1. Michael Huff, Texas Longhorns – 6'0" 204 lbs.

Positives

Michael Huff is a complete safety. His instincts when the ball in the air and speed have made him one of the best big play DBs in college football over the last 4 years. Toughness, hitting, and athleticism are all areas that Huff excels in. Another plus is that this elite athletic specimen is also a smart football player who can be a quarterback of the defense. Huff is lethal once he gets the ball in his hands. He's even blocked three kicks.

Negatives

Huff would likely not make it as a corner, as he's just not fluid enough, although his speed can help him recover when he loses ground in transition. He's got OK size with room to get bigger, but he's not an “8th man in the box' thumper of a safety. He's not big enough to effectively take on blockers at the point of attack, but he is willing.

Numbers Game

6 – Huff's career TD total shows what a difference maker he can be.

NFL Comparison

Ed Reed

Summary

Michael Huff should be the first defensive back off the board at the draft. He's a franchise safety that can make a game-changing play at any moment. Huff's package of skills and intangibles is very rare and he should be able to make an immediate impact as long as he stays at safety.

2. Donte Whitner, Ohio State Buckeyes – 5'10" 204 lbs.

Positives

Donte is a strong physical safety with top end speed who can make plays all over the field. He is an effective blitzer and hitter and will make an impact on run defense with his sure tackling, gap shooting, and willingness to take on blockers. He's a smart player in deep coverage and his fluid change of direction ability compliments his straight line speed. He's also a quality special teams player.

Negatives

Whitner is not as tall or big as you would like in a strong safety and may have more trouble getting nullified by larger blockers in the NFL. He came out as a junior and only has one complete season as a starter.

Numbers Game

13 – Whitner's total tackles for loss, very impressive for a player that plays off the line of scrimmage

NFL Comparison

Bob Sanders

Summary

Donte Whitner may sneak in the first round and should be a stalwart starter at safety for the team that drafts him. Like Huff, he's a rare safety that can be a force in both run and pass defense and really lead a defense from the defensive backfield.

3. Darnell Bing, USC Trojans – 6'2' 227 lbs.

Positives

Darnell Bing is a big safety who loves to hit. He's strong and has very good speed for a defensive back his size. Bing knows how to get through traffic and is a force on run defense. He can cover the deep middle well and is good in zone coverage. His tackling ability is top notch. He also has good hands and playmaking ability on returns.

Negatives

Bing has durability issues, missing games with shoulder and hip injuries. He's also not as smart or instinctive as Whitner or Huff. His aggressiveness sometimes keeps him from wrapping up or going for the ball, and causes him to overpursue plays. He's a little too big and stiff to excel in man coverage.

Numbers Game

20- USC great Mike Garrett unretired his number so Bing could wear it.

NFL Comparison

Rodney Harrison

Summary

Darnell Bing is the kind of safety that will establish an intimidating presence and attitude in the middle of the field. He's a big time hitter and playmaker, and can have as big an impact as Huff or Whitner if he stays healthy.

4. Daniel Bullocks, Nebraska Cornhuskers – 6'1 212 lbs.

Positives

Daniel Bullocks is a fast, athletic safety who can handle his run and pass responsibilities with equal excellence. Like Huff and Whitner, he's a leader on the field. He's a smart, hardworking, and disciplined player. He's a very sure tackler and has the speed to close and make plays in the running game. He's a natural receiver when given the opportunity and uses his speed and athletic ability to make plays.

Negatives

While Bullocks consistently wraps up and finishes his tackles, he doesn't deliver huge hits or blow plays up. Man coverage is not a strength.

Numbers Game

187 – Bullocks piled up 187 return yards on his 5 interceptions in 2004.

NFL Comparison

Josh Bullocks

Summary

Daniel's brother, Josh, entered the NFL last year and was thought to be the better Bullocks, but Daniel had a strong senior year and could win the intrafamily competition yet. His combine showed surprising speed and he should be a solid first day pick.

5. Bernard Pollard, Purdue Boilermakers – 6'2” 224 lbs.

Positives

Bernard Pollard is a big, powerful safety that is basically like an extra linebacker in the running game. He's fast and athletic for a big safety and strong and determined enough to take on blockers. He's one of the best in college football at blocking kicks.

Negatives

Pollard is far from a natural in coverage and could be converted to linebacker. He seems like the ballhawk instincts and speed to be anything more than average in the most optimistic scenario. He clashed with the coaching staff at Purdue.

Numbers Game

4 – Pollard blocked an astounding four kicks in his sophomore year.

NFL Comparison

Cato June

Summary

Pollard may or may not stay at safety. Either way, he will be a force in the running game, racking up tackles, which is the most important stat in IDP leagues.