(Editor's Note: Heading into the upcoming NFL Draft, held April 30-May 2, DallasCowboys.com will take a closer look at the prospects, including some that could be potential fits with the Cowboys. Today's featured player is Arizona State safety Damarious Randall.)
Name: Damarious Randall
Position: Safety
College: Arizona State
Height/Weight: 5-10 / 195
Honors:Randall made first-team All-Pac 12 as a fifth-year senior with a team-high 106 tackles and three interceptions.
Where He's Projected:Although Alabama's Landon Collins will likely be the first safety drafted and possibly the only pure safety taken in the first round, Randall's stock has improved as arguably the best cover safety in a generally weak class. He tested well at the combine with a 4.46 40-yard dash, and NFL teams see developmental upside, too, considering he only played two years of major college football. The former high school baseball star switched to football after his freshman season and played two years at the junior college level before transferring to Arizona State. Initially projected as a third- or fourth-round pick, Randall is trending upward and could slip into the second round to a team with safety needs.
How He Helps the Cowboys:Seems like every year we're discussing the last time the Cowboys had a versatile free safety who could move into the slot to cover tight ends and receivers. You know, Darren Woodson – a fellow Sun Devil alumnus and the club's all-time leading tackler. Randall doesn't have Woody's complete skill set – he's smallish for a safety and doesn't tackle consistently well – but he has good recognition and ball skills in coverage. J.J. Wilcox has shown progress at free safety the last two years, and it's certainly possible the Cowboys stay committed to his development as an every-week starter.
Scout's Take:Randall looks more like a corner than he does a rangy safety but is more physical than a corner when it comes to tackling. Love his attitude and the way he goes about his job. He plays fast and with his eyes. When he sees it, he is coming after the ball. Plays with violence and much bigger than his size. There are snaps where he will over run a play so I would like to see him play under better control but I would rather see him play this way instead of hanging back and waiting for something to happen. Tackles in space. Has some cornerback skill to him in the way that he covers. Not always perfect because there are plays where you see him take chances and jump routes. Did a nice job of getting his hands on passes down the field and underneath. Not sure that his ball skills are ideal because he had a shot at a couple of interceptions but was unable to secure the ball. Has a knack for creating turnovers. He's always ripping at the ball. Can really cover some ground when he is asked to help over the top. One of the few corners in this draft that can play truly out of the center field position. Very good reactionary athlete. Shows the ability to cover for others mistakes. Used as a blitzer off the edge. Has a feel for how to provide pressure when he is asked to rush. Can get to the passer. He's one of the only true free safeties in this draft. Will most likely be selected in the second round. Randall is a great fit for the Cowboys with regard to his skill set and his ability to play the role of a single-high safety to allow others to play down in the box.- Bryan Broaddus
-- Other Possible Picks --
Kevin Johnson - CB - Wake Forest
Bryce Petty - QB - Baylor
Carl Davis - DT - Iowa
Eric Kendricks - LB - UCLA
Todd Gurley - RB - Georgia
Owamagbe Odighizuwa - DE - UCLA
Shaq Thompson - LB - Washington
Jalen Collins - CB - LSU
Devin Smith - WR - Ohio State
Melvin Gordon - RB - Wisconsin
Tevin Coleman - RB - Indiana
Byron Jones - CB - UConn
Ty Montgomery - WR - Stanford
Eli Harold - DE/LB - Virginia
T.J. Yeldon - RB - Alabama
Randy Gregory - DE - Nebraska
Chaz Green - OT - Florida
P.J. Williams - CB - Florida State
