Safety Prospects

Is the predator coming to the Broncos? Maybe, I really hope so, find out more below about the predator. On to this article now, last week we took a look at the Corner Back prospects. This week let’s have a look at the rest of the defensive backfield and analyse the Safeties that make up this draft class. Remember last week I mentioned Josh Barrett, man I miss that guy, wishing you the best. Moving on let’s take a look at the prospects that we could be in play for. Also like to note I think the value for safeties will be in the thrid round. A lot of these guys will go then, which is good for us. In other news though, prospect pro days are finishing up and teams begin to bring in players for private workouts. Denver has a number of the QBs coming in as well as a few linebackers too. Peterson has a private workout scheduled with us. It is interesting to see what sort of vibe these guys get from the workouts and who we will pick in the draft. Time for the prospects...

Rahim Moore, FS, UCLA

Height: 6-0. Weight: 202.

Hand Size: 9 5/8 in.

Combine 40 Time: 4.53 unofficial, 4.62 official

Bench: 11. Vertical: 35. Arm: 30 1/4.

Projected Round (2011): Top 40 Pick.

Date of birth: February 11, 1990 (age 21)

Moore is a true difference maker at the safety position, and he projects to be an immediate starter at the next level. He is extremely rangy with the deep speed to hold up in cover-3, and he has a great closing burst when the ball is in the air. His high cut frame gives him the look of a wide receiver and he has the playmaking abilities to be a ball hawk. He also has great instincts and always seems to be in the right position in coverage. Moore might be the top safety in the class and will likely go before the end of the first round.

Moore is long with a muscular build. Has excellent range to be a true centerfielder and cover the deep middle. Shows great awareness in zone coverage and the ability to recognize and jump routes. Possesses terrific hand-eye coordination and comes down with interceptions in traffic. Reads quickly, fills fast and does not shy away from contact in run support.

Plays a bit high and will not always be able to stick with shiftier slot receivers in man coverage. Very aggressive player that can get beat on occasion with ball fakes. Lacks ideal bulk and struggles to disengage from blockers in run support. Leaves his feet too often when tackling.

Read & React: Good instincts for the position. Reads the quarterback's eyes and has good feet, balance and straight-line speed, aiding him in being in consistently good position in coverage. Reads run quickly and is aggressive in downhill pursuit. Prone to overrunning the play and leaving potential cutback lanes for backs to exploit.

Man Coverage: Not often asked to drop down and cover the slot receiver, but shows quick feet, a low, tight backpedal and the straight-line speed to potentially handle this role in limited duty. Is a high-cut athlete and is a bit stiff in the hips, so he loses a step in his transition.

Zone Coverage: Good instincts and overall athleticism for zone coverage. Gains good depth due to his backpedal and can plant his foot in the ground and drive downhill on the ball. Good lateral agility and balance, despite his high-cut build and average hip flexibility to turn and run. Good acceleration and top-end speed to provide a safety net in deep coverage.

Closing/Recovery: Classic ball hawk. Reads the quarterback's eyes and breaks quickly when he reads target location. Good acceleration and straight-line speed. Very good ball skills. Times his leaps well and has good hand-eye coordination to make the difficult grab. Good vision and natural running skills with the football.

Run Support: Quickly reads run and shows the burst and aggression to beat blockers to the punch. Only average bulk and strength to fight through receiver blocks and can be held up. Can get out of control and overrun the play, giving the runner cutback opportunities. Takes questionable angles to the football, though he provides good effort.

Tackling: Isn't always a reliable open-field tackler, a negative as the team's last line of defense. Generally breaks down well, but will alternately take on ballcarriers too high and try to wrestle them to the ground or drop his head and resort to duck-and-swipe tackling leading to ugly missed tackles. Is willing to lower his shoulder into the receiver crossing the middle, but is not an intimidating presence.

Intangibles: A respected team leader who was voted a captain as a junior. Started all three seasons at UCLA, including as a true freshman -- the first Bruin to do so since Matt Ware (now with the Arizona Cardinals) did back in 2001. Wrote a 2,058-word statement thanking everyone from his mother, high school and college coaches, teammates and fans to NFL standouts Kenny Easley and Ed Reed for their help in his development.

My Take:
Carbon copy of McBath, smaller safety that excels in zone coverage. Problem is this is the type of Safety that Fox likes so he may be very interested in him early in the 2nd. I still like McBath if he can be healthy.

Quinton Carter, FS, Oklahoma

Height: 6-1. Weight: 208.

Hand Size: 9 ¼ in

Combine 40 Time: 4.62 unofficial, ran slower than this at the combine.

Bench: 23. Vertical: 34.5. Arm: 31 1/2.

Projected Round (2011): 2-3.

Date of birth: July 20, 1988 (age 22)

Carter is quality safety that can contribute in sub packages at the next level, but lacks the speed to line up against big-play receivers. He is a smart football player that understands his responsibilities in zone coverage and he has the smooth hips and lateral agility to mirror slot receivers in and out of their breaks. He is a fierce competitor that is strong in press coverage and looks to make tackles in run support. Carter has plenty of savvy and the right attitude to make up for less than ideal speed and will likely be a middle round pick.

Carter is a tall corner with good range. Fluid athlete that maintains speed in transition to stick with shifty slot receivers in man coverage. Well prepared kid that is always in sound position and anticipates routes in zone coverage. Takes good angles to the ball carrier and is a willing tackler.

Does not have the explosion to quickly close gaps and lacks the deep speed to stick with burners on go routes. Not a great leaper that loses jump balls against bigger receivers and tight ends. Struggles to disengage from blocks in run support and hits too high at times when tackling.

Read & React: Heady defender against the run and pass. Very quick to close on bubble screens whether lined up in man or coming down the hash. Capable of moving to the sideline quickly from the two-deep look, though he is sometimes a step late to recognize when the corner needs help. Comes off his coverage to close on the ball while it's in the air, often gets to the receiver as the ball arrives or a split second later.

Man Coverage: Athletic safety who can step up to play outside or in the slot, if needed. Asked to jump out on receivers on corner blitzes, can stay with them down the sideline or on the hot route over the middle. Needs work staying low and over his feet in his backpedal, as well as using his hands to prevent separation and knock receivers off their routes at the line.

Zone Coverage: Has the speed and playmaking ability to be an effective two-deep centerfielder. Closes to the ball in a hurry to make bone-jarring hits, forcing fumbles or incompletions. Owns good hands for the interception whether the ball is thrown at his numbers or in a jump-ball situation. Adjusts well to balls thrown behind him. Noses up against the run and when the quarterback scrambles, leaving his corner on an island if his man heads downfield. Late to get to the sideline at times, even when there is no threat of a run.

Closing/Recovery: Excellent closing speed to attack receivers and running backs in space. Plants and drives forward with a nice burst to the ball. Effective blitzer because of his speed and timing. Fair recovery speed and change-of-direction ability for a safety; can catch up to receivers if beaten on a quick initial move. Takes aggressive angles because of his speed, elusive NFL runners may take advantage of that.

Run Support: Headhunter in run support, attacking plays whether playing near the line or well off. Chases down ballcarriers from sideline to sideline. Willing to lower shoulder into lead blocks so others can make the play, but lacks great strength to take on linemen and disengage to make plays.

Tackling: Solid tackler who is a reliable last line of defense because of his athleticism and aggressive style. Is an intimidating presence, loves to lay the wood on the sideline and over the middle (will get penalized for big shots late, was actually thrown out of practices for being too jacked up). Will be the second or third man into the pile, forcing it backwards on most occasions by bringing his hips and keeping his feet moving. Comes in high on some tackles, grabbing shoulder pads and allowing shorter or stronger players to slip away.

Intangibles: Exceptional leader on the field and in the locker room. Receiving degree in sociology with a non-profit organization studies, but already has started has own non-profit called SOUL (Serving Others with Unity and Leadership) to help kids in the Las Vegas area. Redshirted the 2007 season with a severely pulled hamstring, also missed the beginning of the 2008 season with surgery on a slightly torn knee ligament.

My Take:
I like Carter, he is a baller that brings the wood, but he lacks elite athleticism. I like him in the 3rd as I do many of the safeties.

Tyler Sash, SS, Iowa

Height: 6-0. Weight: 211.

Hand Size: 9 3/8 in.

Combine 40 Time: 4.62.

Bench: 11. Vertical: 33. Arm: 30.

Projected Round (2012): 2-3.

Date of birth: May 27, 1988 (age 22)

Sash brings impressive football intelligence and excellent effort in run support to the table but probably lacks the range and athleticism in coverage to become a full-time starter. However, he'll likely provide excellent depth and contribute on special teams coverage units. Can play the deep half but is a liability in centerfield or when asked to matchup with tight ends or slots in man coverage. Does possess hands when he limits separation and is around the football. Flies to the ball in run support and is a sound tackler. Coachable player who will learn your system quickly. Sash carries a mid-round grade.

Sash has nice size. Displays good awareness and football smarts. Stays in solid position. Comes up hard and fast in run support. Doesn't over pursue and is a reliable tackler. Comfortable in deep half zone coverage. Flashes impressive ball skills and comes down with interceptions. Good intangibles, hard-worker.

Struggles in coverage, especially man coverage. Ability to play the point is below average. Does not appear fluid when shadowing in man or flipping his hips to turn and run. Can be boxed out by taller tight ends with ball skills. Susceptible to the double-move.

Read & React: Reads his keys to sniff out running plays and quick screens. Instinctive, flies through traffic to get to stretch plays or plug holes inside. Good range but at times can be a step slow to find a receiver coming into his zone. Overaggressive and will overrun plays.

Man Coverage: Good athleticism for his size, can trail most tight ends into the flat or on crossing routes. Gets his hands on tight ends in coverage, but could draw contact flags in the NFL. Fair backpedal for a safety, can handle slot responsibility for short periods of time against four-receiver sets.

Zone Coverage: Played in a lot of two-deep coverage. Quick enough to reach the sideline on long throws, has the coordination to high-point the ball or knock it away. Good hands to take advantage of overthrows over the middle. Gets pulled out of his area at times, leaving space for the trailing receiver. Bites hard on good play-action.

Closing/Recovery: Underrated speed and good angles allow him to track down backs from behind. Will be an effective blitzer playing around the line. Adequate recovery speed for a safety if beaten by receivers but will not catch many NFL receivers from behind.

Run Support: Always looking for run keys from two-deep position. Closes to the ball quickly, bringing bad intentions in flying to the ball on stretch plays. Fails to break down at times, overrunning the play and opening cutback lanes in the process. Fails to shed blocks to make plays, but has good strength to get off receiver blocks.

Tackling: Well-built upper body gives him excellent strength for the position. Goes for the big shoulder or forearm slam over the middle but still makes a grab for jersey to minimize yards after catch. Extends arms or lays strong shoulder hit to back heading out of bounds instead of merely escorting them. Can rip the ball out while wrapping. Effective cutting ballcarriers and making ankle tackles in the open field, though he should leave his feet less and keep his head up more often against NFL ballcarriers.

Intangibles: Vocal leader in the locker room. Puts in the time to prepare for next week's opponent. Demonstrative and talkative on the field. No known character concerns.

My Take:
Sash fits the mold of a deep zone safety. And he has been known to make plays from back there. Not the fastest but shows good ability and makes up for his lack of speed with his great instincts. Again Sash in the 3rd is an option.

DeAndre McDaniel, S, Clemson

Height: 6-0. Weight: 217.

Hand Size: 10 1/8 in.

Combine 40 Time: 4.65.

Bench: N/A Vertical: 35. Arm: 32 1/2.

Projected Round (2011): 3-4.

Date of birth: November 26, 1987 (age 23)

McDaniel is a physically impressive safety prospect who makes a lot of plays roaming the middle in zone coverage and filling against the run. Would be a good fit for a team that likes to walk a safety down into the box for run support or to cut loose on blitzes. Will bring a tough, intimidating, explosive presence to the middle of an NFL defense. Some deficiencies in man coverage and an off-the-field issue are the two main areas of concern. But in a relatively weak safety class, McDaniel should hear his named called in the first few rounds of the draft.

McDaniel is an outstanding blend of height, length, bulk and speed. Looks the part. Very productive player, with a flair for making the big play. Appears to be a well-prepared. Has good range in zone, can lay the wood or make a plays on the ball. Loves to play the run, fills in a hurry.

Is a bit high-cut and lacks some fluidity when attempting to mirror quicker receivers in coverage. Can get caught looking in the backfield at play fakes on occasion. Must watch his tackling technique at times. Was arrested in 2008 but is not a locker room personality problem.

Read & React: Very good diagnosis skills. Is allowed some flexibility to roam in this defense and shows very good diagnosis skills. Flies up to support the run, showing the ability to shoot the gap and make plays behind the line of scrimmage. Can be initially fooled by play-action, but shows very good brakes, as well as the agility to turn and quick acceleration to recover quickly. Shows very good route-recognition due to his time in the film-room. Is seemingly always around the ball.

Man Coverage: Asked to drop down and cover the slot receiver, at times, in this defense. Quick feet, good balance and surprising acceleration for the safety position. Doesn't change directions fluidly due to stiff hips, but accelerates quickly out his breaks and has good straight-line speed. As a result he is able to generate a late burst to close as the ball is in flight. Quick, active hands to bat away or intercept the pass.

Zone Coverage: A bit high in his backpedal, but generates good depth on his initial drop. Good lateral agility and gains speed quickly when changing directions. Does a nice job of recognizing routes and drifting laterally to remain in between the quarterback and his assignment. Reacts quickly to the thrown pass. Looks to help out his teammates.

Closing/Recovery: Good instincts, speed and a late burst as the ball is in flight make this one of his stronger areas. Locates the ball quickly and will abandon his prior assignment quickly once he sees the ball is headed elsewhere. Puts himself in position to be the fortunate teammate for a fumble recovery or tipped interception. High-points the ball, showing an impressive vertical jump and good timing.

Run Support: His experience as a linebacker/safety hybrid shows in his comfort near the line of scrimmage. Shows very good vision to locate the football when in traffic, as well as the balance and agility to keep his feet through the trash. Good speed and pursuit angles when shooting gaps downhill or in pursuit. Plays good team defense - is willing to break outside to the sideline to keep contain, funneling the ball-carrier back towards the rest of the defense.

Tackling: A reliable open-field tackler, who demonstrates shows some creativity in how he gets the ball-carrier to the ground. Likes to supply the big hit to intimidate his opponent. Willing to drop his shoulder and explode into the ball-carrier, creating some big hits. Generates some explosiveness as a wrap-up hitter, as well, opting to throw the ball-carrier to the ground, at times. Shows no hesitancy in taking on bigger ball-carriers.

Intangibles: Had a rough childhood and had to do some real maturing while at Clemson … Was raised by his grandmother and godmother … Has little contact with his biological parents. His mother, reportedly, has been arrested over 50 times … Was charged with high and aggravated assault on his former girlfriend in 2008. Accepted a pre-trial intervention and community service … Has since matured into an Honor Roll student and team captain. In 2009, he won a Vickery Hall award for academic improvement, earning a 3.25 GPA in the first semester and 3.0 in the second, and was named to the 2009-10 ACC Academic Honor Roll. Majoring in Sociology and will graduate in the winter of 2010 … Routinely spends extra hours on his own in the film-room during the season.

My Take:
McD is a guy that has really turned it around. Solid player that is good in coverage and solid against the run. Not the fastest but gets to the ball and makes the tackle. Solid Special Teamer. McD is a Safety to watch in the future but for us I don’t think so, just doesn’t seem to fit. Plus his last name will probably have him removed off our draft board.

Robert Sands, S, West Virginia

Height: 6-4. Weight: 217.

Hand Size: 9 ¾ in.

Combine 40 Time: 4.53 unofficial, 4.57 official.
Pro Day 40 Time: .
Bench: 12. Vertical: 35. Arm: 33 3/8.
Projected Round (2011): 3-5.
Date of birth: November 3, 1989 (age 21)

Sands is a well-rounded safety prospect with rare size, good speed, and a physical mentality and could become an excellent starter in the NFL. Can erase the deep half and hold up in centerfield. Makes a lot of plays on the ball with his range, large frame and good hands. On-field awareness is solid but still developing. Tough player who fills quickly in run support, will take on blockers, and supplies an intimidating presence over the middle in coverage. Main flaw is a lack of short-area quickness and fluidity in man coverage. Sands could hear his name called early on Day 2.

Sands is a tall, rangy, high-cut safety. Speed is better-than-average. Covers a lot of ground after reaching top speed. Can play the point or deep half. Huge catch radius and good hands to pull down the tough interception. Willing, aggressive and productive in run support and coverage over the middle. Sure-tackler. Displays solid awareness.

Like most high-cut athletes, suffers from some hip stiffness. Struggles a bit in transition. Not a good matchup against shifty slot receivers in man coverage. Instincts and ability to jump routes are adequate but still improving. Struggles to break down and make tackles in space at times.

Strengths: Tall, wiry but strong. Has speed to reach either sideline to prevent big plays. Length affects passing lanes on the blitz and running down the seam. Plays with attitude on every snap. Likes to make the big shoulder-first hit and churn his legs to stop ballcarriers' forward progress. Covers running backs on wheel routes and can handle tight ends in man coverage. Aggressive filling to stop the run, attacks plays behind the line when playing the box. Long arms allow him to wrap up most ballcarriers when technique is good. Fair ball skills and straight-line speed to intercept jump balls and late throws over the middle.

Weaknesses: Height and aggressive style put him at a disadvantage when breaking down to tackle in space. Slides off the target because he leaves his feet or bends at the waist making tackles. Slow, high backpedal. Takes time to transition from pedal to attack. Long-striding running style does not allow him to change direction quickly; must throttle down more quickly. Overaggressive, gets moved by quarterbacks' eyes too easily. Instincts and ability to diagnose play are questionable. Makes easy picks but struggles to catch balls outside his frame.

My Take:

We need the Predator on our defense. I really like this guy as a safety in our system. He is tall and rangy allowing him to effect passing lanes. Is really good in the deep and playing zone which is what Fox asks of his DBs. He does have stiffer hips and struggles in man which has some saying LB would be better for him. But like I said Sands in our system and with work I think he can be one of the better safeties in the league. I like Sands late in the 2nd but if there in the 3rd then jump all over him. Plus look at him, he is a badass mofo. PREDATOR!

Deunta Williams, FS, North Carolina

Height: 6-2. Weight: 205.
Hand Size: 10 in.
Projected 40 Time: 4.45.
Combine 40 Time: DNP.
Pro Day 40 Time: .

Bench: N/A. Vertical: N/A. Arm: 33 1/4.

Projected Round (2011): 3-5.
Date of birth: November 21, 1987 (age 23)

Williams is a supremely confident safety who has the speed and cover skills to eventually develop into a starter at the next level. He puts in time in the film room and always appears to be in position to make a play in coverage. He has the speed to be a true center fielder and the terrific hands to make acrobatic interceptions. He must become more physical in run support, but he takes proper angles to the ball and makes tackles despite not delivering big shots on impact. Williams has a chance to sneak into the second round if he runs really well.

Williams has ideal size and good speed. Smart kid that is always in position and shows a knack for anticipating routes. Fluid athlete that sticks with receivers in and out of their breaks in man coverage. Possesses reliable hands and the body control to make difficult interceptions. Takes precise angles in run support and is a sound tackler.

Over-aggressive at times and can be burned by double moves. Lacks physicality in run support and struggles to disengage from blockers. Does not deliver violent shots when tackling and will sometimes resort to arm tackles. Will not make plays in jump ball situations.

Read & React: Good instincts for the free safety position but will bite on play-action fakes. Reads the eyes of the quarterback and gets a good breaks on the ball due to his route recognition. Has good lateral agility, though his overall fluidity and straight-line speed are good but not great. Doesn't have elite speed for the position and lacks true makeup speed. Generally takes reliable angles in pursuit, though he's willing to gamble, which put teammates in some tough situations in 2009.

Man Coverage: Doesn't appear to have the man-to-man skills to effectively drop down and cover the slot receiver. Loses a step in his transition despite loose hips. Normal acceleration, though he appears to have good speed overall for the position. Uses his hands to ride the receiver and prevent separation. Competitive defender who believes the ball is his. Has excellent ball skills.

Zone Coverage: Has typical footwork for the position, showing a high, choppy backpedal. Gains good depth on his initial drop, and breaks quickly downhill on underneath throws. Possesses enough flexibility in the hips to turn and run downfield, but must do a better job of maintaining cushion. Was protected, especially early in his career, by the pass rush and talented cornerback play.

Closing/Recovery: Good route recognition, as well as at least moderate agility and straight-line speed to close on the ball. Can get himself in trouble when he freelances, as doesn't possess a second gear to recover if beaten initially. Competes for the ball, showing good timing on his vertical leap to go along with good size and impressive ball skills.

Run Support: Good lateral agility to elude blocks. Fights through receiver blocks efficiently and isn't afraid to come up to the line of scrimmage and play with the big boys. Understands his role as the last line of defense and generally does a good job with his pursuit angles.

Tackling: Generally a reliable open-field tackler, though it's not always pretty. Consistently breaks down in space to make the secure stop. Wraps his arm around the ballcarrier to bring him to a complete stop, but doesn't provide much pop as a hitter and can be dragged by bigger ballcarriers. Flashes some explosiveness, but isn't the intimidating headhunter across the middle that his star status might imply.

Intangibles: Was suspended for the first four games of the 2010 season for his part in the UNC agent scandal and suffered a broken lower leg in his final career game. Originally signed with UNC as a wide receiver. Has started all 46 games he's played of his career.

My Take:

Williams has fallen off the map since injuring his leg at the end of last year. Therefore Williams could end up being a steal late in the draft if he keeps falling, but I still like him in the 3rd. Has good speed and makes ints. Not the biggest hitter. Puts in a lot of off field work. Not a fan of his build, seems to have a smaller lower half, his weight is stretched over his frame. I don’t know something about it doesn’t appeal to me. Will be interesting to see how he progresses.

Shiloh Keo, SS/PR, Idaho

Height: 5-11. Weight: 219.

Hand Size: 9 ½ in.

Combine 40 Time: 4.72.

Bench: 24. Vertical: 32.5. Arm: 30.

Projected Round (2011): 3-5.

Keo will likely make his living as a backup safety and special teams contributor. Has some of the physical traits of an in-the-box safety but doesn't appear to possess the natural ability of polish to become a starter. Will attack the line of scrimmage in run support, put his stout body on the line taking on blocks and make some plays but is out of control on occasion. Can play the deep half in zone coverage and match up in man against some targets but isn't fluid or fast enough to cover playmakers or be a big factor against the pass. Keo could sneak into the middle rounds.

Keo has good bulk and plays with good physicality for a safety. Quickly diagnoses running plays. Not afraid to come up and fill hard in run support. Very capable and comfortable playing the deep half in cover-2. Can stick with tight ends, H-backs and fullbacks in man coverage. Good, strong tackler.

Will lose his disciple in zone coverage at times. Doesn't have the anticipation to jump routes in man coverage. Not capable of covering slot receivers man-to-man. Not a big-time playmaker who will consistently come down with interceptions. Pursuit angles to the football aren't always sound. Could use his hands more effectively.

Idaho Pro day: Defensive back Shiloh Keo (5-11 3/8, 216) clocked the 40 in 4.66 and 4.68, had a 34-inch vertical leap, 9-9 broad jump, and stood on his short shuttle and bench press results from last month's NFL Scouting Combine. He was a top performer in both events. - Gil Brandt, NFL.com

Positives: Good bulk and strength for the position. Physical defender who isn't afraid to stick in his nose in the pile. Good team defender. Willing to take out the legs of charging offensive linemen and trust his teammates to make the easy tackle. Can be a physical tone-setter across the middle, providing heavy hits to unsuspecting receivers and backs. Enough athleticism to stick with most backs and tight ends in coverage. Versatile, gutty performer whose leadership on and off the field is respected by his teammates. Two-time team captain (2009, 2010) and served as the Special Teams captain in 2008. Strong special teams performer.

Negatives: Might lack the athleticism to handle coverage responsibilities in the NFL. Is a tough defender, but isn't particularly instinctive and doesn't possess the fluidity and straight-line speed to mask his lack of awareness. Can lay the big hit on an unsuspecting ballcarrier, but to do so generally has to leave his feet and has a tendency to duck his head and rely on the collision to knock the ballcarrier to the ground, rather than wrapping his arms securely.

My Take:

Keo has been getting love from all over the place. But I don’t see it. Has decent size and decent athleticism but nothing special. To me I see him as a rotational player, a back up and special teamer, no more. He doesn’t have the upside of the others.

That is it for the Safety prospects and it for the defense. Next week we will take a look at RBs and TEs that we may target, followed up by RTs. Then I will post up my mock draft and then it will be draft competition time. Once that is all done it will be draft time! ~ Aussie.