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Position battle: Free safety

01:21 AM CDT on Sunday, July 30, 2006

By JEAN-JACQUES TAYLOR / The Dallas Morning News

The Cowboys attempted to increase their depth and competition at free safety by signing free agent Marcus Coleman and drafting Pat Watkins in the fifth round.

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For now, Keith Davis remains the starter.

Davis said he's determined to keep his job. Davis, a natural strong safety, is a strong run defender and emotional player, making him susceptible to play-action passes.

The Cowboys want him to generate more turnovers than the one forced fumble he caused in Week 2 last season.

Coleman, who began his career as a cornerback, is a natural free safety and has ball skills that excite the coaching staff. But his off-the-field issues last season led to Houston releasing him in March. He could be a valuable addition to the team, if he can focus on football.

At 6-5, Watkins has excellent range and his wingspan could create problems for receivers. His biggest task is learning the nuances of the defensive scheme because the free safety is the quarterback of the defense.

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