Safety

1. Michael Huff, Texas – Clearly the best defensive back in the draft, Huff can play corner or safety, but is best suited as a safety with the ability to move all over the field and make plays. At 6’0, Huff has good speed and is a sure tackler and cover man. He’s a top 10 pick.

2. Darnell Bing, USC – Bing was one of the most productive players on USC’s championship defenses and earned a reputation as a big hitter in the defensive backfield. Bing is excellent against the run and projects as a strong safety in the league. Coverage skills lack some, but he has enough to land somewhere in the early parts of the second round.

3. Ko Simpson, South Carolina – Similar to Bing in his ability to stop the run, Simpson has good size and is best suited up in the box. Durability could be an issue as he doesn’t have the frame to take on larger blockers. Likely to land in the second round.

4. Donte Whitner, Ohio State – Yet another Ohio State defender with tremendous ability. Whitner has been climbing draft boards because of some strong workouts. Whitner can play either safety spot, but is a bit on the smallish side. He’s certain to be gone by the second round, but could sneak into the first.

5. Daniel Bullocks, Nebraska – Bullocks has good size and comes from a long line of talented Nebraska defensive backs to move on to the NFL. Strong against the run, but not great in coverage. Bullocks will go on the first day.

Sleeper: Jarrad Page, UCLA – Page was generally overlooked because of UCLA’s struggles on defense, but he is a prototype strong safety with excellent ability against the run. At just over 6’0 and 240 pounds, Page has outstanding size and is almost like another linebacker in the secondary. Not great in coverage, but could be a great fit for a team in need of help against the run and on special teams.