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I'm curious as to why the league, and Dallas specifically, doesn't seem to value the safety position more? In my memory, we haven't picked one in the top two rounds since Roy Williams back in 2002, yet it seems that nearly every Super Bowl team in that time span boasts a stud safety on the back end. Why isn't it a higher priority? – Ben Fox/Madison, SD
Mickey: Well, you are right, it was Roy Williams in the first round in 2002. Probably one of the last times they have actually spent money on a safety, too. Which gives you an idea of position priority that likely would be somewhat like quarterback, wide receiver, defensive end, cornerback, offensive tackle, running back, linebacker, tight end, center, guard, defensive tackle. In other words, guys most likely to touch the ball or go get the ball, with exceptions. And if you go back past Williams, probably takes you to Tony Dixon in the second round of 2001 and Darren Woodson to the second round of 1992, a converted hybrid linebacker. To me, a safety must be highly regarded to draft that high unless capable of moving into the slot on the nickel to not only cover but be a willing run stopper, as Woodson did and why it's a darn shame he keeps being overlooked for Pro Football Hall of Fame induction. He was exceptional. There just is a priority on how actual money to spend on a safety.
Tommy: I think it's because a lot of teams can get away with having "average" safeties and still win games. Now with that in mind, you're absolutely right that there's been a trend of these winning teams having a dude at that specific position. Nick Emmanwori was awesome for the Seahawks in his rookie season because he fit with the scheme so well. Caleb Downs out of Ohio State has a really good chance to be the cornerstone of an NFL defense with whoever selects him here in a couple months. So while some teams may say to themselves, 'Hey, I think we're good at safety, let's use our picks/free agency money elsewhere,' if you can find a guy at the very back of your defense that fits what you do on defense, you can be in business.
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