Dallas Cowboys Mailbag: Why Isn't Safety a Higher Priority?

The team hasn't drafted a safety in the top two rounds since 2002, but many Super Bowl teams have a standout at the position.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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In a Dallas Cowboys mailbag, a fan questions why the team and the NFL in general don't seem to value the safety position more highly in the draft, given that many recent Super Bowl teams have featured a standout safety. The staff writers explain that safety is often a lower priority position compared to quarterback, wide receiver, and other key positions, and that teams can sometimes get by with average safeties as long as the player fits the defensive scheme well.

Why it matters

The safety position is crucial for an NFL defense, with many championship teams featuring a standout player at the position. The Cowboys' lack of investment in the position over the past two decades raises questions about their overall defensive strategy and whether they are missing out on opportunities to improve their secondary.

The details

The Cowboys haven't drafted a safety in the top two rounds since selecting Roy Williams in 2002. Since then, the team has prioritized other positions like quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive end over safety. Staff writer Mickey Spagnola explains that safety is often viewed as a lower priority position compared to others that are more likely to touch the ball or make plays. However, writer Tommy Yarrish notes that teams can still win with 'average' safeties as long as they fit the defensive scheme well, pointing to players like Nick Emmanwori of the Seahawks and Caleb Downs of Ohio State as examples of standout safety prospects.

  • The Cowboys last drafted a safety in the top two rounds in 2002 when they selected Roy Williams.
  • The team's previous high draft pick at safety before Williams was Tony Dixon in the second round in 2001.
  • Darren Woodson was also a second-round pick by the Cowboys, being selected in 1992.

The players

Roy Williams

A safety drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round in 2002, one of the last times the team has invested heavily in the position.

Tony Dixon

A safety drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round in 2001.

Darren Woodson

A safety drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round in 1992, who was a standout player and is considered unlucky to not have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Nick Emmanwori

A rookie safety who had an impressive season for the Seattle Seahawks in 2022, showing how a safety can be a cornerstone of an NFL defense.

Caleb Downs

An Ohio State safety prospect who is expected to be a high draft pick in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft, further demonstrating the value of the position.

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What they’re saying

“To me, a safety must be highly regarded to draft that high unless capable of moving into the slot on the nickel to not only cover but be a willing run stopper, as Woodson did and why it's a darn shame he keeps being overlooked for Pro Football Hall of Fame induction. He was exceptional.”

— Mickey Spagnola, Dallas Cowboys staff writer (statenews.net)

“Now with that in mind, you're absolutely right that there's been a trend of these winning teams having a dude at that specific position. Nick Emmanwori was awesome for the Seahawks in his rookie season because he fit with the scheme so well. Caleb Downs out of Ohio State has a really good chance to be the cornerstone of an NFL defense with whoever selects him here in a couple months.”

— Tommy Yarrish, Dallas Cowboys staff writer (statenews.net)

What’s next

The Cowboys will have an opportunity to address their safety position in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft, where prospects like Caleb Downs of Ohio State are expected to be high draft picks.

The takeaway

The Dallas Cowboys' lack of investment in the safety position over the past two decades, despite the position's importance for many championship teams, raises questions about their overall defensive strategy and whether they are missing out on opportunities to improve their secondary. However, the upcoming draft presents a chance for the team to potentially find a standout safety prospect who can become a cornerstone of their defense.