Chiefs Chiefs have to decide if No. 5 pick is too high for a safety - Page 3

Coogs · 04-20-2010, 07:11 AM

http://www.kansascity.com/2010/04/19...e-if-no-5.html

Chiefs have to decide if No. 5 pick is too high for a safety
By KENT BABB
The Kansas City Star

They sold themselves as versatile and able, and if a team wanted a safety to be anything other than a safety, they said they’d be willing, too.

Eric Berry said he’d play cornerback. Taylor Mays said he’d be fine at linebacker. Earl Thomas said he’d be happy anywhere in an NFL defense. Whatever it takes. That’s what they said at the NFL’s scouting combine in late February.

“I’ll play whatever,” said Mays, a standout defensive back from Southern California. “If I’m on the field, it doesn’t really matter. I want to win. I want to contribute. I like football regardless.”

But sometimes, a safety needs to just be a safety. That’s what several NFL teams will be looking for when the three-day draft begins Thursday. The Chiefs are among those teams, and they’ll have a vast array of options.

The Chiefs could do the popular thing and select Berry with the No. 5 overall pick. Some scouts say Berry is the best safety prospect since Sean Taylor of Miami in 2004.

Berry, a former Tennessee star, possesses skills that have been compared with those of perennial Pro Bowlers Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu.

Then again, the Chiefs might pass on Berry — passing, in fact, on the big dollars they’d owe to someone playing a position that just isn’t valued the same way, the top-five money way, as a quarterback or left tackle or defensive end.

Not that Berry is the type to limit himself.

“I bring a lot to the table,” he said at the combine. “I can do pretty much anything the coaches ask me to.”

The Chiefs, of course, are at the center of a conundrum. They could draft Berry and, if he’s as good as advertised, be set at an important position that is becoming more important with each season. Offenses are becoming increasingly reliant on pass plays, and the game has evolved in such a way that safety might soon be seen as a premium defensive position — easily worth the money a player would command as the No. 5 pick.

“We’ve seen the evolution of the safety position to be one of the most important positions on the field,” ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski said. “It is a specific talent that you have to have. You have to be a (high-) quality cover guy; you have to be able to play in the box; you have to be able to blitz. It’s a position that now demands versatility.

“I think the safety position is now paramount in the NFL.”

Then again, the Chiefs could pass on Berry and target a safety in later rounds. This year’s draft is stacked that way: plenty of safeties, a desperate need for the Chiefs — one of the few weaknesses that general manager Scott Pioli didn’t address during free-agency — and a draft pool heavy on skilled players that will allow teams to draft early-round talent at midround prices.

What to do? The phenom or the value? Conventional thinking or a look toward a progressive future? It’s a tough one. And soon, the Chiefs will be on the clock.

“You hear this all the time: ‘You can’t take a safety that high,’ ” said Chris Landry, a former NFL scout who’s now a personnel consultant for 11 pro teams. “But some people get caught up in these sayings, and they don’t know why that’s the case. Eric Berry can line up in a number of schemes. … Would I consider taking him at 5? Yeah, I would.”

There’s an off chance, though, that Mays could fall to the early second round. It’s unlikely, but teams might be hung up on the fact that Mays’ ability to hit hard isn’t matched by coverage ability. The Chiefs might gamble that Mays will be there when they draft for the first time in the second round, the No. 36 overall pick. If Mays is gone, there will be others. Yes, this year’s draft is stacked that way.

“It’s harder and harder to find the well-rounded safety,” ESPN analyst and former NFL coach Jon Gruden said. “But I’ve seen a couple in this year’s draft that certainly fit my bill.”

The Chiefs could have their eyes on South Florida’s Nate Allen, Georgia Tech’s Morgan Burnett, Georgia’s Reshad Jones or Kansas’ Darrell Stuckey. All will be later-round choices; all could be terrific values for a team that likes a good bargain and could address needs at linebacker, wide receiver and nose tackle before plucking that mid- to late-round safety.

“It’s a good group,” Landry said. “There is incredible depth defensively in this draft, more so than normal.”

So the players aren’t the only ones with a bulging menu of options. Yes, the Chiefs have a tough decision ahead. Who could blame Berry for trying to sway a team into deciding on him?

“At the end of the day,” he said, “it’s on the GMs and the guys that make the decisions. I really do feel that I’m supposed to be up there with those guys.

“If you want a complete defensive back, a complete player as far as special teams — I played on kick return, kickoff, punt, punt return, all of those things. I definitely played free safety, strong safety, nickel corner, left and right corner. The list goes on. … So many things you could keep saying. I really want to sell myself.”

SenselessChiefsFan · 04-20-2010, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brock

"Matt Ryan is a loser" /True Fans circa 2008

BS! because Matt Ryan elevated his team and won more than he lost in his Senior year. The ONLY argument against him was his interceptions which were expected because he had to carry his team and take chances.

As usual though, the facts don't fit, so you don't worry about them.

oldandslow · 04-20-2010, 10:15 AM

Honestly, imo, Berry and Clausen are the only two picks at five. If both are gone, then you consider trading down. If one or both are there, the pick is made for you.

SenselessChiefsFan · 04-20-2010, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brock

Link.

I wasn't on here then. So, you can think what you want. But, Matt Ryan had much better numbers than Clausen, is prototypical size and carried his college team. So, there is a big difference between him and Clausen in my mind.

I just think that it is funny that last year at this time, to many of you, Clausen was not worthy of being a franchise QB. This year, suddenly.... totally worth it....despite losing so many games and not elevating his team.... which is the whole argument for a franchise QB.

SenselessChiefsFan · 04-20-2010, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldandslow

Honestly, imo, Berry and Clausen are the only two picks at five. If both are gone, then you consider trading down. If one or both are there, the pick is made for you.

I can't imagine both being gone.

Brock · 04-20-2010, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SensibleChiefsfan

I wasn't on here then. So, you can think what you want. But, Matt Ryan had much better numbers than Clausen, is prototypical size and carried his college team. So, there is a big difference between him and Clausen in my mind.

I just think that it is funny that last year at this time, to many of you, Clausen was not worthy of being a franchise QB. This year, suddenly.... totally worth it....despite losing so many games and not elevating his team.... which is the whole argument for a franchise QB.

You weren't anywhere on the internet posting draft thoughts about the Chiefs in 2008? I doubt that, especially after the lies you've been spreading about Clausen.

**OnTheWarpath15** · 04-20-2010, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SensibleChiefsfan

BS! because Matt Ryan elevated his team and won more than he lost in his Senior year. The ONLY argument against him was his interceptions which were expected because he had to carry his team and take chances.

As usual though, the facts don't fit, so you don't worry about them.

Clausen had to carry his team, and take chances because they had to score 30+ a game to win. That defense was Chiefs-like.

Explain why he only had 4 INT's.

KCrockaholic · 04-20-2010, 10:22 AM

I still don't understand when people call Berry "a safety". He is not just a safety. The guy practically played LB last year for Tennessee. He can also play CB. So he's not just "a safety". He's the most versatile player in this draft!

Skyy God · 04-20-2010, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pestilence

And Clausen is not the next Ryan Leaf. Not. Gonna. Happen.

Not the next Leaf. More like the next Rick Clausen....

**The Franchise** · 04-20-2010, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pittsie

Not the next Leaf. More like the next Rick Clausen....

Ummm....no. The other Clausen's WISH they had the talent that Jimmy does.

I'm starting to believe that most of the hatred for Clausen is because he played at Notre Dame. If he played at Mizzou or Kansas.....you guys would be all over his ****ing nuts.

**OnTheWarpath15** · 04-20-2010, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pestilence

Ummm....no. The other Clausen's WISH they had the talent that Jimmy does.

I'm starting to believe that most of the hatred for Clausen is because he played at Notre Dame. If he played at Mizzou or Kansas.....you guys would be all over his ****ing nuts.

This.

SenselessChiefsFan · 04-20-2010, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

Clausen had to carry his team, and take chances because they had to score 30+ a game to win. That defense was Chiefs-like.

Explain why he only had 4 INT's.

He did have incredible numbers. Same as Brady Quinn only threw 5 interceptions in his final season..... Of course, he had two in a bowl game, but Clausen couldn't get his team to a bowl game last year.

Did he take chances last year? Did he even care that they were losing to teams like Navy, and Connecticut? OR, did he have his eye on the draft from mid season, when it looked like Weis was going to be gone?

SenselessChiefsFan · 04-20-2010, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brock

You weren't anywhere on the internet posting draft thoughts about the Chiefs in 2008? I doubt that, especially after the lies you've been spreading about Clausen.

What lies?

Brock · 04-20-2010, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SensibleChiefsfan

What lies?

When you said you had seen several press conferences where Clausen blamed his teammates for losses.

Do you have that link for your 2008 draft thoughts on Matt Ryan?

**OnTheWarpath15** · 04-20-2010, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brock

When you said you had seen several press conferences where Clausen blamed his teammates for losses.

Do you have that link for your 2008 draft thoughts on Matt Ryan?

IIRC, Brock, it was Saccopoo that made up the Clausen PC story.

Not that SCF isn't just as big a ****tard...

SenselessChiefsFan · 04-20-2010, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pestilence

Ummm....no. The other Clausen's WISH they had the talent that Jimmy does.

I'm starting to believe that most of the hatred for Clausen is because he played at Notre Dame. If he played at Mizzou or Kansas.....you guys would be all over his ****ing nuts.

There is no doubt that if he had played for Mizzou or Kansas, he would be a huge fan favorite to be drafted.

Frankly, I wish he had played in the SEC. Had he put those numbers up in the SEC, then maybe you look at him a little harder even if he didn't win many games. But, against the competition that he got to play for three years, he was 15-21 not including his bowl game win.

Really, is that what a franchise QB does? IN COLLEGE?

04-20-2010, 07:11 AM
Coogs In Search of a Life Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Northern Kansas Casino cash: $1414349	Chiefs have to decide if No. 5 pick is too high for a safety http://www.kansascity.com/2010/04/19...e-if-no-5.html Chiefs have to decide if No. 5 pick is too high for a safety By KENT BABB The Kansas City Star They sold themselves as versatile and able, and if a team wanted a safety to be anything other than a safety, they said they’d be willing, too. Eric Berry said he’d play cornerback. Taylor Mays said he’d be fine at linebacker. Earl Thomas said he’d be happy anywhere in an NFL defense. Whatever it takes. That’s what they said at the NFL’s scouting combine in late February. “I’ll play whatever,” said Mays, a standout defensive back from Southern California. “If I’m on the field, it doesn’t really matter. I want to win. I want to contribute. I like football regardless.” But sometimes, a safety needs to just be a safety. That’s what several NFL teams will be looking for when the three-day draft begins Thursday. The Chiefs are among those teams, and they’ll have a vast array of options. The Chiefs could do the popular thing and select Berry with the No. 5 overall pick. Some scouts say Berry is the best safety prospect since Sean Taylor of Miami in 2004. Berry, a former Tennessee star, possesses skills that have been compared with those of perennial Pro Bowlers Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu. Then again, the Chiefs might pass on Berry — passing, in fact, on the big dollars they’d owe to someone playing a position that just isn’t valued the same way, the top-five money way, as a quarterback or left tackle or defensive end. Not that Berry is the type to limit himself. “I bring a lot to the table,” he said at the combine. “I can do pretty much anything the coaches ask me to.” The Chiefs, of course, are at the center of a conundrum. They could draft Berry and, if he’s as good as advertised, be set at an important position that is becoming more important with each season. Offenses are becoming increasingly reliant on pass plays, and the game has evolved in such a way that safety might soon be seen as a premium defensive position — easily worth the money a player would command as the No. 5 pick. “We’ve seen the evolution of the safety position to be one of the most important positions on the field,” ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski said. “It is a specific talent that you have to have. You have to be a (high-) quality cover guy; you have to be able to play in the box; you have to be able to blitz. It’s a position that now demands versatility. “I think the safety position is now paramount in the NFL.” Then again, the Chiefs could pass on Berry and target a safety in later rounds. This year’s draft is stacked that way: plenty of safeties, a desperate need for the Chiefs — one of the few weaknesses that general manager Scott Pioli didn’t address during free-agency — and a draft pool heavy on skilled players that will allow teams to draft early-round talent at midround prices. What to do? The phenom or the value? Conventional thinking or a look toward a progressive future? It’s a tough one. And soon, the Chiefs will be on the clock. “You hear this all the time: ‘You can’t take a safety that high,’ ” said Chris Landry, a former NFL scout who’s now a personnel consultant for 11 pro teams. “But some people get caught up in these sayings, and they don’t know why that’s the case. Eric Berry can line up in a number of schemes. … Would I consider taking him at 5? Yeah, I would.” There’s an off chance, though, that Mays could fall to the early second round. It’s unlikely, but teams might be hung up on the fact that Mays’ ability to hit hard isn’t matched by coverage ability. The Chiefs might gamble that Mays will be there when they draft for the first time in the second round, the No. 36 overall pick. If Mays is gone, there will be others. Yes, this year’s draft is stacked that way. “It’s harder and harder to find the well-rounded safety,” ESPN analyst and former NFL coach Jon Gruden said. “But I’ve seen a couple in this year’s draft that certainly fit my bill.” The Chiefs could have their eyes on South Florida’s Nate Allen, Georgia Tech’s Morgan Burnett, Georgia’s Reshad Jones or Kansas’ Darrell Stuckey. All will be later-round choices; all could be terrific values for a team that likes a good bargain and could address needs at linebacker, wide receiver and nose tackle before plucking that mid- to late-round safety. “It’s a good group,” Landry said. “There is incredible depth defensively in this draft, more so than normal.” So the players aren’t the only ones with a bulging menu of options. Yes, the Chiefs have a tough decision ahead. Who could blame Berry for trying to sway a team into deciding on him? “At the end of the day,” he said, “it’s on the GMs and the guys that make the decisions. I really do feel that I’m supposed to be up there with those guys. “If you want a complete defensive back, a complete player as far as special teams — I played on kick return, kickoff, punt, punt return, all of those things. I definitely played free safety, strong safety, nickel corner, left and right corner. The list goes on. … So many things you could keep saying. I really want to sell myself.”
Posts: 21,625

04-20-2010, 10:15 AM	#32
oldandslow Veteran Join Date: Apr 2004 Casino cash: $5403149	Honestly, imo, Berry and Clausen are the only two picks at five. If both are gone, then you consider trading down. If one or both are there, the pick is made for you.
Posts: 4,567

04-20-2010, 10:22 AM	#37
KCrockaholic Sarcasm Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Olathe Casino cash: $4672900	I still don't understand when people call Berry "a safety". He is not just a safety. The guy practically played LB last year for Tennessee. He can also play CB. So he's not just "a safety". He's the most versatile player in this draft!
Posts: 21,139