Safeties: top senior prospects

1 Donte Nicholson, 6-1, 210, Oklahoma. Is an active, athletic, physical player with range. Is a good tackler and solid in run support. Can play free or strong safety. Doesn't have ideal coverage instincts.

2 Dustin Fox, 5-10, 190, Ohio State. A cornerback/safety 'tweener who might be best suited as a corner on a cover 2 team. Athletic player with straight-line speed. His change-of-direction ability could be better. Is physical and aggressive and tackles well. Is small but solidly built.

3 Jamaal Brimmer, 6-1, 213, UNLV. Has average speed and is limited in deep coverage but makes up for it with good instincts. Makes plays. Is physical but is an inconsistent tackler. Is at his best when close to the line.

4 Vincent Fuller, 6-1, 187, Virginia Tech. Is a converted cornerback who strictly is a free safety prospect. Has athleticism, range and some cover ability. Can turn his hips and run. Is not a big hitter. Needs to bulk up.

5 Sean Considine, 6-0, 206, Iowa. Is a pretty well-rounded player who can cover a lot of ground. Is tough and instinctive. Plays the run aggressively and should be a good special teams contributor. Isn't as big or athletic as you would like.

6 Jerome Carter, 6-0, 215, Florida State. Shows some speed in pursuit. Is adequate in man-to-man coverage and is average athletically. Is a good tackler who is put together well and plays strong. Can be effective in the box.

7 Oshiomogho Atogwe, 5-11, 203, Stanford. Is a free safety prospect who can make plays on the perimeter. Has good feet and cover ability and is pretty athletic. Tackles well and is competitive. Lacks size.

8 James Butler, 6-2, 205, Georgia Tech. Has decent size and would be best at strong safety. Has decent range and cover skills. Could be more consistent as a tackler. Played better a year ago.

9 Gerald Sensabaugh, 6-2, 217, North Carolina. A big, physical strong safety prospect who is more effective near the line of scrimmage than in space. A transfer from East Tennessee State who has come on this season.

10 Kerry Rhodes, 6-2, 205, Louisville. Has ideal build for a safety. Has range, is athletic and has been productive. Isn't real physical but can be explosive. Doesn't always diagnose correctly.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Sporting News Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning