Former UDFA on 2nd Cowboys stint continues torrid camp vs Rams

The Dallas Cowboys are well into the groove of training camp, completing their first joint practice against the Los Angeles Rams. Thus far, team observers have touted many of the Cowboys‘ best players as the top performers. That goes with the territory; elite players will always shine when hitting is limited and plays continue beyond what would’ve been the end in a real-life scenario.

But as with any camp, there are long shots also making their cases to earn spots, too. For the Cowboys, one of the biggest surprises has been Julius Wood, who is looking to stick at a position where the team is unusually deep, safety. Wood has been one of the best players in camp and the buzz is building for his inclusion on the 53-man roster.

He continued those efforts in Tuesday’s joint work against the Rams.

Injuries at safety have allowed Wood to see more snaps, and he’s taking advantage of the opportunities. The Cowboys made a splash when they signed Jalen Thompson as a free agent last March, but he’s missed some time during camp due to a hip injury, while another offseason addition, P.J. Locke, has also been absent dealing with a hyperextended knee. Incumbent starter Malik Hooker has even missed a couple sessions for non-injury reasons.

With rookie safety Caleb Downs being lined up all over the defense, it has opened the door for Wood to make an impression, on which he’s capitalizing.

It began early in camp, even before the pads came on, for Wood to show he can make plays near the line of scrimmage.

The Cowboys were familiar with Wood’s game as they signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2024. He had a solid camp as a rookie and an admirable preseason two years ago where he had two passes defensed and a tackle for a loss in three games. The team decided to make Wood one of their last cuts, but he wasn’t without a home for long as he was signed by the Tennessee Titans. Wood appeared in nine games for the Titans in 2024 but was released last summer before the Cowboys brought him back last October.

In his second stint with the Cowboys, Wood is proving why he should stick this time around. The third-year safety is competing for a spot on the roster with Markquese Bell and Alijah Clark, and he could be winning the battle if he continues to excel in coverage.

If Wood does make the roster, it’s be because he’s shown he can also play on special teams. Beating out Bell and Clark, two solid players in that area, won’t be easy.

The Cowboys’ safety group has a big four, but Wood is pushing to make it a solid five at the position. He’s one of the real surprises in training camp and is a name to watch going forward.