DRAFT: 'Boys Check on Top Safety
By Roy Philpott
TheRanchReport.com
Posted Mar 12, 2007
Considering the Cowboys have selected a defensive player every year since 1997 with their first round pick, it stands to reason there will be a good chance it could happen again this year.
And leading the way, in terms of who could help the Cowboys the most, is Florida safety Reggie Nelson.
The Cowboys were one of many teams onhand for Florida's Pro Day last week and certainly they came away impressed.
After disappointing results at the combine, Nelson lit it up Wednesday, running almost two-tenths faster in his 40, clocking in the low 4.3-second range. He also looked spectacular in drills and will now battle to be the second safety chosen in April.
For the Cowboys, Nelson appears to be a perfect fit.
With decent size, excellent speed and terrific cover skills, the former Florida Gator would be ideal in complimenting the hard-hitting Roy Williams at strong safety.
Dallas has been burned in the downfield passing game in recent years due to Williams playing close to the line of scrimmage, not to mention poor coverage from the free safety position.
The Cowboys drafted Florida State's Patrick Watkins in the fifth round of last year's draft, but Watkins was largely inconsistent and may be best suited for a reserve role. In addition, one time starter Keith Davis is more in the mold of Williams as opposed to a free safety with coverage skills.
The Cowboys are also considering moving Anthony Henry from cornerback to free safety if no help is added either in the draft or free agency.
Aside from the Cowboys, New England and Jacksonville have also shown considerable interest in Nelson.
Nelson finished his junior season with the Gators by recording 51 total tackles, including two for loss, six interceptions and two blocked kicks.
Scout.com currently ranks Nelson as the No. 2 safety and the No. 19 overall
TheRanchReport.com
Posted Mar 12, 2007
Considering the Cowboys have selected a defensive player every year since 1997 with their first round pick, it stands to reason there will be a good chance it could happen again this year.
And leading the way, in terms of who could help the Cowboys the most, is Florida safety Reggie Nelson.
The Cowboys were one of many teams onhand for Florida's Pro Day last week and certainly they came away impressed.
After disappointing results at the combine, Nelson lit it up Wednesday, running almost two-tenths faster in his 40, clocking in the low 4.3-second range. He also looked spectacular in drills and will now battle to be the second safety chosen in April.
For the Cowboys, Nelson appears to be a perfect fit.
With decent size, excellent speed and terrific cover skills, the former Florida Gator would be ideal in complimenting the hard-hitting Roy Williams at strong safety.
Dallas has been burned in the downfield passing game in recent years due to Williams playing close to the line of scrimmage, not to mention poor coverage from the free safety position.
The Cowboys drafted Florida State's Patrick Watkins in the fifth round of last year's draft, but Watkins was largely inconsistent and may be best suited for a reserve role. In addition, one time starter Keith Davis is more in the mold of Williams as opposed to a free safety with coverage skills.
The Cowboys are also considering moving Anthony Henry from cornerback to free safety if no help is added either in the draft or free agency.
Aside from the Cowboys, New England and Jacksonville have also shown considerable interest in Nelson.
Nelson finished his junior season with the Gators by recording 51 total tackles, including two for loss, six interceptions and two blocked kicks.
Scout.com currently ranks Nelson as the No. 2 safety and the No. 19 overall
posted by The Gryphon at 7:14 PM
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