A Chiefs fan’s guide to the NFL Draft: The Safeties
Damon Webb – Ohio State – 5’11” – 209 pounds
When I first starting researching safeties I saw several places where Ohio State’s Damon Webb was listed as a late round guy. I think that is really underselling him. I think Webb may be my second favorite pure coverage safety in this draft class behind Jessie Bates. Webb converted to safety from cornerback and it definitely shows up in his coverage sometimes. While I wouldn’t put his agility on Bates level he definitely has good reactions in coverage. Here is a play where Webb sees a play developing and picks up a receiver outside in time to prevent a touchdown.
Damon Webb is one of my favorite under the radar DBs in the class. Watch him break on this out-breaking route by DaeSean Hamilton. Doesn’t overcommit on the route fake, times his play on ball perfectly pic.twitter.com/zC9RRmmhlO
— Jon Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) March 19, 2018
What is also impressive for a converted corner was his ability to play deep like a true free safety. Check out this play where he reads the quarterback and starts to break toward his initial read but doesn’t jump on the pump fake. He then adjusts to where the quarterback goes on his second read and can get there in time to break up the pass. This is exactly the kind of coverage that the Chiefs need in Ron Parker’s old spot. Side note, if you like film breakdown guys, Ted Nguyen is a fantastic follow on Twitter (@FB_FilmAnalysis) even if he is a Raiders fan.
Damon Webb has only played safety for a couple of years (CB convert) Made some major strides in sen. year- 61 tackles, 5 INTs, 2 FR
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) March 26, 2018
Has big upside
Love how he plays so instinctively in deep zones
Some team will get a steal
Read about him & R Harrison:https://t.co/GiK4I2xzW1 pic.twitter.com/jj24X3vB2D
I think Webb is worthy of a third round pick but he’s typically mocked or predicted later than that. If the Chiefs took Webb in the fourth round I think it would be a fantastic pick. I think he would have a great chance to earn the starting free safety position as a rookie for the Chiefs and if you can get that in the fourth round I think that’s a home run of a pick.
The other mid round guy I like for the Chiefs is a small school prospect.