My case for a 1st-round safety...Jimmy Williams
 

Not 1st day. 1st ROUND. And specifically, Jimmy Williams.

Exhibit 1: The San Diego Chargers

Despite the drafting of all-world DRoY Shawne Merriman, the Chargers were still bottom-5 in the league in nearly every pass defense category.

Exhibit 2: Kendrell Bell

Former all-world DRoY just like Shawne Merriman. Suffered last year for whatever reason, but was obviously not used correctly. This year, he's slated to play down on the line, much like Thomas used to. Whether or not he's the answer remains to be seen, but his production prior to KC (when he was used correctly and healthy) is far superior to anyone we have on the team currently.

Exhibit 3: The top 10 defenses in the league.

Out the top 10 defenses in the league, 6 had 1st-round S's starting for them. Only 4 of them had somebody with double-digit sacks. And only 4 of them were in the top 10 in sacks. 4 of them were actually in the bottom half in sacks.

Exhibit 4: http://www.footballoutsiders.com/print/3828/

If you actually read the section "Early Round Peak" and see what they say about safeties, you'll see that it's not saying what many of you thought at all. First, they're looking at STARTERS, not studs. And they're looking at safeties EVEN if they've moved to other positions, like CB (their example: Troy Vincent). Taking that into account, their list includes both GREG WESLEY and WILLIAM BARTEE "so the freakishly talented athletes are rare at this position"

You make a strong case.

I'm fine with the pick if he's there but if he's not who do you like in the 2nd round?

I'm not sure I'd take a safety in the 2nd round.

If Williams is gone, I'd look to take Lawson in the 1st and a CB in the 2nd.

If Williams and Lawson are both gone, I'd probably trade down.

If Williams is there and we take him, I'd target Tapp in the 2nd.

I can live with that.

But if we trade down what position would you target? Hali or a different CB?

Depends on how far we traded down. If we could get into the 28-32 range, I'd probably look at Hali.

I agree with that. If it's only a few spots, I'd still look at CBs or Holmes is he's still there.

I still have this damn idea from Coogs in my head, that the Jets might want to jump in front of the Pats. We give 20+54 for 29+35, and perhaps hold our 4th round pick for ransom, and regain that as well. We could get Hali and a good CB/S prospect with 29/35.

I am on the Williams bandwagon. If Williams is gone I wouldnt mind trading down and getting Allen. Then grab Jennings or Tapp in the 2nd.

If Allen slips that far, it probably means his hip problem is worse than thought. Right now, Allen is a guy I would avoid.

I'm fine with taking J-Will in the 1st, but what if the Chiefs draft him as a CB rather than a safety? Is he still going to be the slam dunk pick for you?

Also, I don't understand why people would want Tapp with our scheme. What position do you guys expect him to play for us? He's not big or fast enough for DE in a 4-3, are you wanting him to play OLB? He just seems like the classic case of a great college player who's game doesn't translate well to the pros.

1st round safety ......... not gonna happen

Tapp was 6'2" and 262 pounds at the combine. He's definitely big enough.

He doesn't have the flashy workout numbers, but the guy just flat-out performed in college.

And I'm OK with Williams as a CB, although if we're gonna go CB I'd rather go with a true CB...

Probably not. The Chiefs aren't smart enough to make the move.

Eh, I really don't know if his combination of size and speed is big enough to play as DE in a 4-3. He is a bit undersized for standard DE measurables, but that would be okay if he was explosive and fast. But he really isn't that fast, he ran a 4.8 in his 40 at the combine. Undersized and slow isn't a good combination in my book.

I could absolutely not care less about 40 times for linemen.