Dallas Cowboys: Chance to poach Obi Melifonwu from Raiders?
By Randy Gurzi
One writer suggested that Oakland Raiders coach Jon Gruden is out on safety Obi Melifonwu. Could the Dallas Cowboys work a trade to add safety help?
Things have surely been changing for the Oakland Raiders this offseason. They brought in head coach Jon Gruden, who has quickly changed the roster. He sent away punter Marquette King and receiver Michael Crabtree — and may not be done.
With that in mind, Gil Alcaraz IV of NFL Spin Zone looked at five players who could be gone in 2018. One of the players he mentioned is safety Obi Melifonwu. If he really is on the outs with Gruden, this should pique the Dallas Cowboys interest.
Originally picked int he second round out of Connecticut, Melifonwu was expected to be a difference maker. He was a standout for UConn, recording 349 tackles and eight interceptions in four seasons. He then lit things up at the NFL Scouting Combine.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
Melifonwu posted a 4.40 in the 40-yard dash, plus he added a 141-inch broad jump and a 44-inch vertical. Some had him in the first-round with those numbers but he lasted through most of the second round before Oakland grabbed him at No. 56. So far, their return on investment has been minimal which is what led Alcaraz to speculate on his availability.
"“Although he appeared in five games, the UConn product spent most of the year on the sideline while battling knee and hip injuries…That could lead to Melifonwu finding himself on the trade block in the near future. Gruden hasn’t been shy about shipping out players who he doesn’t like.” — Alcaraz"
Of course, Cowboys fans may not be thrilled at first when talking about adding a player struggling with injuries, but if Oakland is ready to move on the price would be low for great potential. There’s also a solid need for the Boys at the position.
Currently, second-year pro Xavier Woods and Jeff Heath are slated to start with Melifonwu’s former teammate Byron Jones moving to corner. Behind them there’s only one experienced option in Kavon Frazier.
The Cowboys have been inactive in the free agency market in regards to their safeties, but maybe Melifonwu and his respected coverage skills could change their minds. It also wouldn’t be the first time the two clubs made a deal.
Next: Ranking all 32 starting RBs
After Oakland signed former Cowboys fullback Keith Smith, Dallas surrendered a sixth-round pick to the Raiders for their fullback Jamize Olawale. It wouldn’t hurt to call them once again and see what the availability of their sophomore safety is.