Dallas Cowboys 2009 NFL Draft Safety Preview

The safety position has been a position of serious need since the retirement of Darren Woodson. Woodson's departure led to serious exposure of the weaknesses of Roy Williams who regressed unlike any player I recall in recent memory. Williams' lack of coverage ability was exploited on numerous occasions by our NFC East rivals and clever OC's the past couple of seasons.

Currently we have Ken Hamlin and a bunch of nobodies. Hamlin one would think would be suited better for the SS role but Cowboys brass has indicated he isn't moving anywhere. Keith Davis is a decent backup and a special teams maven but certainly not starting material. I feel that strong safety is among the biggest needs on the team.

There are quality players that can be had rounds 2-4 that may be able to provide the answer. Most of the top safeties with the exception of perhaps Louis Delmas will be available come pick 51. Do we make a move early? I say no. The top players will be Will Moore and Rashad Johnson. Although solid players, I dont see them being significantly better than players that can be had a round or two later.

My plan would be to go with a nose tackle type or defensive lineman at pick 51 and roll the dice that a Patrick Chung or Michael Hamlin will be around in the third round. Another option would be to hold off even longer and perhaps eye David Bruton, Chris Clemons, or Chip Vaughn come the fourth round. Below are the guys I like in order.

1- Patrick Chung- You can feel his energy watching the highlights. Anytime you get a safety throwing his body at OLINE on a INT return, you have a guy committed to the team.

2- David Bruton- Has leadership and physical attributes you look for. Dominated the combine. At worst, an immediate impact on Sp Teams and can grow into the role. At best, an impact safety. To me this guy is the sleeper of the draft.

3- Michael Hamlin- I dont like body catchers but he is seemingly always in position where the ball is. 4 year starters in the ACC do not grow on trees. Plays a touch too upright as well.

4- Louis Delmas- Ranked this low because the value doesnt justify the pick IMO. Even at 51, I think he is not the impact guy at the next level to justify. Skills and leadership I love and think he is a solid pro....at the right price.

5- Rashad Johnson- I dont see the athletic ability. I see a solid guy thats maybe backup material. I could be wrong. I usually do not count out SEC guys making an impact at the next level.

The likes of Clemons,Vaughn,and Will Moore will be solid. I saw Chip Vaughn and he kind of reminded me of Roy Williams. Moore will be taken too highly to justify IMO. I really like Derek Pegues out of Mississippi State. He is a touch undersized but seems like am impact guy to me.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• dallas
• cowboys
• 2009
• NFL
• draft
• needs
• ron
• brace
• safety
• louis
• delmas
• michael
• hamlin
• patrick
• chung
• fili
• moala
• rasha

[fraz72]

since they did not get pat white you have isaiah stanback for the wildcat offense since he was a QB in collage. overall the cowboys draft was okay as far a getting good ploayers but for the 2009 season I dont think that they really upgraded as far as putting the team in a position to get better for a good playoff run or SB. ouy never know until they hit the filed but,, the needs were full filled but seemingly for the future.

[jc01821]

why would we get white? we have stanback...not that he is white. We need a ss and im all about chung

[tcguitarsounds]

SixBurgh!

Steelers#1

Dallas Queerboys Suck!

I wouldn't wear any Quuerboys stuff for another Decade because they will still suck!

First to Six!

[mooganx]

The 51st pick is actually in the second rd. But the cowboys probably won't use it on a SS as Jones made it quite clear that they are going to throw in a wildcat formation next year. I see them drafting Pat White with that pick and then go after Chung or another SS in the third. Both picks would be impact players in their rookie season.

[sk8er98567]

i was just watching highlight of chung and it was from espn and on the espn bottom line they where talking about who is gonna start for the cowboys ss spot since roy was injured. i think its destiny lol