Dallas Cowboys: Safety Position Dealt Another Blow

In a move that should be seen as more good news than bad news, it appears the Dallas Cowboys second year pro, Reggie Robinson, is moving from safety to cornerback this offseason. While the move will surely play better to Robinson’s skill set (more on that below), it leaves an already pretty shallow safety group, even more so.

The Dallas Cowboys safety stable is unsettlingly empty. Aside from Donovan Wilson, Dallas only has former practice squander and journeyman, Steven Parker under contract. For a team that often relies on a three safeties each week, they’re in a tough place right now.

Given the depth of this free agent safety class, it’s safe to say the Cowboys will be players in the marketplace. The draft alone isn’t going to fill the need, they need some proven veterans. Anthony Harris, Kareem Jackson, Keanu Neal, Malik Hooker, Jalen Mills, Karl Joseph, Marcus Maye, and even Tre Boston are set to hit free agency next week.

The Dallas Cowboys are desperately thin at the safety position right now

Given the state of financial affairs on most NFL teams, this is not going to be a hot market this year. Sure, a couple players are sure to cash in, but generally speaking, this is a great time to be a bargain hunter.

Reintroducing Reggie Robinson to the cornerback position is almost like getting an extra draft pick in this year’s draft.

Reggie Robinson’s position switch wasn’t completely unexpected. The former fourth round pick struggled to get on the field as a safety (played one defensive snap) and seemed to get caught up and lost in Dallas’ temporary scheme change last season.

Regarded by many as one of the best cornerback prospects in his draft class, Robinson seemed like a steal on Day 3 to Cowboys Nation. The 6-foot-1 Texas native was a playmaker at Tulsa. His physical gameplay reminds me of this year’s No. 3 prospect, Jaycee Horn. He hand fights and values position more than most and wears down opponents.

Robinson is long and lean, ideal for a boundary cornerback in single high looks. He made more plays facing the QB in zone (as do most CBs, really) but he showed he can also man up and play bump and run. Dallas frequently runs press and bail in their Cover 3 looks so that will be something to look for in training camp this summer.

Mockdraftable has C.J. Henderson as his top match in tested traits (80%) and I think most Dallas Cowboys can appreciate that quality comparison. Reintroducing Reggie Robinson to the cornerback position is almost like getting an extra draft pick in this year’s draft. Based on scouting reports, Robinson has legitimate starting CB potential so he should be viewed as Day 2 value and someone to watch this summer.