The Dallas Cowboys traded up 20 spots in the sixth round of the 2017 NFL Draft for Louisiana Tech safety Xavier Woods, but what will they get?
In the sixth round of the 2017 NFL Draft the Dallas Cowboys saw a player they liked enough to move up 20 spots for. They gave up a 2018 fifth-round choice to the New York Jets in order to secure the services of Louisiana Tech safety Xavier Woods.
Slightly undersized — less than 6-0 and 200 pounds — Woods was still a playmaker for the Bulldogs. He was all over the field delivering big hits which resulted in six career forced fumbles and turned into an offensive player whenever he picked off a pass as evidenced by his two pick sixes in 2014.
While fans can watch his highlight reel plays and get ecstatic, what can they realistically expect from Woods?
Vitals
Height: 5-11
Weight: 197 pounds
40-Yard Dash: 4.54s
Career Tackles: 272
Career Interceptions: 14
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Despite his size, Woods showed no fear when hitting opponents. The problem is he seems to love going for the highlight reel hit a bit much, which could lead to many more missed tackles at the next level — see J.J. Wilcox. He does have great instincts though, which cannot be taught. Woods 14 interceptions and six forced fumbles in his career are welcome in a secondary starved for turnovers.
Dallas Cowboys Comparison
The name Darren Woodson was thrown out there, but Woods isn’t that caliber of a player. No knock on him, but Woodson is one of the better safeties the Cowboys have ever had. Maybe he will surprise us all and be that, but until then, the comparisons may need to go elsewhere.
One similar player is former two-time Cowboy George Teague. The free safety played in Dallas in 1996 and then returned from 1998 through 2001. The most memorable moment in Teague’s career had to be when he knocked San Francisco 49ers receiver Terrell Owens off the mid-field star when celebrating a touchdown. A penalty, yes; but also wholly unforgettable.
Teague was also a very solid player with 101 career starts. He was able to move from strong safety to free safety, which can also be said about Woods. He was also under 200 pounds as Teague was listed just one pound heavier than Woods weighed in at. His good speed, cover skills and willingness to tackle are also reminiscent of Woods skill set.
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While Woods most likely loses out to veteran Jeff Heath for a starting job this season don’t be surprised if he winds up becoming a good NFL starter. He may not go to the Ring of Honor like Darren Woodson, but a career starter for a sixth-round pick would still be a win.