2012 NFL Draft: Safety

This is an average safety class and it’s not deep which is going to cause teams to reach for safeties. I think Barron is a bit overhyped and Smith is too. I think there won’t be more than 3 pure safeties taken before day 3.

1.      Mark Barron—Alabama—6’1”-213—Top 20—93—Pretty big safety, but moves well for his size. He’s an instinctive player who tackles well and can match up against tight ends or play zone coverage. He is the best safety of the past two years while Earl Thomas and Eric Berry were both much better prospects. Does not have elite burst or ball hawking skills which pushes him into the 2nd half of round 1 for me. This draft is lacking in talented safeties which drives up his value. His stock has been skyrocketing and I think it’s a bit unfounded though he is a solid 1st rounder I think Meriweather was a better prospect when he came out.

2.      Harrison Smith—Notre Dame—6’2”-213—1st/2nd—86—Lotta people have him going to the Pats. He instantly reminded me of Patrick Chung which supports that theory. He’s similarly aggressive but he isn’t as athletic. A bit big for safety nowadays and shows average coverage ability. I think he’s getting pushed up the board like Barron is. I’d like to see him make more big plays too. 4.56 and 19 reps are pretty good, I’m not convinced he’s a difference maker though.

3.      Brandon Taylor—LSU—5’11”-209—3rd round/day—83—Good athlete (4.5), looks longer than he measured in at. Pretty aggressive. Had some trouble tackling Trent but that’s to be expected, solid otherwise. He doesn’t look lost in coverage, more of a zone guy. He’ll provide value in the 3rd. Could develop into a nice starter.

4.     Trumaine Johnson—Montana—6’2”-204—2nd day—83—Played press corner in college. He’ll make the switch to safety in the pros cuz he doesn’t have great feet or hips. Long and strong athlete with 4.5 speed and 19 reps. Very aggressive player that attacks the ball and ball carriers which lends well to a safety. He looks just like Jimmy Smith from last year. The projection to safety is a bit tough, but I think he leaves too much room between himself and receivers. Shows blizting ability. 15 career picks combined with his size and speed make him 2nd round.