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Dallas Cowboys: 2017 NFL Draft pick-by-pick analysis

By Stephen Forsha

Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive end Taco Charlton (33) rushes the passer against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive end Taco Charlton (33) rushes the passer against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 17, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Louisiana Tech Bulldogs safety Xavier Woods (7) tackles Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver De’Runnya Wilson (1) during the second half at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State Bulldogs won 45-20. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Louisiana Tech Bulldogs safety Xavier Woods (7) tackles Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver De’Runnya Wilson (1) during the second half at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State Bulldogs won 45-20. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 6: Xavier Woods, S — Louisiana Tech (191)

Some may say this selection of Xavier Woods is a “New Day” for the Cowboys defensive backfield. The selection of the Lousiana Tech safety could be the best pick in all of the sixth round, as the Cowboys traded next year’s fifth-round pick to move up to make this selection.

Watch tape of Woods, and it is easy to see the Cowboys are getting a safety, even at 5-11 and 194 pounds, who can deliver a hit to the opposition they will remember. He is a player who can force fumbles, and the Cowboys gained an underrated potential playmaker at safety in the sixth round.

Woods can play in various defensive formations, and by the end of this upcoming season, Cowboys fans will see why they franchise really wanted him to be a part of this defensive backfield rebuild. In his four collegiate seasons at Louisiana Tech, Woods not only had 14 interceptions, but he was responsible for six forced fumbles.

• What I Like: Woods might not be the tallest and biggest player drafted by the Cowboys, but just by watching him in games you can see there is something special about Woods and how he’ll be very important to the Cowboys this season.

• What I Dislike: Though he plays strong and tough, Woods is still 5-11, and he might be playing a little too aggressive at times, but the former can be corrected with the excellent Cowboys defensive coaching staff.

• Final Thoughts: This might become the best value pick made by the Cowboys in this draft. He might not be the most athletic player drafted this year, but he could become the most “must-see” draft choice by the Cowboys in ’17.

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