DRAFTED: 2010, 5th round
COLLEGE: Virginia Tech
POSITION: Strong Safety
HEIGHT: 6’3″
WEIGHT: 232 lbs
AGE: 23
They don’t make ’em like Kam Chancellor. The heaviest safety in the NFL was All-Pro Adrian Wilson of the Arizona Cardinals, weighing in at 230 lbs. The operative word in that sentence is “was.” At 6’3″, 232 lbs, Chancellor powers onto the NFL safety landscape with linebacker size. Take a look through recent NFL history, and you will find players like Roy Williams (6’0″, 225 lbs), Jarrad Page (6’0″, 225 lbs) and Wilson who have all had success as the strongest of the strong safeties. Go back to some of the all-time heaviest hitters at the safety position, and you find guys like Lawyer Milloy (6’0″, 210 lbs), Kenny Easley (6’3″ 206 lbs), Ronnie Lott (6’0″ 203 lbs), John Lynch (6’2″, 220 lbs), Steve Atwater (6’3″, 220 lbs), and Jack Tatum (5’10”, 200 lbs). Nobody was taller or heavier than Chancellor.
That could prove to be a good thing or a bad thing. Chancellor’s unique stature could slide him right along side of Wilson as the most intimidating safety in the NFL. It may also put him next to guys like Williams who eventually got exposed in coverage. The risk seems lower given the way Pete Carroll and defensive coordinator Gus Bradley will use him. Chancellor’s job will be to support against the run, blitz on occasion, and strongly encourage opponents to avoid the middle of the field. If he can remain aggressive, and play moving forwards instead of sideways, he should have an immediate impact on the Seahawks defense.