It's been four years since the Dallas Cowboys drafted safety, Donovan Wilson, in the sixth round. He dominated the preseason as a rookie by leading the league in interceptions, but an injury derailed his amazing progress.

Wilson was able to pick himself back up and get back at it in Year 2, and he proceeded to register 71 tackles, two interceptions, three pass breakups, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and 3..5 sacks. Talk about getting your groove back.

The former Texas A&M Aggie dealt with shoulder and chest injuries in 2021 and it knocked him out for eight games. Wilson would rise like a Phoenix from the ashes last season to lead the Cowboys with 101 tackles and finished tops for all safeties in sacks with five. Also, he added an interception, two pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. 

After a season like that, Wilson has firmly placed himself among the best at his position. However, when ESPN dropped its list of the top guys at safety not only was Wilson not in the top 10 but he wasn't one of the seven honorable mention nods or the five other safeties who got votes. 

In the piece, Jeremy Fowler talks about how having safeties that are chess pieces that can slide into the nickel cornerback role and ones that play closer to the line of scrimmage is huge in the NFL these days. Well, Wilson has logged 735 snaps in the box and 179 as a nickel corner during his four seasons, so he fits the mold completely. 

Wilson attacks downhill like every play is his last and has become one of the leaders on the Cowboys' defense. Safety is a hard position to judge, but Wilson has played well enough and does so many things well that he should certainly get more recognition. 

If his play keeps elevating, Wilson won't be denied his flowers much longer.

Cowboys: Former late-round pick is finally getting the respect he deserves

The Dallas Cowboys have made a complete turnaround defensively under coordinator Dan Quinn, and it's led to them leading the NFL in turnovers the last two seasons. A major reason why has been the rise of the safety position, and former sixth-round pick Donovan Wilson has been at the forefront. Sports Illustrated deemed Wilson the […]

Feature image via Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports