2011 NFL Draft - Position Rankings-Safeties

2011 NFL Draft Position Ratings- Safeties
B y William Carroll-Special Contributing Writer-Football Reporters Online
1. Rahim Moore UCLA, 5’11 ¾” 201 4.62 Moore Missed no time during his 3 years at UCLA, with 14 career interceptions at it’s clear he has a nose for the ball. He is very sudden in his change of direction and shows a real understanding of the game. However he is no thumper and not impressive in run support. He is at his best when playing center field, [Cover-1 or single high safety] He is also experience in Cover-2 he was a respected, accountable leader on the Bruin’s defense. Moore is able to be so effective at least in part because he is a student of the game and instinctive however though Moore is willing enough as a defender of the run his ‘grab on and hope you trip over me’ tackling style is not the stuff that makes up instructional videos. Moore diagnoses quickly and consistently, he is rarely fooled or out of position. Moore does struggle to disengage from blocks, he is not terribly strong in the upper-body, comparisons to Ed Reed are inaccurate and unfair, Reed was much more explosive and violent in hitting, closing on the ball, running with the ball, leaping for the ball in every possible way he was a better and more complete safety. Moore will need to get stronger and gain experience playing in man coverage to be better than a solid starter. Career- 2010: 77 tackles, 3.0 TFL, 4 PBU, 1 INT
2009: 48 tackles, 4.0 TFL, 1.0 sack, 7 PBU, 10 INTs
2008 : 60 tackles, 4 PBU, 3 INTs
Rahim Moore 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Rahim Moore FS UCLA JR 5116 202 30 ¼ " 9.1 4.62 11 35.0 6.98 9'7"

Summary
There is a fairly strong probability that Moore could be over drafted due to the perception that he’s the best at his position but perhaps the only day 1 starter at FS in the whole draft. To some extent his amazing sophomore year is being overvalued. Moore will be a valuable addition to most teams, but anyone expecting a dominant or elite player is likely to be disappointed. Earl Thomas was more complete, if he progresses you might have a less powerful but more ball centered version of Madieu Williams or a more instinctive and reliable version of Gus Scott. Moore did pick the right year to declare as he’s go almost a round later most years, this year he could be in the top 5-10 picks in the 2nd and is a near lock to go in the top 50 selections, the Cowboys, Chargers and Bengals have shown strong interest, overall grade 8.6
2. Deunta Williams North Carolina 6'1¾" 205 4.56 [estimated] Williams is a 2007 graduate of White Oak High School in Jacksonville, N.C. where he was named a Super Prep All-America, and the No. 4 skill athlete in the country by Super Prep. He was also tabbed the defensive MVP for the North Carolina team in the Shrine Bowl. He was ranked the #8 player in North Carolina by The Charlotte Observer. As a senior, Deunta caught 29 passes for 299 yards on offense and averaged eight tackles per game and intercepted seven passes on defense. As a junior, he had 400 yards receiving, 250 yards rushing and 200 yards passing, Caught 16 passes for 11 TDs. As a true freshman at UNC in 2007, he switched from WR to SS, and started all 12 games and ranked fifth on the team with 59 tackles. He also led the team with three interceptions for 84 yards and broke up two passes.

In 2008, he started all 13 games and ranked fifth on the team with 65 tackles, including 55 solo stops. He also had three interceptions, three pass breakups and one forced fumble.

In 2009, he earned first-team All-ACC honors after finishing the season with 47 tackles, 1.5 tackles for losses, six interceptions for 114 yards, and eight pass breakups. He also had a 6-yard fumble recovery and ranked second in the ACC and 11th in the country with six interceptions. He ranked fourth in the ACC with 14 passes defended (6 INTs, 8 PBUs.)

In 2010, he played in only 9 games but still managed 49 tackles, 4 TFLs, 3 PBUs, and a FF. There are two primary concerns regarding Williams. Williams was suspended for only four games (lightest of the penalized) in the now infamous UNC agent-related scandal of 2010. Williams reported received $1426 in improper benefits from an agent and was ordered to make restitution.
Deunta Williams 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Deunta Williams FS/SS UCLA JR 6016 205 33 1/4" 10 DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP

Summary
This is a strong safety that hits well, and is fairly fluid and agile. Can cover the requisite amount of ground to be a 4-down player, and has been very productive at a high level for one of America's best collegiate defenses. Williams has the ability to make receivers hear footsteps, and will have a shot at being one of the coveted true secondary enforcers in this draft. As an NFL comparison former Giants’ safety Greg Jackson comes to mind as well as Morgan Burnett, Williams is versatile, tough and athletic, he could play in either safety spot but he’ll need to show he’s recovering from having had his right fibula surgically repaired after he was injured making a tackle in the first quarter of the Music City Bowl. The injury will push him down if he had not had missed time due to the leg and suspension he’d be contending with Rahim Moore for the top spot in the position group, now he may fall to the 3rd/4th range, overall grade 8.5.
3. DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson, 6’0 1/8” 217 4.63
The No. 1 defensive back coming out of high school, according to some recruiting services, McDaniel had offers from Florida, Florida State, Alabama, Auburn and Louisville. He chose to leave the state of Florida and became a highly productive and durable three-year starter for the Tigers, where he matured into captain material after a difficult childhood. He originally signed with Clemson in 2006 but played in the fall instead for Hargrave (VA) Military Academy for Head Coach Robert Prunty where he compiled 48 tackles, four interceptions, and four sacks. As a senior in H.S. he had 53 tackles and eight interceptions, returning three for scores. As a junior he tallied 27 catches for 656 yards and six scores when he started on both sides of the ball and had three interceptions as a senior. He was a member of Prep Star’s Dream Team Top 100 as a senior. Despite 14 career interceptions, McDaniel enters the NFL with doubts about his coverage skills. He has the biggest hands among safeties in this class at 10”.

2010- Came into next season as one of, if not, the best safeties in the country, he finished with 73 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 4 picks, 6 PBUs and a couple QBHs.

2009- Received 1st team All-ACC honors. Had a breakout year; accumulated 98 tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble, and eight interceptions. His eight interceptions tied for second in the nation in interceptions (tied with 1st round pick Earl Thomas).

2008- Started all year long and had 77 tackles and one interception. Was one of the key players on the Clemson defense, he also had 10 special teams tackles (included in tackle total), which was the most on the team.

2007- Received first team All-ACC freshman team recognition. Played 438 snaps and racked up 33 tackles.
DeAndre McDaniel 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
DeAndre McDaniel
SS Clemson SR 6011 217 321/2" 101/8" 4.63 DNP 35” 7.07 9'8"

Summary
The 2 largest concerns for teams are his lack of an aggravated assault charge in 2008, wherein he was alleged to have covered her head with a comforter and choking her, hitting her and later throwing her down a flight of stairs. However, witnesses refuted the victim’s story, saying she looked normal and smiling as though nothing had happened upon leaving the apartment complex where the argument occurred, following this he became an honor roll student, he spent lots of time in the film room, learning from coaches and was a model teammate. The other issue is his lack of timed speed, he is most comfortable playing in the box but at times he will load up for the ‘kill-shot’ and occasionally he misses. His film study pays off as he reads the eyes of QBs as well as any safety in this draft. He’ll need to continue to show he’s overcome his difficult upbringing, prove he’s not a selective tackler, and use his instincts to overcome his average speed to make plays like the play he made against Nebraska, where he tipped a pitch in the backfield and took it in for a TD overall score 8.3.
4. Quinton Carter, Oklahoma, 6'0 5/8" 208
A good high school quarterback, Carter was a two-year starter; Thorpe award candidate, in 2009 he was the team’s second leading tackler, he is a natural free safety and one of the best players at his position in the nation. Smooth athlete with range and anticipation. Jumps patterns and has the hands for the interception. Carter primarily plays deep, but reads screens and can come up to force the run and lay the big hit; he has displayed solid tackling fundamentals and doesn't give up the deep ball.
Quinton Carter 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Quinton Carter SS Oklahoma SR 6005 208 311/2" 9 ¼ " 4. 57 23 34 ½ ” 7.05 9'8"

Summary
Carter will occasionally will duck his head and miss tackles, and sometimes will hit a player late on the sidelines; he has not used much in man coverage. He is a very athletic safety with range, with valuable versatility, enough so that he can be used at either safety position and perhaps he can even to slide inside and cover slot receivers in big nickel packages. Carter is likely a second or third-round choice and a future starter at the FS position. In a passing league such as the NFL, Carter has a chance to shine, and his best play could be in front of him. Carter is similar to former fine HS QB turned NFL safety Sean Jones overall score 8.25.
5. Jaiquawn Jarrett 2010- 1st Team All-MAC - led team with 74 tackles and 2 INTs
2009 - 1st Team All-MAC - 76 tackles, 3 INTs, 3 pass break-ups, and 2 fumble recoveries.
2008 - Led team with 88 tackles and an INT with 4 pass break-ups and 3 recovered fumbles.
2007 - Started in every game as a freshman and was the Special Teams Player of the Year for Owls. Jarrett is an excellent student who demonstrated a strong work ethic on and off the field. He was a respected team leader who won Captain's Award as a senior and Team Spirit Award as junior. He was a recipient of the 2010 National Football Foundation College Football Hall of Fame Academic Achievement Award. Recipient of the Temple athletic department's 2010 Enterprise Spirit and Sportsmanship Award, named to the 2010 Athletic Director's Honor Roll and a Senior Bowl invitee.

Jarrett is quick enough to cover slot receivers and just big enough to help in run support, blitz, and cover tight ends. On film, Jarrett shows the eagerness to attack ball-carriers. Although he’s at times inconsistent in the angles he takes, Jarrett is a consistent tackler once he gets in position. He wraps up well, keeps his feet moving and finishes with his many looking up at the sky.


Jaiquawn Jarrett 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Jaiquawn Jarrett FS Temple SR 5117 198 311/2" 9 ¼ " 4. 57 23 34 ½ ” 7.05 9'8"

Summary

Jarrett is very intelligent and durable he started for 4 years collegiate game (49 games) he’ tough and fills well against the run. Jarrett’s a big hitter who’s excellent breaking down, wrapping up and finishing as a tackler. Though he’s polished in coverage Jarrett sits in his backpedal too long at times, giving up too much ground in an attempt to avoid getting beaten deep. There are times, even when no receivers are threatening him deep, Jarrett gives far too much space in the deep middle Opponents have a hard time getting a block on him. He plays bigger than size, with good flexibility, he’s aggressive and able to find his way to the ball carrier, but his frame is less than ideal for an NFL safety and he lacks elite top-end speed but usually able to recover, he works hard to get in position to make a play but may not finish; he occasionally mistimes his jump for the ball and does not appear to have exceptional hands or ball skills and he’s not a workout wonder. Former Green Bay FS Marques Anderson is similar to Jarrett in style of play and build overall grade 8.2.
6. Ahmad Black, Florida, 5’9 ½” 187 4.74 So many of the things that could be said of Burney at the CB position also apply here in fact Some Cover-2 teams even were projecting the ball-hawking playmaker as a zone cornerback. Black is too small, too slow, yet somehow in the SEC the ‘Mini-NFL’ Black was a Consensus First-Team All-SEC pick and this past season was often the best player on the Gator’s defense. He has exceptional instincts; does a nice job reading the quarterback and getting into position to make plays. He displays ball skills (11 career interceptions). Team captain in 2010. He is dependable against screen plays and the run; he can handle the slot against receivers who aren't burners. He had 13 career interceptions to go with 244 tackles and 14 tackles for loss. Returned three interceptions for touchdowns. He didn’t miss a game during his three years as a starter for the Gators. However, his size will suggest future concern injury to many evaluating him for the next level.

Ahmad Black 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Ahmad Black SS Florida SR 5117 198 31" 9 7/8 " 4.74 18 35 ½ ” 6.85 9'11"

Summary
Unlike the Darrell Green’s and Bob Sanders of previous years there is not special physical talent to give evaluators cover if they wish to advocate for Black. All he has is 3 seasons of mostly, very good tape. There is no disputing that big WRs and TEs wills imply box him out of a certain number of plays. Black will have to cheat and use grit and guile to defend the slot and big backs may take a toll on him as well. Black is likely to come off the board on the second day of the draft. A slide into the fifth round is very doubtful, but it wouldn't be a shock if he lasted until the early-mid fourth round. Giving him a chance is his previous success against the highest level of competition, the fact that he can play SS/FS and Nickel and that the recommendation of Urban Meyer means something in the NFL. Though he is a bit smaller and slower he reminds of former Chargers and Raiders CB/S/Nickel Terrance Shaw, overall grade 8.1.

7. Robert Sands, WVU, 6’4 3/8” 217 Sands in 2010 was a first-team all-Big East selection had 53 tackles in 2010, including 1.5 sacks. He also had a forced fumble and made an interception. Sands closed his Mountaineers career with 151 tackles, including 88 unassisted, 1½ sacks and 10 tackles for loss. It’s impossible to ignore Sands’ large frame, long arms and big hands despite that he’s athletic enough to have some time spent at CB. To put is context Sands is being evaluated as everything from a Cover-2 corner to Nickel LB and all the positions in between. Sands is very aggressive he was named “Hardest Hitter” in the Big East by The Sporting News, he excels in run support; acts like an extra linebacker at times. He has adequate ball skills (six career interceptions) Sands has special teams experience and shows the kick coverage ace mentality.
Robert Sands 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Robert Sands FS WVU JR 6’4 3/8” 217 33 3/8" 9 3/4 " 4.57 12 35 ½ ” 7.03 9'11"

Summary
Sands is huge for the position, he ran a solid 4.57 in the 40 and he’s a hitter, so why isn’t he higher? In many mocks shortly after the season Sands was projected to go in the 1st half of the 2nd round, but as teams got a more in-depth look at his short area change of direction and though he’s a hard tackler he can miss more than teams like from the final line of their defense. He has drawn comparisons to Tank Williams of Stanford who played for the Titans, Vikings and Patriots, he’ll need to get a bit stronger, could he put on 10-15 pounds and play ‘Will’ LB, Sands raw talent means he won’t make it out of the 4th round, overall grade 8.0.

8. Tyler Sash Iowa In a safety class that seems to break down into athletes and football players Sash is one of a few that has a good amount of each characteristic. He started 37 games in three seasons and made enough big plays in the passing game: 13 interceptions, a total of 392 return yards, so that he came to be known as Sash-and-Dash. His best performances came in Iowa's biggest games, he had two interceptions, including a 48-yard return in the 2009 Outback Bowl win against South Carolina; three picks in 2009 against Iowa State, he's a natural leader with excellent strength for the position. The Hawkeyes' scheme, heavily based in two-deep coverage, often put him in good position. It also required him to read and react quickly, cover quality tight ends and running backs and make plays downfield. As a strong safety, his short arms, 30 inches, shorter than all other safeties at the combine this does cause him to run around blocks near the line, which can place him out of position in terms of run fits. In the Norm Parker scheme at Iowa there’s no attempt to trick the offense, the emphasis is placed on sound technique and pattern matching. In the Hawkeyes' pro-style defense, Sash recorded 79 tackles (three and a half for loss) and two interceptions during his final (Junior) year at Iowa. He was voted first-team All-Big-Ten by coaches and media, and he was also one of 10 semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, given annually to the nation's top defensive back.

Tyler Sash 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Tyler Sash SS Iowa JR 6’0” 211 30” 9 3/8 " 4.62 11 33” 6.90 10'7”

Summary
Sash likely declared because this season he could go as early as the late 2nd and is almost assured of being selected by the mid-3rd in this thin safety class. Sash will best fit a Cover-2 team and is very like the Bears’ Craig Steltz in style of play and athletic profile. Sash will never be mistaken for fellow, former Hawkeye SS Bob Sanders, but he can help on special teams and his is a natural sense for where the ball is going, overall grade 7.9.

9. Chris Conte spent most of his first three seasons as a reserve corner. Conte found his comfort zone as a senior, putting his instincts and aggression good use. He closed his career with 157 tackles (four of them for losses), two interceptions, 11 pass breakups, one fumble recovery, one forced fumble and a blocked kick for a touchdown. Twelve of his 17 career starts came at safety, he finished the season as a 1st team All-Pac-10 selection. In 2010 he was third on the team with 72 tackles with an average of 6.0 stops per game. He had team's only blocked kick of the season on an Arizona State punt attempt, which he returned six yards for his first career touchdown. Conte played in 50 of 51 possible games at Cal but spent most of his first three seasons as a reserve cornerback. He finished his Cal career with 157 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, two interceptions, 11 pass breakups, one fumble recovery, one forced fumble and the blocked kick for a touchdown. Conte’s athletic ability shows up quickly and consistently – he can trail receivers very well for a safety, and he closes in on downhill plays with authority. He’s aggressive when getting to the ball carrier, and he takes good angles to facilitate the stop. He is raw and his long, lean rangy build is a detriment when it’s time to rapidly change direction and he struggles at times with compact, powerful players when he fails to get his hips low enough.

Chris Conte 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Chris Conte FS Cal SR 6’2 3/8” 197 30 ½” 9 7/8 " 4.53 18 35 ½ ” 7.01 10'7”

Summary
Conte’s size, speed, ability to play over the slot receiver as a nickel back at the next level will push him up the board, he may well go an entire round prior to Black, however though he’s bigger and a better athlete he’s not the better safety. His Long arms, balance, agility and speed are ideal and he might be slightly over-drafted as a result. He is more of a project than any of the top prospects at the position. To become a starter Conte will need to really apply himself in film study, play-action draws and double-moves were the bane of his existence at Cal. There are several lanky, athletic CB/S tweeners that come to mind Antuan Edwards, Gerald Alexander and Jason Sehorn are physically similar but all were far more developed in their skills than Conte, overall grade 7.6

10. Jeron Johnson, Boise State, 5'10 1/4" 212 4.52
Johnson is a very well-schooled run defender, with quickness, balance and agility . Johnson led the Broncos in tackles in each of his final three seasons, earning him all-conference honors three consecutive years. Johnson was named first team All-WAC in 2010, and second team All-WAC in 2008 and 2009. He finished his career ranked 12th all-time in career tackles (318) at Boise State
2010: 82 tackles, 1.0 TFL, 6 PBU, 1 INT
2009: 91 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 6 PBU, 4 INT’s
2008: 101 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 7 PBU, 3 INT’s
2007 – 54 tackles, 5.0 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 6 PBU

Johnson is smart, tough and an above average athlete, he’s in the top 3-5 in this class in delivering big hits. He has fluid hips and changes direction very well. Johnson is a very versatile player who can step up and lay out the big hit or drop back effectively in coverage. He plays bigger than he measures and anticipates plays well.

Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Jeron Johnson SS Boise St. SR 5'10 1/4" 212 30 ½” 9" 4.52 23 31 ” 6.95 9’5”

Summary
Johnson is one of the players that is just solid in all areas and better than most evaluators think, he will be a starter in a few years instincts and knows how to play the game, while he’s not an elite level playmaker: Polamalu, Reed, Sanders, those are rare players, he will be better than many reserves the day he’s drafted and would soon represent an upgrade for teams like Dallas, most teams have him targeted in the 4th, NFL comparison: Brock Marion was the 196th player chosen in the 7th round in 1993 and played 12 season, made 3 Pro Bowls and was an All-Pro in 200. Johnson may go in the mid-4th or fall to the 7th but he is a player overall grade 7.55.

11. Da'Norris Searcy, UNC, 5'10 5/8" 223 4.56 Searcy is a prototype strong safety; he is strong and physically imposing. 2010: Searcy returned to the team after sitting out the first three games due to the NCAA investigation. Searcy made an immediate impact with a 46-yard interception return for a touchdown in his first game vs. East Carolina on Oct. 2. He had a team-best four interceptions this season, including three in his first four games back on the field. He also posted 37 tackles and broke up four passes. Searcy served as the team's top punt and kickoff return man over the last two seasons. He scored on a 77-yard punt return vs. The Citadel in 2009 and had a 46-yard interception return for a touchdown this season vs. ECU. He has some experience at linebacker; he could be viewed as a weak-side linebacker by some 4-3 teams, he will be evaluated at both safety spots as well. He is in the top 5 in this class in all the ‘in the box’ characteristics; he is a tackler, a solid open field defender with a high understanding of run fits. Searcy at times over pursues and can be too nosy, at times he’ll get caught peaking in the backfield and double-moves of play action will catch him flat-footed. Searcy at the least should be a valuable player as a reserve or on special teams, he as a good chance to become a starting SS if he maxes out he could become a Donovin Darius type player, overall grade 7.4.

12. Jerrard Tarrant, GA Tech, 6’0 3/8” 204, 4.57 Tarrant led the Yellow Jackets with three interceptions for 93 yards, including a 33-yard touchdown return, with three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in his junior season. He also recorded 58 tackles, with 2.5 for a loss. Tarrant also served as a specialist in the Yellow Jackets’ kick return game, running back a pair of punts for touchdowns in 2009. He also scored on an interception return and fumble recovery in 2009. Tarrant has an above average football IQ, hands and skills to make plays on the ball in the air. Tarrant is a former CB and it shows in his tackling as well, he is not ever going to intimidate receivers. He identifies routes very well but is not as fluid or quick-footed as teams would like. Bhawoh Jue is a player who is similar to Tarrant a CB turned FS with many of the same strengths and weaknesses overall grade 7.3.

13. Shiloh Keo, Idaho, 5’11 3/8” 216, 4.7 Keo's passionate play and versatility leaves an indelible impression on scouts, he is the kind of prospect that an area scout will ‘bang the table’ to make his case as to why Keo should join their team. It’s quite possible that Keo will never be a starter, he has athletic limitations, NFL slots would likely be able to abuse him in coverage, and even the athletic tight ends would likely be able get away from him. He did a little bit of everything with the Vandals, as Keo's ability to impact the game as a big-hitter and ball-hawk on defense as well as a special team’s defender and returner made him a WAC standout from the beginning. Keo is the kind of player that like Hank Bauer can have a successful career as a special teams' captain. He is very much like former Cowboy Bill Bates, overall grade 7.2.

14. Jermale Hines, Ohio St. 6’1 1/8” 219 4.61 Hines was selected All-Big Ten Second Team in 2010 he had 61 Tackles, 2 TFL, 0.5 Sacks, INT, Fumble Recovered, 4 PBU. He is a very hard hitter and also a reliable tackler, who excels in the box, however like so many of the safeties in this class he is quite limited in what he can do when not blitzing or playing the run. Hines an example of a player who worked hard to move himself up the depth chart from special teams’ player as a freshman to an all-conference performer by his senior year. Hines could get his overall solid athletic ability from a strong pedigree. His uncle, Joseph Hines, was a member of Penn State's 1983 national championship team. Though Jermale Hines is strong, he still needs to work on his technique when it comes to shedding bigger blockers and wrapping up a ball carrier instead of simply lowering his shoulder into the runner. Hines lack of downfield coverage abilities has meant that some teams wonder if he could be a Nickel LB, overall grade 7.1.

15. Mark LeGree, Appalachian State, 4.56., LeGree ended his college career at Appalachian State defensive back Mark LeGree finished as the active leader in NCAA D1 football with 22 interceptions, four more than any other FCS or FBS player active in 2010. The 22 interceptions are good for second in Southern Conference history and third in ASU’s all-time annals. Despite opposing offenses steering away from the ball-hawking safety for much of the year, LeGree picked off five passes a senior, good for a tie for 20th nationally. He also broke up eight passes and made 49 tackles in his final collegiate campaign. He has innate ball skills, and learned from Corey Lynch about route recognition and toughness. He plays center field very well, he is nearly the equal of Moore in that area, consistency in his tackling and his pedestrian size/speed numbers are what’s keeping him on the board until well into the 6th/7th round range, LeGree has similar strengths and weaknesses to Elbert Shelley, formerly of the Falcons, overall grade 7.0.

16. M.D. Jennings 5’11 ¾-“ 187, 4.58 In 2010 Jennings was All-Sun Belt First Team he posted 84 tackles and 3 Interceptions, he’s has a nose for the big play and causes turnovers, in 2009he recovered a team-high three fumbles and had 6 PBUs and 1 pick and had 3 in 2008. He is instinctive and a willing tackler but he lacks bulk and strength, [10 bench reps @225] like most of the safeties in this class he’ll make any early impact on special teams and as he gets stronger he has a chance to be a 3rd safety or Nickel. NFL comparison, a much, much more slender Dexter Reid, overall grade 6.9.

17. Antwine Perez Maryland [USC], 6’1 1/8” 219 4.79 is a 2006 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School in Westville Grove, N.J. where he was a 2006 Parade All-Americana and was also tabbed first-team All-USA Today. He was also named an EA Sports first-team All-American and a member of Super Prep Elite 50. he earned a spot on the Prep Star Dream Team and the ESPN 150 and was a Super Prep All-American, Prep Star All-American, Super Prep All-Northeast Defensive MVP, Prep Star All-Eastern and Gatorade New Jersey Player of the Year. He earned first-team all-state honors and was selected The Philadelphia Inquirer South Jersey Defensive MVP. In 2005 he had 82 tackles, 10 PBUs, seven interceptions, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He also threw for 1,700 yards with 14 TDs and ran for 195 yards with two TDs. As a junior in 2004, he recorded 58 tackles, seven interceptions, and four forced fumbles, and also passed for 1,763 yards with 15 scores and ran for another 10 TDs.

Antwine spent the 2006 season with the USC Trojans and played in seven games while serving as a backup free safety. He recorded three tackles on the season.

2007: Sat out due to the transfer rule.

2008: He played in all 13 games at free safety as a backup. Perez also played on special teams and outside linebacker due to injuries at that position.

In 2009, he played in all 12 games as a reserve safety and on special teams and recorder 45 tackles, a PBU and a FF.

In 2010 (pre-bowl) He really put it altogether and tallied 66 tackles, 5 TFLs, a sack, 3 INTs., 5 PBUs, 3 FRs and 2 FFs. Perez is an under the radar athlete who is better than many know. Though somewhat athletically limited, Perez is strong tackler with a nose for the ball, but won’t stand out in any way in workouts, but has size and knowledge/knack of the game could lead to him making it, he will hit and cover with equal efficiency. Better in short-area, short-field coverage situations, and is not CB-good in terms of COD, turn-and-go, or pure coverage ability, but is better in that area than a lot of NFL safeties. Solid tackler, who’s not a liability in the run game, a big play guy, strong (20 reps.) Perez is not a true enforcer as a hitter in the deep half and has been susceptible to the double move and to elite speed in coverage and hasn’t been able to get it done on a consistent basis in college, so is a bit of an untested commodity still. He can disappear for stretches and is not a great blitzer to this point in his career. Perez would almost certainly be under-drafted; he’s a late 4th round talent who could go as late as the 7th-PUDFA due to bouncing around some and not really getting a full-time chance with Maryland until this past season Perez is like a less athletic Jarrad Page overall grade 6.8.

18. Josh Thomas, Buffalo, 5’10 5/8“192 4.46 Thomas has played CB he has an aggressive nature and he could be a third or fourth, but with the way more teams are taking tough, tackling CBs to FS, I actually think he’ll be asked to move to FS by a team like Dallas or the Bills that has lacked coverage skills at the position and despite his size he’s a willing run defender and in the late 6th on he has value, if Thomas gets a bit thicker and moves to FS he could be like former Bear and Seahawk Mike Green, overall grade 6.75.

19. Will Hill, Florida, 6’0 ¾” 202, 4.64 Former Florida safety Will Hill denied posting some vulgar tweets that have been gaining attention online after being posted on a college football blog. Every Day Should Be Saturday published the tweets from Hill's twitter account, @Trill_SG, last week. Most of the offensive posts were made before his junior season. True or not there have been concerns about Hill’s desire to be great and focus as he has given up too many big plays. After a fantastic high school career as a dynamic playmaker at Saint Peter's Prep, he was the 2007 Star-Ledger Offensive Player of the Year and arguably one of the best New Jersey high school football prospects of the past two decades as Hill played several positions including QB he is in condition he has less than four percent body fat, but even without the Twitter affair there is the fathering of three children by age 20, his suspension at the University of Florida, if he were 100% clean he might have been a late 3rd round selection, as is he may go undrafted and is unlikely to be taken prior to the 7th, as an NFL comparison if he maxes out he could be as good or better than Denver’s Darcel McBath, overall grade 6.7.

20. Joe Lefeged, Rutgers, 5’11 5/8” 210, 4.43 The Rutgers safety was named All-BIG EAST Second Team for 2010 by a vote of the league’s football coaches. One of 10 semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, given annually to the nation’s top defensive back, Lefeged finished his career with 238 career tackles. Lefeged was a three-year starting strong safety and a two-year starting kick returner. The senior played the most games of any Scarlet Knight on the roster with 50 appearances, and had the most consecutive appearance of any RU player with 49 straight games. A special team’s standout as well, he broke the school record with 948 yards on 38 kickoff returns for a 24.9 yards per return average in 2010. He’ll need to improve his tackling but he is quick-twitch, he can cover especially well on underneath routes he will be a real contributor on special teams Lefeged has returned both kicks and punts, and blocked two punts in one game in 2010, he is comparable to Damien Russell formerly of the 49ers, overall grade 6.6.

21. I am going to cheat a bit there are a few more players that I feel are worthy of noting but missed the top 20, I will summarize them briefly: A. Eric Hagg of Nebraska is a well-built 6’1 3/8” 209 FS that some teams see as a SS, his 4.62 speed is average he can cover and tackle but lacks any one great quality.

22. B. Dom DeCicco of Pitt might be shifted to Nickel LB he’s 6’2 ¾” 231, ran 4.63 at his pro day and could make any team that want a hard-nosed ‘old-school’ SS the same could be said of Kent State’s Brian Lainhart 6 ¼” 211 4.64 had 17 interceptions and 344 tackles as a four-year starter they 2 of them are in many ways ‘poor men’s John Lynches.

23. C/D. David Sims and Jay Valai are nearly the same player, both have been compared to Bob Sanders, [neither is the explosive quick-twitch athlete that Sanders was] Sims is 5’9 ¼ 200 and ran a 4.51, he’s tough, quick and a tackling machine which also describes Valai, 5’8 ¼” 200, 4.73 his ball skills are lacking but he packs a wallop. E/F/G/H There are 4 workout warriors that bear mentioning:

24. Frantz Placide of Wagner holds the NCAA (all levels) career record for blocked kicks in a career (12), in 2010, had an excellent season on defense and special teams, starting in 8 of the 11 games he played. He added 2 more blocked kicks and ended his career with 12. Had one punt return on the year, a 46-yard TD, and finished his career with 3 PR TDs on 5 tries, and also had 2 KR TDs on 64 tries (23 yard avg.). He also had another 40-tackle season, including 5 for loss. He defended 4 passes and forced a couple fumbles. Was named to the FCS Senior Scout Bowl Team.

25. Ron Parker of Newberry At his pro day he weighed in at 6'0" 200 pounds and he ran the 40 yard dash 4.36s, 4.40s and 4.41s. He is the fastest safety in this draft, but he also has tremendous change of direction abilities running a 6.71s 3 cone and 4.18s short shuttle. He's a fantastic athlete that has picked off 11 passes in the last two seasons.

26. The last 2 freak athletes are Wyoming’s Chris Prosinski, insert Raider joke again, he had an outstanding pro day workout: 4.39 forty and 39.5 inch vertical put him back into late 7th round conversations. Prosinski finished his career at Wyoming with an impressive 373 tackles.

27. Finally and perhaps the most intriguing prospect of all Keanemana Silva of Hawaii by way of OR State, was ranked second nationally in interceptions with eight and set a new UH record with 14 during his career and he lit up his pro day, Silva (6’0 ¾” 206) averaged a 40 time of 4.44 on two runs, had a 40” vertical leap, 10’3” broad jump, 4.16 short shuttle, 7.01 three-cone drill, and 23 bench reps, he at the least will be a PUDFA and now has an outside chance of being drafted.