Point taken, but Dix is not a cover CB.
And Ed Reed also had 15 INTs and 29 PDs during those years.
True. And that is where I was going with the use of only one stat. Like I said though. I am not advocating for Dix as our pick at 13. I still think our coaches like our safeties more than we do as fans and from what little I've watched of him, I don't see Dix as a big upgrade. With the 13th pick, I'm looking for a big upgrade. Guess we'll see.
Personally, my view is that we have a chance to grab an elite level O-lineman with our first pick. Other than that, we should go with BPA almost regardless of need and if it weren't for the talent of the O-linemen in the draft, I'd say go BPA with that pick as well.
Every team has holes. The idea that we will ever be able to completely fill all the holes is a pipe dream. To me - you go after players that are going to be stars at their position. Those players generally either require double teams by the other team or mean you don't have to give help to that position on
your team. If you are able to shut down the run and get to the QB quickly, you don't necessarily have to have the lock down corners. If you have a great defensive backfield, you give your D-line more time to get to the QB. If your D-line can shut down the run, your DBs can freelance more. If you have a stellar O-line, your QB, RB, and receivers will generally look better. If you have a CJ type receiver, your O-line and QB can look like studs even though they are not.
So is Dix the guy? I dunno. But I doubt the number of tackles alone will be what the coaches use to determine that. If he is that guy who doesn't need help or who makes the unit around him better, or is capable of making game changing plays, I think that is what makes him a good pick.