The question about safeties is playing time, not the roster

There's a reason why Roy Williams' production decreased in Dallas after Darren Woodson's retirement. Bengals defensive coordinator, Mike Zimmer says:

Williams played his best, he played free safety in a 4-3 defense while weighing 219-220 pounds.

After Darren Woodson retired, Williams switched to strong safety and his weight was closer to 229 pounds. Then, the Cowboys switched to a 3-4 defense and Williams, asked to play in coverage more, was even more out of his comfort zone.

However, it would seem that production (or lack thereof) was mostly surrounding the deep passing game. Coverage issues, we've heard. Slow footed.

In each of the past two seasons, the Bengals broke camp with six safeties -- only five in 2006. As it stands right now, the Bengals have seven safeties on the roster heading into 2009.

• Roy Williams
• Chris Crocker
• Chinedum Ndukwe
• Marvin White
• Corey Lynch
• Kyries Hebert
• Tom Nelson

One could assume that the team takes six this year, everyone listed above save for Nelson. Lynch and Hebert are likely special teams guys and that will likely seal their spot on the roster. We don't envision much competition for jobs. But there's still going to be competition for how much playing time each player gets, as well as finding starters, which I believe is very open.