FRISCO, Texas — Throughout three preseason games, Dallas’ defense has recorded eight takeaways-including a league-high five interceptions. The team is tied with Chicago for the most overall takeaways in the NFL in 2019. Two of the five interceptions were tallied by rookie safety, Donovan Wilson.
Wilson was selected by the Cowboys in the sixth round (213th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. Since then, the first-year player out of A&M has consistently impressed in the backfield. His long arms provide impeccable ball skills. Wilson has great route recognition and has nickel cover experience over a two-year span at A&M.
Defensive backs coach Kris Richard was a part of the entire acquisition process for Wilson in the draft. I asked him about what he liked about Wilson at A&M to fill the positional need at safety for Dallas and he said, “ his tenacity. He is rugged, he’s edgy, and a fearless hitter. He fits the mold.”
Transitioning from the college level to the pros is not an easy task with the increase in speed and tempo, but Wilson has made it look effortless.
” He has really good ball skills and is always around the ball, “ Jason Garrett told me. “ You saw him punch balls out in practice, create fumbles, and pick up fumbles. He has made the interceptions in games, so that is a really important trait to have if you are a defensive player. We call them ‘ball guys.’ I don’t know if you saw the reaction of the guys on the sideline when he made the interception, but they were fired up for him. That was a big-time play; to be able to make that catch and get his feet down. He has really done that all along. Still a young player and has a lot to learn but when you have that trait to knock the ball out or make plays on the ball when it is in the air, you have a good chance to play in this league for a long time.”
Wilson’s willingness to learn and listen has paid off. He has been in competition with Darian Thompson for the third safety spot on the depth chart.
