Dallas Draft Preview: Louis Delmas

Delmas, considered one of the top two safeties in the draft has been aptly described as a better football player than an athlete.

 

At six-foot and around 200 pounds, Delmas relies heavily on his football instincts, which seem to be pretty sharp. He is good in coverage, reliable enough, at least, to stay with a tight end in man to man coverage.

 

Considerably promising for Dallas’ concerns, Delmas is a deft run stopper who has also shown an above average ability to “stay home” on assignments. Delmas makes up for a somewhat lackluster 40 time (4.55 at the Combine) with his instincts, and he has proven to be adept at closing on the play.

 

Due to his size and strength, Delmas won’t be often seen delivering the big hit around the line of scrimmage, or in the fray, though he is a promising tackler otherwise, with the capacity to occasionally deliver a big hit elsewhere on the field.

 

Numerous concerns have arisen concerning Delmas’ physical ability, as well as an aggressive style of play that can lead to over-pursuit. This, in turn, has precipitated questions concerning his tackling ability.

 

Delmas was a four-year starter for Western Michigan, and a three-time all-MAC conference safety (twice on second team, once on first).

 

A true ballhawk, Delmas recorded 12 interceptions in 45 games for the Broncos.

 

Delmas also recorded 310 tackles in that span.

 

Despite the aforementioned concerns, Delmas may be the most well-rounded safety in the 2009 class. He is slated to go in the early to mid-second round, though there is a chance he could be picked as early as the late-first.

 

If he lasts long enough (kind of a big ‘if’), the Cowboys could steal him with the 51^st overall pick.

 

Tomorrow, we give a nod to the unpredictability of the NFL Draft, by looking at some of the less publicized players in whom Dallas has shown an interest.