The 2017 NFL Draft will begin in 37 days (!!!) from Philadelphia, and if we know anything about the Dallas Cowboys draft strategy it is that they like to have as many roster holes as possible filled before going on the clock – in order to comfortably select the best player available regardless of position. This was the logic behind the Nolan Carroll signing at CB, but the depth chart at safety is looking even more bleak. Assessing all options, the Cowboys had veteran Robert Blanton in for a visit on Monday.
The Cowboys had S Robert Blanton in for a visit. He spent last year with Buffalo after four years in Minnesota.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) March 20, 2017
Byron Jones fortunately has a hold on the just about any position needed FS spot in Dallas’ defense, leaving intriguing but unproven names like Jeff Heath and Kavon Frazier at strong safety with Barry Church in Jacksonville and J.J. Wilcox in Tampa Bay.
Robert Blanton was drafted in the 5th round by the Vikings in 2012, having a career year under Mike Zimmer in 2014 with a team-high 106 tackles, a forced fumble, and an interception.
At 27 years old, the Cowboys know what Blanton is at this point in his career, after spending 2016 with the Bills but being placed on IR following a foot injury in week 11. The depth and stability he can provide as a strong safety to fit Dallas’ need for a sure tackler and “enforcer” at the position will be comforting to not only Rod Marinelli but Will McClay in approaching this draft.
Inside The Star will keep you updated should Robert Blanton become the newest member of America’s Team.
“broken in under Zimmer” & playing under Marinelli could not possibly be a bad thing if he still has the fire.