IDP Spotlight: Which rookie safety will make the biggest impact in 2009?

  Posted 8/19 by IDP Staff - Exclusive to Footballguys.com

Quotes from the IDP Spotlight Message Threads

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S William Moore, Atlanta Falcons

Jene Bramel:
"At this point, given the indications from New England that Chung is likely to be groomed for a season before assuming a larger defensive role, this is a three man competition.

While I like Delmas, I'm not sure he has the upside at FS that Moore and Mitchell have at SS. Michael Griffin has been productive in a Jim Schwartz defense, but that production has been heavily big play related. There will be more tackle opportunity for Delmas, but it's hard to count on similar big play numbers. Mitchell is extremely intriguing as a hitter likely to earn playing time early with plenty of tackle opportunity. Ignore the fuss over his selection in the second round and look at the bigger picture. But I still favor Moore out of this group. The position has been productive and Moore has the talent to match what Lawyer Milloy has done in recent seasons. I'm not buying into the Thomas DeCoud at SS rumors. I think Moore starts opening weekend and sticks."

Sigmund Bloom:
"Moore played like a franchise safety in 2007, and then he got posterized by deep throws way too often in 2008. He's an instinctive player who blows up receivers who come into his zone with a ballhawk mentality, but sometimes he looks like a linebacker miscast in the secondary. Has top-5 DB potential in dynasty leagues, but he'll need to beat out Thomas DeCoud for a starting spot this year. Compares to a player like Roy Williams, meaning he's a big hitter who struggles in coverage."

massraider:
"I chose William Moore. It comes down to Delmas and Moore for me, as I think Chung and Mitchell have more competition for a starting job, and I think Delmas will play more of a FS role, and see less tackles. Safeties led the Falcons in tackles last year, as Coleman and Milloy were 1-2 for ATL."

treat88:
"I think for the 2009 season William Moore is easily in the best position to produce. With his only competition for the SS job being Thomas DeCoud, he is almost assured to start, if not from Day 1 then quickly thereafter.

The same can be said for Mitchell, however those who expect him to replicate Wilson's numbers from 08 may want to take a closer look at the changing DC situation. Plus, Tyvon Branch may be more competition than is generally expected. Delmas will play more of a center field role. Chung may be a 3rd safety for a significant chunk of the season.

Due to a stable defensive coaching staff and being an in the box SS Moore seems like the safest possible choice. For dynasty purposes Chip Vaughn would be a close second to me."

MAC_32:
"Moore's the safe pick, his risk is centered around a potential Roy Williams syndrome. Delmas has big play potential and if he doesn't win a starting job given his competition something's wrong. I think he may be the most inconsistent of the four though. Mitchell's the riskiest as he is a big unknown on the field, but I also think he has the highest ceiling.

Playing time and a dominating offense may be issues for Chung, but I think he's the most talented of the four. I would think he'd get a bump in return yardage leagues based on his skillset but I haven't read anything to lead me to believe he'll be on those units.

For this season I'm deciding between Moore and Mitchell and taking the one that better fits my team (Mitchell - if I'm deep and can take a chance, Moore - if I need someone I probably have to rely on)"

The Man With No Name:
"Kevin Ellison has a good chance to start at strong safety in San Diego. Wouldn't be surprised if he is the #2 rookie safety behind Moore."

therokie0070:
"Moore then Mitchell and last but not least Delmas."

FUBAR:
"If we're talking about on the field impact, I think Delmas will be a force. But I don't want to count on him in FF. I'll take Mitchell actually."

S Louis Delmas, Detroit Lions

Aaron Rudnicki:
"While players like Moore, Chung, and Mitchell all have higher upside because they are competing for a starting strong safety spot on their respective teams, Delmas should outperform all of them this year. He seems certain to start from the beginning and he is a better player in coverage than the other two so the team will be able to keep him on the field in all situations."

Sigmund Bloom:
"The Lions landed the best two way safety in the draft. Delmas loves to throw his body around to make big hits, but he's also athletic enough to cover the deep middle. There is some question about his level of competition in the MAC and whether his somewhat slight frame will hold up under the punishment of his physical playing style. He should start right away at free safety so he's probably the safest choice, although he doesn't have the upside that Moore does in Atlanta. Compares to a player like Michael Griffin in Tennessee."

bcr8f:
"I like Delmas even though Moore is a safer pick. He's all over the field making plays in camp and I think that will continue when the season starts."

flintpanthers:
"A little update on Delmas. He will be playing corner in the nickel package ala Madieu Williams. This guy will be on the field a ton. And if they pick on rookie corners, then they will almost for sure go at a rookie safety lined up as corner. I think we get four solid safeties from the draft this year. Moore, Mitchell, Delmas, and Chung. Some may not start right out, but in 2010 all these guys will be fantasy worthy. Pick for this year is Delmas."

S Michael Mitchell, Oakland Raiders

Sigmund Bloom:
"The Raiders second pick inspired even more laughter than their first. Mitchell is a destructive force who put up fantastic numbers at his pro day, but he's largely unproven and most expected him to go in the late rounds, not the second. He is a high risk, high reward option who could put up big numbers this year if he beats out Tyvon Branch for the starting SS job in Oakland. Compares to a player like Bernard Pollard."

RavensUNFL:
"I think Mitchell will be the #1 scoring rookie safety as I think the Raiders will be playing him regardless, unless he absolutely sucks. The updates from camp I have read so far did not sound like that was the case.

Moore was a complete liability in the passing game in college, and it is very unlikely he improves that in the pros. As someone else stated, I think regardless of what kind of tackler you are if you can't cover anyone (see: Roy Williams) you will not be starting. Moore was also hurt and had minor surgery which could set him back several weeks."

S Patrick Chung, New England Patriots

Sigmund Bloom:
"Chung is a classic intimidator who punishes wide receivers and running backs alike. He's at his best playing downhill versus the pass and lining up in the box against the run. He can be exposed if he's left on an island in deep coverage though. Unfortunately, Chung will probably begin his career as a situational player in 2009, but look for him to eventually become the long-term replacement for Rodney Harrison in New England."

Projections

William Moore, Atlanta Falcons

Louis Delmas, Detroit Lions

Michael Mitchell, Oakland Raiders

Patrick Chung, New England Patriots

IDP Scoring System

• 1.5 pts per Solo Tackle
• 0.75 pts per Assisted Tackle
• 4 pts per Sack
• 4 pts per Forced Fumble
• 4 pts per Fumble Recovery
• 5 pts per Interception
• 1.5 pts per Pass Defensed
• 6 pts per Touchdown
• 2 pts per Safety