News: BTB: Cowboys Position Battles (Training Camp 2015): Free Safety

[NewsBot]

All credit to DallasCowboys.com for the inspiration of these battles.

It's time for #9 on the DallasCowboys.com list of the Top 10 position battles for the Dallas Cowboys as they head into training camp for the 2015 season. Yesterday was a battle for the backup QB position, and at the time of writing this, Brandon Weeden led Dustin Vaughan 59%-41%. Today, it's the battle at free safety. We're not totally positive this is even going to be a battle, but there are circumstances that could make it one. The main reason it could be is the presence of Byron Jones, and to a lesser extent the acquisition of Corey White. Also, J.J. Wilcox, the incumbent starter, has been dealing with chronic plantar fasciitis.

Here's how the Mothership sees it:

9. Free Safety - Again, it'd be a bit of a surprise to see J.J. Wilcox lose his job as the Cowboys' free safety, but that probably depends on what the coaches decide to do with Byron Jones. The first-round pick played all over the field during offseason practices, and he looked impressive. We know he's got the flexibility to play both corner and safety, and he could push Wilcox if the coaches opt to try him there. The same can be said for free agent Corey White, who like Jones played multiple spots in the spring.
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This is all about getting the Cowboys best players on the field. It also is about what kind of depth the Cowboys think they have at cornerback. If Dallas doesn't believe in Morris Claiborne or Corey White as the answer to the third corner question, then Byron Jones would likely have to play there. But if Dallas believes one of those two could man the third corner, then Jones my be left free to move over to safety this season. Dallas would like to get better in coverage on the backend, and Wilcox has not proven to be the best in coverage to date. This could also turn into a timeshare situation, with Wilcox playing in the base and Jones or White playing in nickel/dime. My gut, it's a timeshare between Wilcox and Jones.

Now it's your turn. Take the poll and hit the comments.

Poll
The Cowboys starting free safety will be:

• J.J. Wilcox
• Byron Jones
• Timeshare between Wilcox and Jones
• Corey White
• Timeshare between Wilcox and White

6 votes | Results

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