The 4 Rookie Safeties (1 Viewer)

[Corporation]

I've seen how they are ranked, let me know your thoughts. My dynasty league leans more toward SS (tackle heavy) but rewards big plays as well for the FS. I prefer the steadiness of tackles rather than gambles on big plays.

From a talent perspective I rank them:

1. Chung

2. Delmas

3. Moore

4. Mitchell

From an opportunity perspective I rank them:

1. Mitchell

2. Delmas

3. Moore

4. Chung

Leaves me in a quandary. I think Mitchell has the best opportunity to start at SS and the Raider SS should be a great IDP situation, however, I don't really know what to expect from him. I think Delmas has a starting job wrapped up, but will be a FS. All reports are he has looked great in camp. Moore is battling with DeCoud for a starting slot, is a great hitter but is really getting dogged on his coverage ability. Chung is probably the best of the bunch but has Merriwether sitting in front of him for now.

I guess from my own rankings, I'd pick Delmas since he averages a 2. Chung and Mitchell are a 2.5 and Moore a 3, so not a lot separating them. I could use some immediate help, but if in 2 years Chung is going to be a dominant player I could wait on him as well.

Thoughts?

 

[Warpig]

I haven't seen much of any of them. But from what I've read so far, I'd rate them as such for long term value:

1) Delmas

2) Chung

3) Moore

4) Mitchell

Sounds like Delmas is making plays all over the place so far in OTA's and Chung will probably be groomed so he won't have any pressure. Moore scares me because he's slow, had recent injuries and slumped big time his senior year. If he can't get his groove back, he may be relegated to bench work or out of the league in a few years. Similar situation with Mitchell. Though Mitchell had a stellar pro day, he came out of no where. He was one of the lowest ranked safeties coming out this year. Sounds like he's just a head hunter...but if he can't cover anyone he won't see the field much and will also be out of the league within a few years. Add to that...never trust an Al Davis pick.

 

[stevegamer]

I tend to see DB picks as guys you're hoping to get a few years out of , and then expect them to be replaced. With as much turnover as there is at the position anything can happen longer-term.

I've had pretty good success with this philosophy, and I am probably going to grab one of these guys as my #6 DB. I lean towards Delmas or Chung.

 

[massraider]

There's a guy named Tyvon Branch on the Raiders, who impressed last year and got injured.

Mitchell might very well start the season on the bench.

 

[awesomeness]

I haven't seen much of any of them. But from what I've read so far, I'd rate them as such for long term value:

1) Delmas

2) Chung

3) Moore

4) Mitchell

Sounds like Delmas is making plays all over the place so far in OTA's and Chung will probably be groomed so he won't have any pressure. Moore scares me because he's slow, had recent injuries and slumped big time his senior year. If he can't get his groove back, he may be relegated to bench work or out of the league in a few years. Similar situation with Mitchell. Though Mitchell had a stellar pro day, he came out of no where. He was one of the lowest ranked safeties coming out this year. Sounds like he's just a head hunter...but if he can't cover anyone he won't see the field much and will also be out of the league within a few years. Add to that...never trust an Al Davis pick.

Saying you don't like Moore because of recent injuries or a poor senior year are valid reasons, but saying that you don't like him because he's slow isn't really. At the combine Moore ran a 4.51, which is literally identical to what Patrick Chung ran and essentially identical to what Delmas ran (4.50).

 

[Warpig]

I haven't seen much of any of them. But from what I've read so far, I'd rate them as such for long term value:

1) Delmas

2) Chung

3) Moore

4) Mitchell

Sounds like Delmas is making plays all over the place so far in OTA's and Chung will probably be groomed so he won't have any pressure. Moore scares me because he's slow, had recent injuries and slumped big time his senior year. If he can't get his groove back, he may be relegated to bench work or out of the league in a few years. Similar situation with Mitchell. Though Mitchell had a stellar pro day, he came out of no where. He was one of the lowest ranked safeties coming out this year. Sounds like he's just a head hunter...but if he can't cover anyone he won't see the field much and will also be out of the league within a few years. Add to that...never trust an Al Davis pick.

Saying you don't like Moore because of recent injuries or a poor senior year are valid reasons, but saying that you don't like him because he's slow isn't really. At the combine Moore ran a 4.51, which is literally identical to what Patrick Chung ran and essentially identical to what Delmas ran (4.50).

Combine speed and football speed are two different beasts. I live in Missouri and get to see a lot of Missouri games. Mizzou had one of the worst passing defenses in the NCAA last year. Sure...he's an in the box type of safety, but like I said, if he can't cover in the passing game he'll have a hard time seeing the field in the NFL.

 

[bcr8f]

Lions' Louis Delmas: 'I have a lot of proving to do'

by Howie Beardsley | The Grand Rapids Press

Monday June 08, 2009, 2:10 PM

Louis Delmas

JENISON -- Detroit Lions rookie safety Louis Delmas was asked by a young participant during Monday's Lions Youth Camp at Jenison Junior High School how many times he wants to be an all-pro performer.

"If I play 15 seasons in the NFL, I want to be all-pro 15 times,'' said the former Western Michigan University standout.

Delmas answered the child's question with a straight face.

It is that serious attitude and dedication to his new profession as a National Football League rookie defensive back that has made Delmas a confident, and studious, 23-year-old from Miami.

Delmas is proud to announce that, since being the 33rd overall pick in the April 25 NFL draft, he has already learned the Lions' defensive play book. And then some.

"I have the playbook down,'' he said. "It was hard, but it takes total dedication.

"I go back to my room and put each practice in my playscript. I watch a play and throw another formation and defensive play in. I want to, I have to, learn the insides and the outs.''

He already has impressed the Detroit coaches at offseason drills, and while being considered the top safety in the draft.

But Delmas certainly isn't living on his past achievements.

"Being the first safety picked, the 33rd overall draft pick and a second-round pick has crossed my mind a few times,'' he said. "But, now, I'm here. All that stuff has gone out the window. Now, I have to perform, just like every other player. I'm practicing with six other Lions safeties who are just as good as me.

"I have a lot of proving to do. I've had a great couple of practices, but I still have to come back for minicamp and continue to prove myself, because I plan on being successful.''

His biggest adjustment as a highly-touted rookie? Take your pick.

"It's been fast. Like a blur,'' Delmas said. "Just taking in all the plays, information and all the coaching that has been thrown my way. It's an adjustment, and I'm doing fairly well at it.''

As for his biggest learning experience since becoming a member of the Lions organization, it is simply standing on his own two feet without assistance.

"Basically, you're now on your own,'' Delmas said. "Growing up through college and high school, I had people in my corner telling me to do this and that. Now, whatever decisions you make, you have to stick with them. If it's a wrong decision, you have to fight your way out. If it's a right decision, you have to be able to stick with it and be dedicated.''

The most important question Delmas was asked if what he brings to a program that hit rock bottom last season while becoming the first franchise in NFL history to go 0-16.

"Just do what I've been doing,'' he replied. "Coming in with my positive and aggressive attitude. Use my hard work and stay dedicated to being the best safety I can be. And as long as I do that, the team is going to follow.''

E-mail Howie Beardsley: hbeardsley@grpress.com