The roster turnover is already underway. Free agency has now begun and the 2017 NFL Draft isn't far away. Over the next few weeks, the Cowboys will lose and replace a sizable portion of their roster.
For every new face, however, there are dozens of familiar ones who will return to begin a new campaign. From established veterans to second-year players, the vast majority of the Cowboys' 2017 team is already on the roster. In the coming weeks, the staff of DallasCowboys.com will preview those players, analyzing where they've been and where they're going.
Today we'll continue the series with safety Kavon Frazier.
What's Been Good:In the limited action he's received, which includes preseason games, Frazier has proven to be a good tackler, one that can deliver a punch when he arrives to the ball carrier. Obviously, that has to be one of the first traits that all safeties need and Frazier has proven to have that. He's a tenacious hitter but still has good range and movement to go along with that physicality.
What's Been Bad:It's not exactly his fault, but Frazier didn't get much playing time as a rookie in 2016. And while it's easy to give him a pass considering he is still a new player, others in his class found a way to play and make a difference. In other years, he could perhaps get away with that excuse but now when guys like Anthony Brown – also a sixth-round pick – contributed so much to the defense, it makes it tougher. So while he was playing behind established vets, the fact Frazier couldn't crack the lineup every week was somewhat of a negative, but nothing that should slow down his progress.
2016 Highlight:While it only went down as one special teams tackle, Frazier's play on kickoff coverage was a bone-jarring hit that helped him earn the team's weekly "Hammer" award, given by the coaching staff for a game-changing, and oftentimes bone-jarring, play.
What's Next:Depending on what the Cowboys do in the draft, Frazier should have a chance to compete for a contributing role on this defense. Losing both Barry Church and J.J. Wilcox to free agency, coupled with the fact that the Cowboys have not signed any free agents at the position, suggests Frazier at least has a shot for more playing time. This is still a rather deep draft class for safeties and it's a good bet the Cowboys will select at least one next month. But even with one safety added to the mix, Frazier should be able to compete in the offseason practices and perhaps have an outside shot to snag the starting job if he can surpass Jeff Heath and/or a drafted rookie.
