Sadly, you're probably correct. Finding an upgrade to Heath at SS doesn't require a 2nd, 3rd or even 4th rd pick. That's my contention. If you're spending a 2nd rd pick, it better be for a legit FS prospect or a prototype SS (a Landon Collins-type...which I think Abram is). If they take a "versatile safety" like Rapp, I'll probably be an unhappy panda. I think he's overrated, doesn't pack the punch for a SS but also doesn't have the speed/range for a FS. He's got versatility, grit and instincts, but as an athlete at the NFL level, I see a Manti Te'o of safeties with that kid.
I love really good safety play and I feel like a very good SS who is smart, takes good angles (something Dallas has lacked for years) and is a really good tackler can very much help the Dallas defense. I think Abram could do everything you’d want out of a SS and would make a big difference in the defense.
Abram’s alpha dog mentality and his excitement out on the field is contagious to the rest of the defense, and frankly, is something the Dallas defense could use more of. I love him for Dallas.
I would like an elite, playmaking FS but Dallas isn’t getting someone like that in this draft... particularly without a first round pick.
As for Rapp... I probably like him more than most. He’s one of the better tacklers you’ll ever see at Safety and while his 40 time is pedestrian, his 3-cone was the fastest of all safety prospects at the combine and his shuttle time was the third fastest. He’s got athleticism. It’s just his long speed that isn’t good.
His movement skills are really good and you combine that with his superior instincts and feel for the position, and it is easy to see why he looked so good playing the game at Washington. The guy is just a football player, and a really smart, tough one at that.
Having said all of that, it does concern me some that he timed in the 4.7’s in the 40.
If he ends up in Dallas, I’d be fine with it... but I like Abram better and really would like for him to be the pick.
