2011 NFL Draft - Top 4 Safties

The-Mainboard.com 2011 NFL Draft Initial Top Safties

List is from NFL Draft aficionado, Neal Olson.

1. FS Rahim Moore, UCLA
-Going into the year it is a three horse race for the top safety in this class between Williams, Moore and McDaniel. I tend to prefer Moore a bit over the other two with his ball skills. He isn't as big as the others, however has a great ability to play the ball while it is in the air. His recovery speed is outstanding and can get to the ball quickly as soon as he sees where the quarterback is going. Due to this he is arguably the biggest playmaker amongst the three when it comes to interceptions. His hands are outstanding as well which isn't surprising as amassing the amount of interceptions he has that is pretty much a given. The main concern with Moore is his size. He is only 6'1 and 200 pounds which shows on film. He isn't as physical as one would like and doesn't have the killer instinct when going to make a tackle. This is something to watch as a guy like McDaniel may be more attractive if Moore can't bulk up throughout the year.

2. S DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson
-McDaniel is probably the biggest freak at the safety position that is eligible to declare for the 2011 draft. He isn't quite the athlete that Taylor Mays was but does trump Mays as a pure safety. McDaniel displays an excellent ability to diagnose plays early and thus he is able to get the proper jump on the ball and is able to attack the ball rather than play catch up. In addition to his ability to play the ball, McDaniel is a versatile safety as well. Given his size, he not only has the ability to play back and play centerfield well but also has the ability to play closer to the line of scrimmage. He does display above average tackling skills for a safety and isn't afraid to play closer to the line either. Although the 2009 season was a tremendous season for McDaniel, he decided to stay in school which was probably the right decision on his part. He is certainly a preseason first rounder and instead of being a fringe first rounder, if he is able to duplicate his 2009 season he has the ability to sky rocket and put himself in a position to be the first safety off of the board come next April.

3. S Deunta Williams, North Carolina
-Williams is the a big physical safety who is a former receiver and the ability to play the ball shows on film. He is outstanding at reading the quarterback's eyes and seeing a play develop. With his speed and ability to do those items, it makes him very dangerous as a centerfielder in the secondary. He shows great ability to get the ball at its highest point and being a former receiver, it certainly doesn't come at any surprise. When he makes an interception, he does have the speed to make a highlight and bring the ball back a considerable distance. The main concern for Williams in evaluation will be how he develops technique wise in his backpedal. Often times on film, he is slow coming out of his backpedal which is going to hurt him at the next level more than it does now. He is able to get away with it at the college level due to his excellent recovery speed much like Dowling but NFL receivers will make him pay if he doesn't improve upon that weakness. Overall Williams is an outstanding playmaker and definitely among the top group when it comes to safeties eligible for next season's draft.

4. S Mark Barron, Alabama
-Barron makes the fourth Alabama member to be ranked among the top 46 for me. Barron is an intriguing prospect for me. He came out of high school playing offense but was moved to the secondary for Alabama. Barron is much like DeAndre McDaniel in terms of the physical nature he has. He is big at 6'2 and roughly 215 pounds and reports are has continued to get stronger this offseason. With his physical nature, much like McDaniel he has the ability to take out every level of the field. He can go up in the box when needed and make a play to prevent a play from developing or can stay back and be an outstanding centerfielder. He has excellent athleticism for the position and his vertical jump should blow scouts and other prospects away at the NFL combine next February. He does have an excellent burst when attacking a ball and doesn't hesitate if he is able to recognize a play quickly. If there is one true weakness it would be probably be his long range speed. It is above average but isn't elite which could knock his stock down slightly. Either way he is a fantastic all around safety and is poised for a big 2010 season for the Crimson Tide.