2011 NFL Draft: Safety

This year’s class is weak. Last year’s safety class was unbelievably good and this year is just no comparison. Obviously Patrick Peterson would be the best safety which is just plan B for him. Im not super impressed by anyone else in this class.

1.) Patrick Peterson—LSU—6’0”-219—Top 10—99—One of the safest picks in the draft. Guy is going to be a stud no doubt about it. If he’s not unreal at corner he definitely will be a dynamic safety. Amazing athleticism, 4.34, 38” vert. Best return man in the draft. Being 220 is a unusual for a corner, but he can switch to safety if somehow he cant make it at corner. He’s such a unique athlete at corner its tough to make a comparison, but I think he plays like Champ more than Revis or even Asante, I think he’ll thrive in a zone scheme, especially since he has elite ball skills.

2.) Rahim Moore—UCLA—6’0”-202—2nd—85—Ten picks as a Junior, only 1 as a senior. Average at best in run support. Good athleticism, 4.62 is ok. Probably woulda been the 5th safety last year, but this year is likely to be the 1st. This might push his draft stock up higher than his value. I give him a 2nd round grade and wouldn’t wanna draft him before 50, but someone probably will. Gonna be counted on to be a centerfielder, but I don’t see him being a top performer.

3.) Aaron Williams—Texas—6’0”-204—Late 1 early 2—86—Lotta people see him making the move to safety. I like the way he attacks the line of scrimmage. You see him at left right and slot corner (versatility). At 4.56 with stiff hips he’s a 3rd round corner. But if you project him to safety with his size, aggressiveness, and average awareness he gets a 2nd round safety grade. I think you’ll see him drafted pretty early, but Im not gaga, for once I’d like to be gaga.

4.) Marcus Gilchrist—Clemson—5’10”-195—2nd day—77—26 reps to go with a 4.51 and a 38.5” vert. Those be some nice measurables. A lot of people including Mike Mayock think he’s a better value in the 3rd-4th than Rahim Moore is in the 2nd. I like his versatility, played FS and CB, that adds value. Plays like a Belichick player, just saying. I think he’s good value in the 4th but is worth a 3rd.

5.) Ahmad Black—Florida—5’10”-1984—3rd round/day—56—Everyone thought he’d be pretty good, but looked bad at the senior bowl, ran a 4.75 and isn’t moving real well. 4th rounder at best. Looks ok on tape, but not really good.