I did the same thing in the 8th round with the Chargers for the EXACT same reason.
While I agree with you Snake, the people who took Chicago last year (with an 8th or 9th rounder) were CLEARLY happy with that selection (as were those who took Baltimore).
A defense who is HEAD AND SHOULDERS above the rest can be a huge advantage. However, this year is proving that predicting that is no easy task. Hence THIS YEAR waiting till round 16 WAS the smart play thus far.
Wonder what 2008 will be like?