1. Jason Allen, Tennessee Volunteers – 6’1” 209 lbs.

Positives

Jason Allen has speed and athleticism to hang with any defensive back in this draft. His man coverage skills are well honed from a lot of time at cornerback, including his senior year. He’s a good hitter and physical player, and he can put pressure on the QB.

Negatives

Allen suffered a gruesome season-ending hip dislocation in 2005 and there is some skepticism about whether his hip is sound. He also has suffered from shoulder injuries. Allen lacks top notch instincts and lacks excellence as a true safety or corner because of being switched between the positions multiple times in college.

Numbers Game

4.39 – Allen’s 4.39 in the 40 yard dash at the combine was part of a revelation, as many thought he wouldn't even be able to work out there after his hip injury.

NFL Comparison

Brian Dawkins

Summary

Jason Allen was considered on a par with Michael Huff coming into this season. His injury dropped him on many boards, but he’s back in many mock first rounds after a terrific combine and pro day. If the hip holds up, he could be a star.

2. Ko Simpson, South Carolina Gamecocks – 6’1’ 209 lbs.

Positives

KO is a hard-nosed, speedy, ballhawking safety who can make plays close to the line of scrimmage and effectively cover the deep zone. He closes well on both receivers and ballcarriers. Simpson has shown an incredible knack for making big plays on defense. He’s athletic and smooth and can use his speed to recover when beaten.

Negatives

KO is more of a feel player than a cerebral player. He is a little bit older than a typical prospect, and only has two years of experience in college football. He’s not very good in man coverage. Some think he has been overhyped by South Carolina.

Numbers Game

12 – Simpson has been in on 12 turnovers in his 2 years at South Carolina.

NFL Comparison

Darren Sharper

Summary

KO Simpson has a highlight reel to match any defensive back in the draft. His short career at South Carolina was highly heralded and he could be a first round pick. He should be a solid fantasy safety at worst.

3. Pat Watkins, Florida State Seminoles – 6’5” 211 lbs.

Positives

Pat Watkins is a rare tall, rangy free safety that is also very fast and agile. He’s a true ballhawk and excels covering the deep part of the field. He’s a smart, disciplined player that made the defensive play calls in college and knows how to recognize and break down plays. He’s also an aggressive solid tackler in run support. His ball skills are so good that some think he might have potential as a wide receiver. He will also contribute as a gunner on special teams.

Negatives

He’s somewhat light because of how tall he is. Watkins does not play with a mean streak and he could be more intense on the field. He’s not a big hitter despite being a sound tackler. He doesn't play as well in man coverage as zone.

Numbers Game

4.42 – Watkins 40 time is very rare for player with his height.

NFL Comparison

Greg Wesley (although Watkins height makes him singular)

Summary

Pat Watkins is a very unique player, a tall defensive back with the coverage skills of a smaller player. He’s a perfect “centerfielder” and probably the most pure free safety in the draft. He should go on the first day. His likely assignments to cover the deep zone may limit his tackle numbers.

4. Cedric Griffin, Texas Longhorns – 6’0” 199 lbs.

Positives

Cedric Griffin is a very smart, strong defensive back. He excels at reading plays and has a terrific football IQ. He’s very physical and closes well on running plays at the line of scrimmage. In general, he’s excellent in run support. He made the single best play of the Senior Bowl with a circus interception of Jay Cutler while leaping over the receiver’s shoulder.

Negatives

Griffin is not a natural receiver at all and knocks down passes that he could intercept. His technique is weak for a cornerback and he’s very tentative in coverage, letting the receiver make plays in front of him. He lacks elite timed speed.

Numbers Game

15 – Griffin broke up 15 passes in the 2005 season, which is a good number, but it also points to his suspect hands.

NFL Comparison

Quentin Jammer

Summary

Griffin could stay at corner if he’s in a cover 2, but otherwise he seems best suited to move to safety. There is no consensus on the position he’ll be drafted at. His physical play, smarts, and experience could make him a good starter in the NFL if his weaknesses are adequately hidden.

5. Antoine Bethea, Howard Bison – 5’11” 203 lbs.

Positives

Antoine is a very strong, solid safety. He is a hitter and is excellent at forcing fumbles. He’s a leader of the defense and a hard working player. He also has elite timed speed which is enhanced by his strong style of play. Bethea excels in zone coverage and is at his best when the play is in front of him.

Negatives

Bethea lacks ideal height and did not play against a top level of competition in college. He tends to overcommit on play action fakes. His hands are a weakness, and they have cost him interceptions.

Numbers Game

309 – Bethea’s 309 career combined tackles in college show he’s always around the ball.

NFL Comparison

Terrence Kiel

Summary

Antoine Bethea has the skillset to be a quality NFL safety. Small school defensive backs are all the rage, and Bethea might join players such Rashean Mathis and Nick Collins as NFL starting DBs from the Division I-AA Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.