NFL

Scouting the NFL Draft: Fits at Safety

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Safety is arguably the biggest immediate need for a Cowboys defense that needs to create more turnovers to be effective. They should spend one of their top 40 picks on the position, but there are a few options later if they don't:

Jeremy Cash, Duke
Ht. 6'0", Wt. 212, Arm: 32 ⅜", Hand: 10", Bench: -
40 yd: -, 10 yd.: -, 3 Cone: -, Vertical: -, Broad: -

Cash originally signed with Ohio State, where he played five games as a freshman in 2011. He then transferred to Duke and became the Blue Devils most decorated defender, thrice earning All-America honors and being named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2015.

• Pros: Instincts, physical, run defense, closing speed, efficient feet, zone coverage
• Cons: Struggles with bigger blockers, stiff hips, injury, man coverage

Cash played mostly WILL linebacker and nickel corner for Duke, doing everything from blitzing to covering slot receiers. He's at his best in the box with the play in front of him, and could play a Deone Bucannon-like role for the Cowboys.

Verdict: Round 3

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Miles Killebrew, Southern Utah
Ht. 6'2", Wt. 219, Arm: 31 ⅜", Hand: 9 ¼", Bench: 22
40 yd: 4.65, 10 yd.: 1.66, 3 Cone: 6.93, Vertical: 38", Broad: 10'7"

Killebrew started all four years for the Thunderbirds, earning all-conference honors each season. He mixed time in the box and a single-high role, giving him appealing blend of skills.

• Pros: Size, athleticism, aggressive, efficient backpedal, big hitter, disciplined,
• Cons: Tackling, instincts, physicality

Killebrew doesn't play run as well as Cash, but he's more of a true safety with higher potential in coverage. He played both safety positions in college, but his future in the NFL is as a strong safety and nickel linebacker.

Verdict: Round 3

DeAndre Houston-Carson, William & Mary
Ht. 6'1", Wt. 201, Arm: 30 18", Hand: 9 18", Bench: 13
40 yd: 4.54, 10 yd.: 1.56, 3 Cone: 7.15, Vertical: 32.5", Broad: 9'7"

After spending three years as an all-conference cornerback, Houston-Carson switched to free safety and earned FCS All-America honors.

• Pros: Speed, efficient feet, fluid hips, ballhawk, elusive, coverage
• Cons: Poor angles, strength, physicality, experience, competition

Houston-Carson blends the coverage skills of a cornerback with the nose for the ball of a safety. With a little added strength and experience, he could play either safety role for the Cowboys.

Verdict: Round 4

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