Each week we will look at key players on the Dallas Cowboys 53-man roster, and this time we look at free safety J.J. Wilcox.
2014 Stats: 61 tackles, 50 solo, three passes defended, one fumble recovery and one interception.
Salary: $702.7K per season, free agent 2017.
Career: Wilcox was drafted in the third round (80th overall) of the 2013 draft. While at Georgia Southern, Wilcox played wide receiver for three years before moving to safety for his senior year. That year, he finished second on the team with 88 tackles, two interceptions and three passes defended. Wilcox also handled kick return duties and averaged 25.2 yards per return.
Despite playing only one year at the position, Wilcox wasn't lacking confidence the day before the draft:
"I think I'm the best safety in the draft," Wilcox said. "Doing it in one year just shows you my determination, my hard work. I think I'm the best because I can contribute to a team immediately."
He was expected to go anywhere from the fourth round to the sixth, primarily due to his lack of experience at the position. During his rookie season, Wilcox played in 13 games (five starts) and had 38 tackles (22 solo) while primarily playing strong safety.
2014 season: This season, Wilcox has improved his play and has become one of the more consistent players on the Cowboys defense. He has started all 12 games, recorded 61 tackles (50 solo) and grabbed his first career interception on an athletic play against Washington in Week 8. His 61 tackles is third on the team behind Barry Church (73) and Rolando McClain (62). Wilcox's 50 solo tackles is second only behind Church's 58.
His improved play has garnered praise from his coaches:
"The guy can really tackle,'' defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli said.
"It really appears that he's stepping up and gaining more and more confidence as a player the more he plays," head coach Jason Garrett said.
Not bad for a guy who is only in his third year at the position.
Eddie Middlebrook can be reached on Twitter @emiddlebrook.
