Determining which other safety should start for the Cowboys alongside Malik Hooker

Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images

It is going to be interesting to see who starts for the Cowboys at safety.

When the Dallas Cowboys hired Mike Zimmer as their new defensive coordinator, it was evident there would be changes in how the Cowboys ran their defense. Our own David Howman did a great job breaking down Zimmer’s defense and how he likes to employ his players. We highly recommend checking these articles out.

• Breaking down the front seven of new Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer’s scheme
• Breaking down the coverage schemes of new Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer’s defense

Over the last two weeks, we’ve looked at how the Cowboys might use their current personnel to cater to how Zimmer likes to run his defense. We’ve discussed which linebackers might line up at each LB spot as they move more to a 4-3 base package. We’ve also discussed the different cornerback arrangements and how DaRon Bland is the pivot piece as the team prioritizes man coverage. Today, we’ll take a look at the safety position.

More linebackers means fewer safeties. The trio of Malik Hooker, Jayron Kearse, and Donovan Wilson will be reduced to mostly two guys. Kearse is no longer there, so Hooker and Wilson appear to be the team’s two starters, but does this duo fit the description of what Zimmer wants to do?

The biggest difference in safety play will be the versatility needed. It won’t consist of just your conventional free safety and strong safety. Zimmer is a deceptive coach and loves to keep opposing teams guessing, so using his safeties interchangeably is very important. This means the Cowboys starting safeties will need a good range of skills to do what is required.

One of those safeties will be Malik Hooker. He’s the team’s best coverage safety and is effective enough near the line of scrimmage to handle his part. It’s crazy that this one-time low-cost free agent signing has become the team’s most consistent safety over the last few years. What a great move that was.

The number of seasons that Malik Hooker played at least 15 games:

First 4 years with the Colts = 0
Last 3 years with the Cowboys = 3

Landing this guy for less than $30 million across six years isn't talked about enough. pic.twitter.com/DJCzGhe18D

— Dan Rogers (@DannyPhantom24) June 15, 2024

The trickier part is, who will be the other guy? They have a few good options, all possessing different traits, but which one provides Zimmer with the versatility he needs? Let’s run through the candidates and figure this thing out.

DONOVAN WILSON

The veteran Wilson seems like the most likely candidate. There are a lot of good things to like about him. He’s a tough player who loves to pop guys. While he’s not a sticky tackler, those long arms expand his tackling zone and make it difficult for ball carriers to escape. Wilson is a savvy player with good play recognition. Attacking downhill, he’s one of the splashiest playmakers on this defense.

The limiting factor for Wilson is his coverage ability. His change of direction is clunky, the angles he takes aren’t always good, and those traits can result in breakdowns allowing big plays. If receivers get behind him, it’s over as he doesn’t have the wheels to run them down. His 4.85 speed is the slowest of this group. He’s not a ball hawk, but he does if the ball comes within proximity of those long arms, he has been known to haul down some crazy good interceptions.

MARKQUESE BELL

Last season, this second-year undrafted free agent surprised many when he converted to linebacker. Not only did he contribute right away but he logged 649 reps at his new position. Bell is a cerebral player who communicates well and understands his assignments. And we now have a good dose of what he can do near the line of scrimmage. Bell takes good angles and knows how to fight through traffic. He is a long strider who can make up some ground in a hurry. He’s the fastest in this group with 4.41 speed.

But like Wilson, he also isn’t strong in coverage. He’s not a fluid mover and his feet can be choppy when changing directions. Bell was a two-year starter at the free safety position in college, so the versatility is there, but he only logged 22 defensive snaps at safety during his rookie year in 2022. While he’s another strong asset in the box, he doesn’t possess the coverage ability needed for this new two-high safety look.

JUANYEH THOMAS

If you’re looking for a good free safety/strong safety combo, Thomas might be as close as they got. The third-year undrafted free agent has an assortment of skills. Coverage-wise, he has good twitch and reacts quickly. Thomas is an aggressive player and isn’t afraid to get dirty. He doesn't have the length that Wilson and Bell have, but he has a good frame and his determination and active hands make him a pass-break-up opportunist. And even though he doesn’t have the same take-on strength as these other two guys, he’s an effective tackler. He’ll square up and take guys down.

Thomas has the physical traits to handle the gig, but his limiter is his awareness. He doesn’t always see his surroundings well and can get caught with his eye on the prize. When he’s right, he splashy, but when he’s wrong it can lead to coverage breakdowns. There is something to work with there, but his recognition will need to improve if he is going to join Hooker as the second starting safety.

CONCLUSION

This one is tough and it should be something to watch in training camp. All three of these safeties have a shot to earn the starting gig, but the player who can correct the most deficiencies could end up edging the other guys out. Thomas has the highest upside because of his physical traits, but Zimmer won’t tolerate mental mishaps. It’s anyone’s game.

I polled the X universe last month and Wilson won convincingly.

Let’s see how this compares with the BTB community.