Noticeable during the second week of Cowboys training camp was the amount of time 2020 fourth rounder Reggie Robinson reportedly spent at safety. Is a full-time position switch forthcoming for the rookie, or does this reflect the overall philosophy of the new defensive coaching staff?
The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Robinson played cornerback at Tulsa, but the Cowboys think his skillset also translates. Robinson did spend time there in high school, and the zone-heavy scheme Tulsa ran gave Robinson a lot of time to look into the opponent’s backfield. Dallas is relatively deep at CB, with 2019 starter Chidobe Awuzie alongside rookie second rounder Trevon Diggs, and veterans Anthony Brown, Jourdan Lewis, Daryl Worley and special teamer C.J. Goodwin. Their listed safeties are Xavier Woods, HaHa Clinton-Dix, Darian Thompson and Donovan Wilson.
Whispers about a position change for someone among Cowboys secondary group have surrounded the team for most of the offseason. As camp progresses, those rumors appear to be coming to fruition, with both Worley and Robinson taking reps at safety.
hard to say what it means right now, but Darly Worley and Reggie Robinson continue to get looks at safety.
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) August 27, 2020
Of the two players, Robinson’s change is being reported as more permanent.
#Cowboys coaches told Robinson II on Monday that he's moving to safety. https://t.co/CWL5EY3BBM
— fishsports (@fishsports) August 28, 2020
From a logistical standpoint, the move makes sense. But is committing Robinson to safety the best investment, given his ultimate upside at cornerback? Also unknown is just how Dallas is planning on using their additional safeties – or defensive backs, according to coach Maurice Lingusit.
Cowboys defensive backs coach Maurice Linguist when asked about rookie CB Reggie Robinson working at safety: “Day 1, I’ll tell you what I told all the DBs, ‘Hey guys, you play DB. Don’t lock yourself into a position. Don’t lock yourself into thinking you’re any one thing.’” pic.twitter.com/cuceIlDTDA
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 29, 2020
Recently, Linguist clarified how the Cowboys view their secondary, in that they’re all defensive backs. Versatility has been a running offseason theme for the entire defense, with players capable of “being multiple” at each level. The same is true for the secondary, as players are seemingly expected to play both CB and safety. Said Linguist:
“By no means are you just one position for us. You play defensive back . . . If I know exactly where the safety is and I’m a corner, well that’s going to help me better understand what my technique is at corner. If I know exactly what a corner is doing at the safety position, it can help me move six inches to the left or six inches to the right and be successful.”
Whether Robinson’s time at safety is more permanent or situational remains to be seen, but having an interchangeable secondary should benefit the team in 2020. Having players capable of playing multiple positions helps protect against injury, as well as ensures the best group of players is on the field at once. Dallas can utilize additional DBs as slot corners, hybrid linebackers, or additional back-end support, helping Linguist and DC Mike Nolan combat modern NFL offenses and schemes.
Reggie Robinson jumped out at me for the first time today. I'm not sure how he wound up covering Sewo Olonilua, but he trailed the big RB toward the back of the end zone, closed on him and broke up a would-be TD.
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) August 25, 2020
However Robinson will be deployed this season, it bodes well that he seems to be in their immediate defensive plans. Given that Darian Thompson somewhat surprisingly seems to have the inside track to a starting safety spot, perhaps more roles are up for grabs than previously thought. For a young player like Robinson, this training camp is crucial toward determining the player he ultimately is at the NFL level.
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