Let's talk about safeties

[davos]

We're two days away from the draft...hot damn, it's almost here.

A random thing I'll note about this whole draft season is that IMO, the one glaring hole (even to the casual fan) on the entire squad right now (offense, defense, & ST) is strong safety, yet there is minimal talk about how awesome this safety class could be with Karl Joseph, Keanu Neal, Vonn Bell, Jeremy Cash, TJ Green, Darian Thompson, Kearse, Miles Killebrew, Houston-Carson, Frazier, etc. I didn't even have to mention Cravens, well now I just did. 

So my question is, where do you see us grabbing one if we do in the draft?  I know a lot of people have mocked/heard about Cravens being a round 2 target but we have also met with Cash, Killebrew, Thompson, Kearse, Byard, & Bell and who's to say we're not interested in the non-reported.  Thanks: @Ken

I may sound a little naive but I look at this squad and the hole to fill at safety is the most distinguishable where even a 4th round pick could end up getting significant playing time early on barring us signing a FA post-draft.  That's why I think whoever we select at the spot (regardless of when in the draft) is HUGE.  We may be able to snag a long term solution this draft at SS. 

So..who do you think could blossom here out of the group minus Cravens?  Any favorites? Jeremy Cash, Darian Thompson and Kavon Frazier are mine in this glorious J-No and Derrick Henry riddled draft twilight.  How about you? 

Safety prospects tend to always become my favorite.  One of these guys could easily become a pro-bowler in our defense IMHO. 

 

[The Lobo]

Cravens or the kid from WVU would be huge in the second.

[davos]

5 minutes ago, The Lobo said:

Cravens or the kid from WVU would be huge in the second.

Karl Joseph definitely seems to fit the Panthers' culture from what I've seen and read; he has mad tenacity as well.  Though...I personally think Jeremy Cash and Kavon Frazier fit this defense to a tee. 

I've seen multiple reports of an unnamed NFC South scout talking about Kavon.  Here's one:

Quote

...of Central Michigan S Kavon Frazier, an an NFC South scout says "I really like his potential because he's a big athlete who will hit you and immediately brings special teams value to the table."
Frazier was an All-MAC second-teamer last season after posting 108 tackles and 4.5 TFL. NFL Media's Lance Zierlein compares him to Barry Church. "Frazier will immediately appeal to teams who value the eye test as he's big, physical and athletic, but his true draft value could lie in a team's willingness to buy into him as a functional safety in coverage," Zierlein wrote. "Frazier's ability to support against the run and contribute immediately on special teams should lead to a [Rds. 4-7] selection and an early backup role with a chance to compete for a starting spot down the road."

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/playerbreakingnews.asp?sport=CFB&id=136031&line=55171&spln=1

[Toker Smurf]

With the little bit of research I've done, I like Cash. I have been wondering about Gettleman saying, that losing Josh wouldn't affect our draft. We do know that they use a board that is both vertical and horizontal. I just wonder if losing Josh, had any affect on the horizontal piece. If they take need into account, it could shift the board in that way. If so, could that affect how we have safeties positioned on the board (horizontally, for tiebreakers), since they work in tandem with the CBs.

[Kuhndog94]

You'll all be thinking Joseph after watching this. He is a beast. 

[davos]

This guy is just sooo stellar against the run.  If we're looking at safeties, I'd covet him over Cravens.  ACC DPOtY for a reason. 

[SOJA]

What worries about Joseph is he reminds me of Bob Sanders. I know that's bad evidence but I could see him being an absolute stud that's career is cut short by injuries 

[Kuhndog94]

If Joseph isn't there and we are picking a safety, I'd say Cash. 

[LinvilleGorge]

SS is the glaring hole on defense?  I disagree.  I think it's a second outside CB.  Boykin is a nickelback.  I feel a lot better about a safety pairing of Coleman and Boston than I do about any current CB we have to put opposite Bene.  Not saying we couldn't upgrade the SS position, but to me outside CB is the far bigger hole currently.

[LinvilleGorge]

Miles Killebrew is a mid-round guy who I like.

[Soul Rebel]

I'll take Keanu please. I like Joseph and Cash, but Neal is the player I want of all the SAF class.

 

[PandaPancake]

Secondary talk? Since we've only drafted one in Gettleman's reign this seems like a great topic.

[davos]

Just now, LinvilleGorge said:

SS is the glaring hole on defense?  I disagree.  I think it's a second outside CB.  Boykin is a nickelback.  I feel a lot better about a safety pairing of Coleman and Boston than I do about any current CB we have to put opposite Bene.  Not saying we couldn't upgrade the SS position, but to me outside CB is the far bigger hole currently.

I mean going into the offseason yes.  With Norman gone, we most definitely need an outside CB but safety has been irking me for like 3+ years running now.  Tartt was my pipe dream last year Rd2 and it sounds like we've had some on our radar in the past but we just weren't in position for a few times per post-draft news.  I think it finally happens this year and Ron finds his SS. 

[davos]

2 minutes ago, PandaPancake said:

Secondary talk? Since we've only drafted one in Gettleman's reign this seems like a great topic.

Great contribution as usual.