Point/Counterpoint - DeAngelo Hall

As you might’ve heard, recent rumors surrounding DeAngelo Hall have placed the Falcons’ cornerback on the trading block. The Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly interested, and with the trade deadline looming, it’s only fair to consider the options. Would Hall be a good fit in Kansas City, or should Herm Edwards stay away? Warpaint Illustrated’s Mike Nugent and C.E. Wendler weigh the pros and cons.

MIKE NUGENT

Could the Chiefs use a top flight cornerback like DeAngelo Hall? Is that a trick question?

Naturally, the first instinct is to question why the Chiefs would need a cover corner in a Cover 2 system? With safety help, the perimeter players don’t necessarily have to be strong cover guys, they have to tackle. In fact, physicality is the number one characteristic needed in a Cover 2 system.

Hall would give the Chiefs the best of both worlds, a talented cover guy with the ability and desire to come up and hit opposing wide receivers.

Not to mention that he’s a big time player. Hall’s a Pro Bowler, and the winner of an NFL’s fastest man competition he wasn’t even scheduled to participate in. According to the story, Hall was supposed to be a spectator, but heard someone say he was scared and decided to warm up and run on the spot.

The Chiefs could use a player with that sort of big-time ability and confidence. He’s gone up against the NFL’s best receivers, like Terrell Owens and Chad Johnson, and come out on top. Hall’s not the biggest guy around, but he plays much bigger than his physical stature.

As far as his attitude issues, Chiefs head coach Herm Edwards could get to Hall and bring him in line with the rest of the team. Edwards is a former defensive back himself, and understands how to communicate with Hall. It appears that Hall’s recent outbursts and trade demands are the result of his frustrations with his current team situation (the Falcons are 1-4). True, it’s not an excuse, but it’s got to be frustrating going from a contender in the division, and a quarterback indictment later, being one of the worst teams in the NFL.

With the Chiefs’ immediate cornerback future being up in the air, acquiring Hall would be a huge step in shoring up the position, and guaranteeing at least one side of the field for years to come (he’s only 24).

C.E. WENDLER

I’ve been against this move since the moment I heard about it. This is just too simple if you’re a Chiefs fan, and really, should be even simpler if you’re Carl Peterson or Herm Edwards. If there’s one thing this team doesn’t need, it’s another overpriced cornerback.

The Chiefs just got done giving gargantuan contracts to Ty Law and Patrick Surtain. Haven’t they learned anything? Law was a liability last year, was recently picked on by Jaguars quarterback David Garrard, and can’t consistently cover most receivers one-on-one anymore.

Surtain was given a massive $50 million deal in 2005, including a $14 million bonus, and what has he given the Chiefs in return? Five interceptions in 37 starts. That’s not even close to being a worthwhile return on Carl’s investment. Cornerbacks making that kind of bank are supposed to make plays.

And you know DeAngelo Hall is going to command a similar salary. But forget the money issue. The Falcons want a first-round draft pick? That’s highway robbery for a player whose admittedly prolific talents will be underused in a Cover 2 defensive scheme. It’s been said many times before, but bears repetition – you don’t need All-Pro cornerbacks in this scheme.

You need smart players who are good tacklers. The Indianapolis Colts got by just fine in last year’s playoffs with Nick Harper and Jason David, and are currently sixth in total defense with Marlin Jackson and Kelvin Hayden manning the outside islands. Spend your money on Jared Allen, Carl (and save a little down the road for Dwayne Bowe and possibly Derrick Johnson).

The only way this move makes sense is if the Chiefs suddenly transition to a scheme which requires more man coverage. But as long as Herm is running the show in Kansas City, the Cover 2 will continue to be his defense of choice – preferably without DeAngelo Hall.