While the first couple of waves of free agency have passed, it's never too late to upgrade the roster, something the Cowboys will try to do at the end of this month with the NFL Draft.
Even with that, the majority of the 2018 roster is already in place. 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 continue the series with safety Kavon Frazier.
Views of #35 Safety Kavon Frazier from the 2017-18 Regular Season.
10 September 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 1 regular season 19-3 win over the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
10 September 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 1 regular season 19-3 win over the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
17 September 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 2 regular season 42-17 loss to the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
17 September 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 2 regular season 42-17 loss to the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
17 September 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 2 regular season 42-17 loss to the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
17 September 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 2 regular season 42-17 loss to the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brice Butler, left, cornerback Anthony Brown, center and strong safety Kavon Frazier sign their jerseys after an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
25 September 2017:
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 3 regular season 28-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
25 September 2017:
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 3 regular season 28-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
25 September 2017:
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 3 regular season 28-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
25 September 2017:
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 3 regular season 28-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
25 September 2017:
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 3 regular season 28-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys safety Kavon Frazier (35) raises his fist into the arm during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday, Sept. 25, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz. Dallas won 28-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Dallas Cowboys strong safety Kavon Frazier (35) holds up a fist during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Sept. 25, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cowboys defeated the Cardinals, 28-17. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman DeMarcus Lawrence (90) and safety Kavon Frazier (35) run onto the field while being introduced before a 2017 NFL week 4 regular season game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. The Rams defeated the Cowboys, 35-30. (James D. Smith via AP)
01 October 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 4 regular season 35-30 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
01 October 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 4 regular season 35-30 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
22 October 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 7 regular season 40-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
22 October 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 7 regular season 40-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
22 October 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 7 regular season 40-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
October 28, 2017: Dallas Cowboys safety Kavon Frazier (35) celebrates after recovering a fumble by Washington Redskins running back Chris Thompson (25) on the kick return during the NCAA football game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium in College Park, Maryland. Scott Taetsch/CSM (Cal Sport Media via AP Images)
Dallas Cowboys strong safety Kavon Frazier (35) celebrates his fuel recovery during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins in Landover, Md., Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
05 November 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 9 regular season game 28-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
05 November 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 9 regular season game 28-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
05 November 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 9 regular season game 28-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys strong safety Kavon Frazier (35) tackles Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver De'Anthony Thomas (13) during an NFL regular season football game on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys won, 28-17. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Dallas Cowboys strong safety Kavon Frazier (35) tackles Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver De'Anthony Thomas (13) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Dallas Cowboys' Kavon Frazier (35) is congratulated after making a tackle on a punt return by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Dallas Cowboys strong safety Kavon Frazier (35) looks on during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
12 November 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 10 regular season 27-7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
12 November 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 10 regular season 27-7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
12 November 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 10 regular season 27-7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
12 November 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 10 regular season 27-7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
12 November 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 10 regular season 27-7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
12 November 2017: Xavier Woods (25)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 10 regular season 27-7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
19 November 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 11 regular season 37-9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
19 November 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 11 regular season 37-9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
19 November 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 11 regular season 37-9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
23 November 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 12 regular season 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
30 November 2017: Kavon Frazier (35) of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 13 regular season 38-14 win over the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
30 November 2017: Kavon Frazier (35) of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 13 regular season 38-14 win over the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys strong safety Kavon Frazier (35) in action during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Redskins, 38-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Washington Redskins running back Samaje Perine (32) heads downfield during an NFL football game as he drags Dallas Cowboys defensive back Kavon Frazier (35) behind him on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys won the game, 38-14. (Greg Trott via AP)
30 November 2017: Kavon Frazier (35) of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 13 regular season 38-14 win over the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
30 November 2017: Kavon Frazier (35) of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 13 regular season 38-14 win over the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
09 December 2017: Kavon Frazier
of the Dallas Cowboys during their departure to the game with the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in Newark, New Jersey. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
10 December 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 14 regular season 30-10 win over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
10 December 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 14 regular season 30-10 win over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
10 December 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 14 regular season 30-10 win over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
10 December 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 14 regular season 30-10 win over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
16 December 2017: Kavon Frazier
of the Dallas Cowboys during their departure to the game with the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
17 December 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 15 regular season 20-17 win over the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
17 December 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 15 regular season 20-17 win over the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
17 December 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 15 regular season 20-17 win over the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
17 December 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 15 regular season 20-17 win over the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
17 December 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 15 regular season 20-17 win over the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
24 December 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 16 regular season 21-12 loss to the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The award was accepted by Michelle Witten and family. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
24 December 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 16 regular season 21-12 loss to the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The award was accepted by Michelle Witten and family. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
24 December 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 16 regular season 21-12 loss to the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The award was accepted by Michelle Witten and family. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
30 December 2017: Kavon Frazier
of the Dallas Cowboys during their departure to the game with the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
30 December 2017: La'el Collins, Kavon Frazier, Byron Jones
of the Dallas Cowboys during their departure to the game with the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys' Kavon Frazier warms up before an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
31 December 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 17 regular season 6-0 win over the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
31 December 2017: Kavon Frazier (35)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 17 regular season 6-0 win over the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
What's Been Good:
The fact that Frazier, drafted No. 212 overall back in 2016, is heading into his third season with the Cowboys is proof of how good he has been to this point. It's not uncommon for a sixth-round pick to be cut during his rookie season, so for Frazier to successfully navigate two years is impressive. The key to that is special teams, where he has emerged as one of the Cowboys' most dependable contributors. Frazier tied for the team lead in special teams tackles, with 10 last year, and was a standout performer on many of the Cowboys' special teams units.
What's Been Bad:
It'd be unfair to say that a sixth-round pick has been bad, to this point. Frazier hasn't been asked to play much of a role on defense to this point in his career. When he has, he's been good more often than not. It will be interesting to see how the Cowboys view Frazier as a true safety. Does he have the coverage skills to play deep, or is he more of a box safety who needs to play closer to the line of scrimmage? It's hard to say right now, but that's something the coaching staff will have to figure out if they expect Frazier to play more than 21 percent of the snaps this season.
2017 Highlight:
Perhaps Frazier's best moment of 2017 came in his biggest opportunity so far. After a horrendous 28-6 loss to the Chargers on Thanksgiving, the coaching staff through caution to the wind and put their young defensive backs into the mix. As a result, Frazier got to play 21 snaps of defense in the Nov. 30 game against Washington, after playing just 26 snaps in the month prior to that. He made the most of it, racking up six stops in just 21 snaps – including a fantastic tackle on Redskins running back Samaje Perine. He played 18 snaps of special teams, for good measure.
What's Next:
It remains to be seen if the Cowboys draft a safety this spring, but we know they didn't add one in free agency. With that in mind, it certainly looks like Frazier is going to have a heck of an opportunity in 2018. Jeff Heath is a presumed starter, but Byron Jones appears to be headed for cornerback. That leaves Frazier and Xavier Woods as the only other safeties on the roster. It stands to reason that a successful training camp could see either player claim a sizable role for himself – perhaps even the starting role. And even if that's not the case, we know the Cowboys like to use as many as three safeties at times in their defense. If Frazier plays his cards right, it's conceivable to think he could earn his biggest role to date – or potentially even become a starter heading into his third NFL season.
- Without a doubt one of the most physical players on the squad.
- Core special teamer that likely will get an opportunity to compete for a starting assignment with Byron Jones moving to corner.
- Brings toughness to the position. Downhill player. When he sees it, he will react. He can work through the trash to get to the ball and he is a wrap up tackler.
- When he hits the ball carrier, they stop in their tracks.
- He has to be careful not to be too aggressive, though. He will over shoot tackles.
- For a bigger guy, he moves well. He can play down in the box or deep. When used in coverage, he is mainly down.
- You will see him occasionally walk outside and play out of the slot. But I could see him improving as a cover man the more opportunities that he will get.
