Dallas Cowboys Draft: 7 Different Safeties in 7 Different Rounds

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 01: Defensive back Jeremy Chinn of Southern Illinois runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 29, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Jeremy Chinn, Southern Illinois

Round Grade: 3rd

Value: Reach

Chinn was probably not the small-school safety you envisioned to be here, but considering the Cowboys don’t often select small school athletes, it really wouldn’t matter all that much.

If you were interested in the math, California safety Ashtyn Davis was available on 70 percent of the trials I ran and Lenior-Rhyne safety Kyle Dugger was available on 80 percent. Chinn was available on every trial.

Chinn is an intriguing prospect nonetheless. He possesses a great combination of size and speed as he ran a 4.46 40-yard dash standing at 6-foot-3 and 221 pounds. That is a thick dude running really fast.

Generally speaking, he is also an extremely explosive athlete. Chinn recorded a 41 inch vertical jump and a 138 inch broad jump at the combine, which are in fact vert good numbers.

So outside of his earth-shattering athleticism what does the Saluki provide? Chinn possesses good ball skills as a deep safety. Playing in a two deep safety system, Chinn had ample opportunity to make plays on the ball in the defensive backfield and he did grabbing 13 interceptions and defending 31 passes in his four-year career in Carbondale, Illinois.

Chinn also did play near the line of scrimmage posing as a middle linebacker. At these times he would spot drop and cover any short routes through the middle of the field. Chinn plays with a lot of range that is useful in any part of the field.

In man coverage, Chinn could refine his technique. He doesn’t always trust his eyes or his athleticism and it results in him getting too handsy. This was against FCS talent so the same would be expected at the professional level where everything seems to be more magnified.

Chinn would be a great addition to the team. Even though I slapped a third round grade on him, selecting him in the second would mean the team believes they could help him reach his potential much quicker than I expect.

Of course this still wouldn’t happen if the team is very particular about where they draft their talent.

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