NFL Draft – SS Rankings
Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
6.) Vinnie Sunseri, Alabama (6’0, 210): Borderline athleticism for an NFL player, but Sunseri makes up for it with great instincts. Sunseri is a sure tackler who is very aggressive against the run and is basically a coach on the field. I think he has enough intangibles to make up for his lack of athleticism and be an effective safety in the league. Draft projection: 4th-5th round
7.) Isaiah Lewis, Michigan St (5’10, 205): Lewis has a penchant for big hits, but is questionable in coverage. He made a few nice plays in Senior Bowl practices but also got beat deep a couple of times putting a spotlight on his lack of top-end speed (4.60). Worst case, Lewis will be a big-hitter on special teams. Draft projection: 5th-6th round
8.) Dez Southward, Wisconsin (6’0, 211): If these rankings were just based on coverage ability, Southward would be much lower. He has poor instincts and his coverage technique needs plenty of work, but his physical attributes are off the charts. Southward wasn’t allowed to work out at the combine due to a surprise back injury, but he dominated his pro day. Southward ran a 4.31 40, had a 42-inch vertical leap, and looked very impressive in the position drills. He’s a project that needs a lot of work before he can play safety in the NFL, but the athletic potential is there and he could be a pro bowl quality gunner on special teams right away. Draft projection: 4th-5th round
9.) Brock Vereen, Minnesota (5’11, 199): His impressive performance at the combine earned him a spot in the draft. Vereen had the 2nd fastest 40-time (4.47) and the most bench reps (25) of all the safeties. He has good coverage skills but could be a liability against the run at the next level. It won’t be from lack of effort though, Vereen is a hard-nosed, max-effort player whose best bet to see the field on defense might be at free safety. Wherever he ends up, Vereen should excel on special teams. Draft projection: 5th-6th round
10.) Hakeem Smith, Louisville (6’1, 186): 3-year starter at strong safety for Louisville who is a bit undersized, but a hard-hitter and a force against the run. Smith gets burned a little too often in coverage due to a lack of speed, but has improved his coverage technique every year at Louisville. He needs to continue to improve his technique and put on some weight, but the potential is there to eventually become a well-rounded starting safety. Draft projection: 6th-7th round