Player Profile Series: Jeff Heath

The player profile series is about looking into the future with players on the Cowboys roster.

The player must have 3 things going for them in order to be listed.

1. Having been with the Cowboys for 3 year's or less.
2. Must have been, or projected to be a starter for the Cowboys.
3. Must have an upside to them.

Jeff Heath

College: Saginaw Valley State

Position: Safety #38

Who is he? Jeff Health was pushed into the starting role in 2013 with the release of Will Allen and injuries to J.J. Wilcox. Heath came from Saginaw Valley State as an undrafted free agent. Heath started slow but finished the season with 60 total tackles, a forced fumble, recovery and 1 interception.

What is expected from him in 2014?  The battle for strong safety is what's next for Heath. The safety position battle between Health and Wilcox will be one to watch in training camp in 2014. In addition to having to steal the job from Wilcox. Rookie Ahmad Dixon will be in the mix as well. Early in OTA's coaches like Dixon and his work ethic. The two things that Heath does have going for himself is speed and intelligence. Heath posted and unofficial 4.40 40 time at his school workout day. This speed could be the one thing that pushes him in line to make that 3rd safety spot, assuming Wilcox takes the strong side. The Dallas coaches like the way Heath absorbed Marinelli's scheme and was aware of his assignments. The issue is him missing them due to the fact that he was simply not ready. The big question is. Will the speed be enough to help Heath get better in coverage?

What he needs to work on?  Tackling, Health had a lot of missed tackles. One part could be because he's is a rookie. His most famous (missed tackle) came in the Giants game where he and Bruce Carter completely missed a tackle on Brandon Myers. They then failed to touch Myers' down which lead to a touchdown. Heath and Church also had a tackling mishap. While playing the Vikings Heath, Church and seemingly all of the Dallas defense missed a tackle on TE Kyle Rudolph, which also lead to a touchdown. As the season when on Health got better but there are still holes in his tackling technique.

What can this player be in the future? Heath is going to be put in the same position corner back B.W. Webb. To fight for a roster spot on special teams unless there is an injury at the safety position. This may sound like a no-win scenario for Heath, but if he can contribute to special teams (kickoffs) as good as Dewayne Harris has. This could be a nice pick up that Dallas didn't have to use a draft pick on.

Other players from the Player Profile Series;

Cole Beasley
Travis Fredrick 

Gavin Escobar

Terrance Williams
Kyle Wilbur
J.J. Wilcox