2016 NFL Draft: Safety

Safety is the hardest position for me to scout simply because they get cut out of frame on every god damn play. Unless I watched them play in a game I’m pretty much going off other people’s opinions, their testing numbers, and scattered highlights.

Karl Joseph-S-West Virginia-5’10”-205-2nd Day-86

This guy can hit with the best of them. Not the tallest but he’s a wrecking ball. Kind of an unusual prospect as he lined up in the box and at the OLB spot a fair amount, kind of a jack of all trades like Tyrann Mathieu but not nearly the coverage man or playmaker. Joseph was likely the number one safety prospect this year had it not been for a torn ACL in October. Through 4 games in 2015 he lead the nation with 5 picks. He’s been a 4 year starter for the Mountaineers and some of his accomplishments are unbelievable. As a freshman he won team defensive MVP recording 104 tackles, as an 18 year old safety! In the 2014 opener against Alabama he had 18 tackles. Joseph is a downhill linebacker who belongs in the 2nd round, his coverage skills will need some work but he’ll bring instant attitude to whatever defense he lands with. Almost as good as Landon Collins, almost.

Keanu Neal-S-Florida-6’0”-211-Day 2-84

Physical specimen, this guy is yoked. He loves to lay the boom and has been productive during his stint in Gainesville capping his career off 96 tackles as a Junior in 2015. He has nearly 33” arms which add to his length. The Gators typically played a 2 deep safety look so he has experience in deep coverage, and he will be able to play that role in the NFL despite his 4.62 in the 40. Neal won’t be a centerfielder by any stretch but he can play zone and he has the size and athleticism to man up with tight ends as well. I think the Kenny Vaccaro comparisons are spot on with the physicality and athleticism, but Vaccaro was more aggressive on film.

Vonn Bell-S-Ohio State-5’11”-199-2nd Day-82

With good size and length for the position, Bell enters the NFL after contributing in each of his 3 seasons in Columbus including two years as a starter. He has experience playing nickel corner which will only improve his value as a man coverage player, likely against tight ends. He did not run at the combine but clocked in at 4.50 in the 40 at his pro day but only jumped 30.5” in the vertical. He had over 150 tackles the last two seasons combined to go along with 8 picks and 15 passes defended so clearly he contributes on the field. He’s not a centerfielder but with solid tackling technique and barely 21 years old, Vonn Bell has the potential to be an upper echelon safety at the next level