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2014 NFL Draft Prospects: Safeties

The top 2014 safety prospects available for the 2014 NFL Draft. * - denotes 2015 prospect. ** - denotes 2016 prospect.

This page was last updated May 25, 2013. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

2012 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | OG | C | DE | DT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | NT | 4-3 OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

2013 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | OG | C | DE | DT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | NT | 4-3 OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

2014 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | 3-4 DE | NT | 3-4 OLB | 4-3 OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

Haha Clinton-Dix*, S, Alabama
Height: 6-1. Weight: 209.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2014): 1-2.
5/25/13: Clinton-Dix had a breakout season in 2012 as a platoon player following Mark Barron's departure for the NFL. Clinton-Dix totaled 37 tackles with five interceptions, four passes broken up and a forced fumble.

Clinton-Dix is very good in pass coverage as a deep defender and roving free safety. He covers a lot of ground, defends big receivers and has ball skills. The junior is expected to be the difference-maker in the Alabama secondary this year now that Robert Lester has moved on to the NFL, too.

The Crimson Tide has produced a lot of good defensive backs, and Clinton-Dix looks like the next star to come out of Alabama's secondary with his combination of size and speed. The Orlando, Florida product was top recruit coming out of high school.

Ed Reynolds*, S, Stanford
Height: 6-2. Weight: 205.
Projected 40 Time: 4.58.
Projected Round (2014): 1-2.
5/25/13: Reynolds was one of the top safeties in college football in 2012. The junior had six interceptions with five passes broken up and 37 tackles. It was his first season as a starter.

Reynolds has a nice skill set with good size and speed. What really stood out in last year was his good instincts to make impact plays. Stanford should have a nice pass rush from its front seven, so Reynolds could be in position to have another big season causing turnovers in 2013. He missed the 2011 season with an injury.

Personal: Majoring in political science. Son of Pamela and Ed Reynolds. His father played for the New England Patriots from 1983-1991 and one season with the New York Giants (1992).

Kenny Ladler, S, Vanderbilt
Height: 6-0. Weight: 205.
Projected 40 Time: 4.58.
Projected Round (2014): 2-3.
5/25/13: Ladler was very good for Vanderbilt in 2012. He is an instinctive and gritty player who flies around the field and is always around the ball. Ladler is impossible to ignore when watching the Commodores.

Ladler led Vanderbilt with 90 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss, one sack, one pass broken up, one interception and one forced fumble last season. He totaled 53 tackles, one tackle for a loss and one interception in 2011.

Personal: Son of Erica and Kenneth Ladler.

Dion Bailey*, S/OLB, USC
Height: 6-0. Weight: 210.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2014): 2-3.
5/25/13: The speedy and instinctive Bailey is a very good pass-defender. He was a good Will linebacker in Monte Kiffin's Tampa 2 at USC in 2012, totaling 80 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, four interceptions and five passes broken up. Bailey had 81 tackles, two interceptions and two sacks as a freshman in 2011. He has ballhawk ability and is playing safety in 2013. If that doesn't go well, Bailey could add weight to play outside linebacker in the NFL.

Personal: Policy, planning and development major.

Vinnie Sunseri*, S, Alabama
Height: 6-1. Weight: 210.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2014): 2-3.
5/25/13: Sunseri had a solid debut season in 2012, but was overshadowed by HaHa Clinton-Dix, in part because of the latter's name. The duo combined to replace Mark Barron and the play of Sunseri and Clinton-Dix left Alabama's defense not missing a beat. In fact, the secondary was even better. Sunseri was used more for his run defense. He had 52 tackles (34 solo) and six tackles for a loss. Sunseri had three passes broken up and two interceptions as well.

With Robert Lester moving on to the NFL, Sunseri should combine with Clinton-Dix to give Alabama an excellent safety combination in 2013. Sunseri is a natural football player with great instincts.

Personal: Son of Sal Sunseri, former Alabama linebackers coach and currently the defensive coordinator at Tennessee.

Craig Loston, S, LSU
Height: 6-2. Weight: 205.
Projected 40 Time: 4.63.
Projected Round (2014): 2-3.
5/25/13: Loston replaced Brandon Taylor in the starting lineup in 2012 and had an impressive debut. Loston was named a Second-Team All-SEC selection after making 55 tackles, three tackles for a loss, one pass broken up and three interceptions. The Tigers are expecting him to lead their secondary after losing Eric Reid to the NFL. Loston could be even better as a senior and has the potential to rise up the rankings.

Personal: Majoring in general studies. Son of Jackie Henderson-Robertson.

Ty Zimmerman, S, Kansas State
Height: 6-1. Weight: 204.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2014): 2-3.
5/25/13: Zimmerman has been an impact player over all three of his years at Kansas State. He started 12 games in 2010 as a freshman and totaled 74 tackles, four tackles for a loss, three interceptions and three passes broken up.

Zimmerman had 58 tackles with five passes broken up and two interceptions in 2011. Last year was his best season as he snagged five interceptions to go along with 50 tackles and two passes defensed. Zimmerman isn't the biggest or fastest safety, but he has good instincts and is intelligent.

Personal: Majoring in general studies. Son of Stefanie and Randall Zimmerman.

Tre Boston, CB/S, North Carolina
Height: 6-1. Weight: 205.
Projected 40 Time: 4.54.
Projected Round (2014): 2-4.
5/25/13: Boston has played both cornerback and safety for North Carolina. He has been a solid player for the Tar Heels the past two seasons. Boston racked up 70 tackles, three interceptions, two passes broken up and a forced fumble in 2011. He improved as a junior with four interceptions, six passes batted and 86 tackles. Boston's ability to play corner and safety could make him very intriguing for NFL teams.

Personal: Communications major. Son of Iris DeHoyos.

Hakeem Smith, S, Louisville
Height: 6-1. Weight: 187.
Projected 40 Time: 4.56.
Projected Round (2014): 3-4.
5/25/13: Smith had another solid season for Louisville in 2012. He recorded 73 tackles, seven passes broken up, a forced fumble and zero interceptions.

Smith is a good tackler and run-defender. He was a First-Team All-Big East selection in 2011. The sophomore had a big impact for Louisville's defense, totaling 84 tackles with nine passes broken up, three forced fumbles and one interception.

Smith broke into the lineup in 2010 and was named the Big East Rookie of the Year. He recorded 88 tackles (62 solo), six tackles for a loss, one sack and one forced fumble. Smith would be higher if he showed more ball skills and an ability to pick off passes.

Personal: Computer science major. Son of Sheri and Craig McCobb.

Antone Exum, CB/S, Virginia Tech
Height: 6-1. Weight: 224.
Projected 40 Time: 4.58.
Projected Round (2013): 3-4.
5/25/13: Exum has split time at corner and safety during his collegiate career. He had a strong 2012 season playing cornerback and was a Second-Team All-ACC selection. Exum led Virginia Tech with five interceptions while also recording 16 passes broken up, two forced fumbles and 48 tackles. He played safety for the Hokies the year before and recorded 89 tackles with 10 passes batted, one interception and two forced fumbles.

Exum is a versatile player who could be used as hybrid safety/corner in the NFL.

Personal: Has already graduated with a degree in finance. Son of Barbara and Antone Exum, Sr.

Isaiah Johnson, S, Georgia Tech
Height: 6-2. Weight: 208.
Projected 40 Time: 4.57.
Projected Round (2014): 3-4.
5/25/13: Johnson was one of Georgia Tech's best defenders in 2012. He led the defense with 87 tackles. The junior also had a sack, an interception, a forced fumble and 4.5 tackles for a loss.

Johnson has some quickness to go along with size and physicality. He was consistent throughout 2011, making 78 tackles, three interceptions, three tackles for a loss, one sack and three passes broken up. He had 46 tackles and three tackles for a loss, one interception, one forced fumble and one sack as a true freshman in 2010.

Johnson is still developing and has some real upside heading into his senior year.

Personal: Majoring in management. Academic standout. Son of Nathan and Dominica.

Nickoe Whitley, S, Mississippi State
Height: 6-1. Weight: 205.
Projected 40 Time: 4.53.
Projected Round (2014): 3-5.
5/25/13: Whitley had an impressive 2012 season coming off an ACL injury. The junior made 88 tackles with three interceptions and one forced fumble. He showed a lot of improvements as a run-defender and continued to display the ability to create turnovers.

Whitley had only 34 tackles in 2011, but he showed off some ball skills with four interceptions. Whitley's production could have been even better, but he missed the last four games of the season after rupturing his Achilles' tendon against Alabama. If Whitley can stay healthy in 2013 and resume his ballhawking ways, he could rise up the rankings.

Personal: Son of Mr. and Mrs. Nickoe Whitley

Ahmad Dixon, S, Baylor
Height: 6-0. Weight: 205.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2014): 3-4.
5/25/13: Dixon is a fast and physical player who has played a hybrid linebacker and safety position for the Bears. He finished third on the team in tackles last season with 102. The junior also contributed two interceptions, three passes broken up, 5.5 tackles for a loss and a sack. Like the rest of the Bears defense, Dixon had some struggles with West Virginia. However, he was impressive against TCU and Kansas State.

Dixon had 89 tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss, three passes broken up and an interception in 2011.

Personal: An exploratory major. Son of Lisa and Allen Dixon.

Alden Darby, S, Arizona State
Height: 5-11. Weight: 192.
Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
Projected Round (2014): 3-5.
5/25/13: Darby entered Arizona State as an athlete and found a home at safety. He saw his first significant action as a sophomore in 2011 and totaled 51 tackles with three passes broken up and three interceptions. Darby improved his play last year, notchhing 80 tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble, four passes broken up and three interceptions. He is fast, but could use more strength for the NFL.

Personal: An exploratory major.

Corey Moore*, S, Georgia
Height: 6-2. Weight: 214.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2014): 3-5.
5/25/13: Moore is expected to take over one of Georgia's open starting safety positions. Bacarri Rambo and Shawn Williams both moved on to the NFL, and that leaves a huge hole in the Bulldogs' defense. Moore had only 14 tackles in a backup role last year. There is hype that the junior is going to be a good player for Georgia, so he could climb in these rankings if that proves it to be justified.

Personal: Majoring in communications.

Tevin McDonald*, S, Eastern Washington
Height: 5-11. Weight: 188.
Projected 40 Time: 4.62.
Projected Round (2014): 4-6.
5/25/13: If it weren't for off-the-field issues, McDonald would be higher in these rankings. He was kicked out of UCLA for violating team rules and transfered to Eastern Washington this spring. McDonald was previously suspended by the Bruins for a reported failed drug test. He had an impressive 2012 season with 79 tackles, nine passes broken up, one forced fumble and one interception. McDonald had 56 tackles, three interceptions, nine passes broken up and a forced fumble as a redshirt freshman in 2011.

McDonald is very fast and covers a lot of ground. He has good instincts and is a natural free safety.

Personal: Tevin is the younger brother of St. Louis Rams safety T.J. McDonald (2013 third-round pick). Tevin is the son of Alycia and Tim McDonald. Tim McDonald played for the Arizona Cardinals (1987-1992) and San Francisco 49ers (1993-1999). Tim McDonald is currently the defensive backs coach for the New York Jets.

C.J. Barnett*, S, Ohio State
Height: 6-1. Weight: 202.
Projected 40 Time: 4.55.
Projected Round (2014): 4-6.
5/25/13: Barnett had 56 tackles, two interceptions, 2.5 tackles for a loss and six passes broken up in 2012, despite missing three games with an ankle injury. He is a hard hitter and a good run-defender.

Barnett had 75 tackles, two interceptions and six passes broken up in 2011. The sophomore was solid but unspectacular in what was his first full season starting. He could make strides as a senior and rise up the rankings.

Personal: Majoring in criminology. Son of Yolanda and Tom Buskey.

Lamarcus Joyner, S/CB, Florida State
Height: 5-8. Weight: 195.
Projected 40 Time: 4.53.
Projected Round (2014): 4-6.
5/25/13: Joyner is a very undersized defensive back who is also a special teams contributor. He had 51 tackles, five passes broken up and an interception in 2012. Joyner has averaged 25 yards per kick return in his career, so there is no doubt that he is very fast and explosive. The senior would be a lot higher in these rankings if he weren't so undersized.

Joyner played well in 2011 with four interceptions, three passes broken up and 54 tackles. He was an All-ACC selection the past two seasons. However, Joyner asked the coaching staff to move him to cornerback for the 2013 season. It will be interesting to see how Joyner performs. He may have a better shot at sticking at safety as a pro.

Terrence Brooks, S, Florida State
Height: 5-11. Weight: 197.
Projected 40 Time: 4.59.
Projected Round (2014): 5-6.
5/25/13: Brooks led a talented Seminoles secondary in tackles while recording 51 tackles, two interceptions, four passes broken up and one forced fumble. It was his first season of significant playing time as he had previously been a backup. Brooks had just 17 tackles in 2011. Florida State will need Brooks to build on his performance and lead their safeties this season since the team is moving Lamarcus Joyner to cornerback.

Sean Parker, S, Washington
Height: 5-10. Weight: 190.
Projected 40 Time: 4.62.
Projected Round (2014): 5-7.
5/25/13: Parker is a 2-year starter and was an All-Pac 12 honorable mention in 2012. He totaled 77 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles, four passes defensed and two interceptions. Price had 91 tackles with two passes broken up and four interceptions in 2011.

Karlos Williams*, S/OLB, Florida State
Height: 6-1. Weight: 230.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2014): 5-7.
5/25/13: Williams is an intriguing prospect to watch in 2013. He enters the starting lineup with Lamarcus Joyner moving over to cornerback. Williams is extremely big and fast. He was a backup safety last year, but started the ACC Championship Game at linebacker. The sophomore made the most of that opportunity with 11 tackles and an interception against Georgia Tech.

Williams will get the chance to live up being rated one of the top recruits in the nation coming out of high school this year.

Isaiah Lewis, S, Michigan State
Height: 5-10. Weight: 205.
Projected 40 Time: 4.59.
Projected Round (2014): 6-FA.
5/25/13: Lewis was an All-Big Ten honorable mention last year after he totaled 80 tackles with six passes broken up and two interceptions. Lewis entered the starting lineup in 2011 and had a quality season for the Spartans. The sophomore was a Second-Team All-Big Ten selection by the coaches and media. He totaled 74 tackles with four interceptions, three passes broken up and 2.5 tackles for a loss. Lewis formed a nice duo with Trenton Robinson that year.

Personal: Majoring in psychology. Son of Lorenzo and JoAnn Lewis.

Dezmen Southward, S, Wisconsin
Height: 6-2. Weight: 214.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2014): 7-FA.
5/25/13: Southward was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection in 2012. He totaled 69 tackles with eight tackles for a loss, two interceptions and five passes broken up. It was Southward's first full season as a starter and he could be better in 2013. Southward recorded a total of 43 tackles as a backup during his sophomore and freshman seasons.

Personal: An agricultural business major. Son of Caprice Southward and Eli Rasheed. His stepfather, Eli, is the defensive line coach at Toledo.

Andy 03-14-2013 11:52 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.213 (total posts: 1)

Jerry(BooBoo) Gates from Bowling Green should go 5-7. He is a great cover safety and a solid run stopper. He's a ballhawk safety who every wide receiver has to watch for. He is also a great PR and has taken it to the house quite a bit with his explosive speed. Very underrated

Allen Iverson 12-14-2012 11:52 am xxx.xxx.xxx15.9 (total posts: 1)

You watch my boi Karl Joseph from WVU play? Know that defense is weak, but if they do have a strong point it is that Freshman safety keep an eye on him.. He hits hard makes stepping in front of a semi sound more appetizing than going over the middle on him.

Vince 11-12-2012 06:02 pm xxx.xxx.xxx3.99 (total posts: 1)

Nat Berhe out of San Diego State should be noted as well, as a possible later round pick. He's a little undersized at 5-10 190, but will get a little bigger next year and plays huge anyway. He plays the same position that Brian Urlacher played at UNM (under coach Rocky Long).

Berhe runs about a 4.50, so he's got the speed to be a strong safety in the NFL. He has two interceptions and three pass breakups, but most impressively has 84 tackles and 2 TFL for the Mountain West leading Aztecs defense. He plays a huge role for the defense along with future third-rounder Leon McFadden. Watch out for Berhe in the 2014 Draft.

Vee-haka 10-14-2012 10:34 am xxx.xxx.xxx.181 (total posts: 1)

Where is Vinnie Sunseri on this list? He should definatly be on there no doubt

Pages: 1

2014 NFL Mock Draft - June 18

Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - June 17

2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - June 16

2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 22

NFL Picks - Feb. 3

2014 NFL Draft Prospects: Safeties

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