Pick 11: Caleb Downs SAFETY

Simpleton said:
To be honest with the way the game is played now a guy who can play multiple roles closer to the LOS like Hamilton is more impactful nowadays than a true rangy centerfielder like Reed from 20 years ago.

Obviously a player like that is still very valuable, and I think Thieneman fit that mold well, but these DB's who can play as sort of a hybrid slot/LB is more critical in today's game.

That may shift again in 5 years, and I think Downs can play centerfield too, but Reed's style isn't exactly the archetype right now.
Click to expand...

Yeah plus you need to be at or near the top skill-wise for that style of safety to make game changing impact. Otherwise you normally have a guy that you hope doesn’t give up big pass plays and that’s it.

I think I was guilty at first of using that old school mentality when discussing Downs. But in theory, if he’s all he’s said to be, he’s going to be way more impactful in different areas of our defense.
 
Simpleton said:
To be honest with the way the game is played now a guy who can play multiple roles closer to the LOS like Hamilton is more impactful nowadays than a true rangy centerfielder like Reed from 20 years ago.

Obviously a player like that is still very valuable, and I think Thieneman fit that mold well, but these DB's who can play as sort of a hybrid slot/LB is more critical in today's game.

That may shift again in 5 years, and I think Downs can play centerfield too, but Reed's style isn't exactly the archetype right now.
Click to expand...
Well QBs just don’t throw interceptions anymore. But I think being able to be a rangy center fielder who excels in coverage will be critical to being an elite safety still, you just have to do both. And I think Downs can.
 
Just going back and watching Downs a little more closely since I didn't bother doing it in the lead up to the draft since I didn't think we'd actually get him, but go to 1:09 in this video.

Screen to Tyler Warren, a guy known for his run after the catch ability, outweighs Downs by about 40-50 lbs., Pro Bowler as a rookie, might've been the offensive ROY if Jones hadn't gotten hurt.

That's a 1-on-1 open field tackle with absolutely nothing between Warren and a first down on 3rd and 9 except Downs, and he wraps him up immediately with a perfect form tackle.

 
Cowboysrock55 said:
He isn't going to be a returner but what I love in watching these is it just tells you what an awesome athlete he actually is. You can't do those things and not be a great athlete.

You know who else was an awesome return guy in college that our DC was very familiar with? Cooper DeJean.
Click to expand...

Yea he didn't run a 40 but based on those returns you have to think he's at least mid to high 4.4's.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom