Dallas Cowboys S Donovan Wilson Aiming to Become Long-Term Starter
Multiple defensive backs will be back in the lineup for the Dallas Cowboys when they take on the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. Last weekend, the Cowboys featured a depth chart showcase as they tried to overcome multiple absences. Among the players who will be back this weekend is Safety Donovan Wilson, who should be […]
Multiple defensive backs will be back in the lineup for the Dallas Cowboys when they take on the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. Last weekend, the Cowboys featured a depth chart showcase as they tried to overcome multiple absences. Among the players who will be back this weekend is Safety Donovan Wilson, who should be playing for his future in Dallas.
Wilson has been listed with a groin injury but according to Friday's injury report, he's ready to go against San Francisco. Fortunately for him, he has three weeks to prove his worth to the Cowboys' organization.
Donovan Wilson's biggest game this season came against the Minnesota Vikings, where the safety might've been the most important player of the game. Wilson finished the game with two forced fumbles and one recovery in a close game that the Cowboys would go on and win 31-28. After so many struggles, Wilson's game is earning him a lot of fans within Cowboys Nation.
Wilson has also been impressive when hitting opposing players. It seems like at least once a game he lays his signature hit as you think to yourself "Oh, who was that?" Usually, it's #37. Dallas Cowboys Writer Nick Eatman had something to say about him a few weeks ago:
"He hit Kirk Cousins on the first drive of the game and the Cowboys were hitting those guys the entire day. Even in Philly, he blitzed Wentz and rocked him for a fumble. The defense had other big hits later in the game. I think Wilson is a difference-maker in terms of his tackling and hitting. I'm sure he can be better in coverage but overall, I think the Cowboys have found something with him."
But Wilson's impact extends well beyond his physicality. In fact, he's made some plays in which his instincts have shined. In the play below, Wilson saves the Cowboys' defense from what could've been a big gain for the opposing offense.
It is plays like this that have made Donovan Wilson feel like a legit threat on the Cowboys' defense. He's out there making an impact constantly, earning himself the forever-sought term of "playmaker."
But even though he's managed to turn some heads, one has to wonder if he's done enough to earn the starting gig in the Dallas Cowboys. He had all training camp to do so yet Darian Thompson was the guy the coaching staff started back in September. Of course, that's behind us, but it's fair to remember his quest to become the starter beyond 2020 might be tougher than it seems.
For Donovan Wilson, it will likely be a matter of consistency. Can he keep this level of play? If so, the Dallas Cowboys might not have found the next Earl Thomas, but he could be a reliable starter in the mid-to-long term.
Fortunately, Wilson is set to return against the San Francisco 49ers along with cornerbacks Anthony Brown, Chidobe Awuzie, and maybe Trevon Diggs. Playing with a more complete secondary should help the young safety in making plays in the upcoming three weeks.
If he wants to eliminate doubts surrounding his future, the time is now for Donovan Wilson.
Featured Image Via Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
