Chiefs draft: Secondary preview
By Ben Almquist
Jeremy Cash – Duke
Scout’s View: Cash plays a roving, hybrid linebacker/slot corner/safety position that is called the “strike safety” in Duke’s system. In other words, he’s expected to be able to make plays in the box, and he does just that. He had 111 [tackles] last year, and the one-time Ohio State Buckeye who transferred to Duke is in line for a big senior season. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound senior has logged 232 tackles, 20 TFL, 5.5 sacks, six interceptions, 11 pass breakups, seven QB pressures, six forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries across 27 career games. Cash was the only DB in the country last year to collect 100-plus tackles, 10-plus TFL and 5-plus sacks. ~ Mel Kiper (ESPN)
Top Comparison: TJ Ward – Denver Broncos ~ Lance Zierlein (NFL.com)
My Take: If the Chiefs are looking for a guy who fits into that third safety role, you’re not going to find a much better fit than Jeremy Cash. He’s the ideal short area defender that can be used against both the run and the past. He’s a legit playmaker who will have to be accounted for by opposing offenses when he steps on the field, which means one of the normal starters will get less attention and have a better opportunity to make a play. There is a big time advantage in having a guy like that.
He’s got the perfect size and skill set for the Chiefs secondary and could fill an important hole immediately. If he’s available when KC picks in the second round, he would be a tough player to pass up. Most importantly, he could lock down that third safety role for the long-term. And with how often the Chiefs use that look, a second round pick is not a terrible investment for the value.
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