks who look to test his range.

Additionally, Xavier Woods has experience covering from the slot in man-to-man. Together with Byron Jones, the Dallas Cowboys can move their safeties around everywhere on the field. Both have deep coverage ability, zone ability, and man ability. In all it gives the Cowboys the type of flexibility they need to match-up against the New York Giants who will likely play out of 3-receiver/1-tight end sets often.

Next: Cowboys Draft Grades: Did They Find 5 Starters?

Xavier Woods is a sixth round pick who hasn’t even won the starting job yet and I’m still feeling optimistic about his chances as the defensive steal of the draft.

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