Scouting the NFL Draft: Defensive backs

Scouting the NFL Draft: Defensive backs

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Alabama safety Mark Barron will likely be the first player chosen at his position.

The NFL scout has a vision. He sees Jimmy Graham, but the Saints star tight end isnt dominating. Hes being controlled, because the NFL has finally found an answer for him.

Its a safety, the scout says. A guy like (late Washington Redskins safety) Sean Taylor. Thats the guy everyone needs to shut these tight ends down.

Its why safeties could be in vogue at this weeks draft. A season ago, not a single safety went in the first round. But as defenses battle to counter the NFLs tight end revolution, theyre rethinking the role of the deep center fielder.

Alabama safety Mark Barron, likely to be the first safety chosen this season, says his position is undervalued. Scouts say thats no longer true. Most corners are too small to handle the likes of New Englands Rob Gronkowski, while linebackers lack the necessary agility.

Safeties like Barron offer an alternative. At 6-1, 213 pounds, Barron is big and strong enough to attack the run, and proved throughout his Crimson Tide career that he could cover athletic tight ends. One scout even suggested that Barron was solid enough that I think he could stay with some receivers.

Such versatility has appeal in this pass-happy NFL. Thats why king-sized Boise States George Iloka (6-2, 223) could go earlier than expected despite iffy production. And its also why coaches evaluate more and more cornerbacks with thoughts of sliding them to safety. Its something the Arizon a Cardinals did with then-corner Antrel Rolle before the 2008 season; three years later, Rolles newfound versatility played a key role in the Giants Super Bowl run.

Theres going to be three or four corners teams start to look at and say, Is he tough enough and smart enough to play inside? says NFL Network scouting analyst Mike Mayock.

Its hard to find good safeties, adds the scout. Thats why tight ends are having so much success. Seems like every year, there are only a few safeties out there.


FIVE TO WATCH

CB MORRIS CLAIBORNE, LSU, JR.
Forget that embarrassing 4 on the Wonderlic test. The junior is a rare guy, according to NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock.

CB STEPHON GILMORE, SOUTH CAROLINA, JR.
The Gamecocks standout is an explosive corner with size, although he lacks quality instincts and often gives up too much cushion.

S MARK BARRON, ALABAMA, SR.
At 6-1, 213 pounds, Barron has the size to outmuscle tight ends, plus hes fast and agile.

CB DRE KIRKPATRICK, ALABAMA, JR.
Kirkpatrick, 6-2, 186, reminds some of Jets CB Antonio Cromartie, although a lack of ball skills makes him a candidate to eventually slide to safety.

CB JANORIS JENKINS, NORTH ALABAMA, JR.
You take away all the off-field stuff, and hes a first-round corner, Mayock says of Jenkins, who played at North Alabama after being kicked out of Florida.

UNDERRATED: CB JAYRON HOSLEY, VIRGINIA TECH, SR.

OVERRATED: S GEORGE ILOKA, BOISE STATE, SR.

SLEEPER: S JANZEN JACKSON, McNEESE STATE, SR.