Strong Safeties

While the FS group had a good showing in
last year's draft, the SS crop left a lot to be
desired. Only 2 prospects were taken within
the first 4 Rounds. The first one, Zbikowski,
didn't go until the 86th overall selection. So,
how does this year's list of draft eligibles
stack up? Favorably. I can guarantee that
someone from the list below will not only go
before the 86th pick, he'll deserve to. This is
a group of guys who'll trade punches with
another throughout the year for national
honors.
1) *Myron Rolle SS 6'2 215 Florida State
While just entering his Junior year, Rolle's already shown that he'll be able to
play at the next level. Last season, he was fourth on the team in Tackles with
67. His pass coverage may be questioned by some, as he only had 2 PBU and
failed to get a pick. This however has more to do with rotations and schemes
vs. anything else. Rolle is also extremely intelligent both off and on the field.

2) *Emanuel Cook SS 5'10 215 South Carolina
Cook was a top-shelf recruit who had plenty of offers from other top schools.
It looks like the decision for him to go to South Carolina has paid off for both
sides. Cook is a converted RB who has solid speed and can pop. He's one of
the toughest Safeties in the nation. Last season, he amassed 92 Tackles, 8
TFLs, 4 Sacks, 3 Interceptions, and 5 PBUs. He's looked good enough at this
stage of the game to warrant any early 2009 declaration.

3) Michael Hamlin SS 6'2 200 Clemson
Clemson allowed the lowest number of passing yards per game in the ACC last
season, and was ranked in the top 15 nationally. Hamlin was a big reason why
this happened. He contributed with 4 Interceptions and 6 PBUs. He was also a
pure machine against the run, coming in second on the team with 97 Tackles.
Hamlin plays well off of FS Clemmons. The two may make up the best Safety
duo in the nation. The Clemson pass rush has been lacking so far this year,
which makes Hamlin's numbers pop that much more.

4) Patrick Chung SS 5'11 210 Oregon
The Ducks didn't have the best LB corps last season, so a lot was left for
Chung to clean up. He did so in phenomenal fashion, amassing 110 Tackles,
7.5 TFLs, 2 Interceptions and 6 PBUs. With Byrd and Thurmond flanking him on
the corners, PAC-10 QBs have had their work cut out for themselves. With 38
consecutive starts, you'll be hard pressed to find any DB who has more
experience than Chung.

5) Kevin Ellison SS 6'1 230 USC
Ellison came on strong in 2005 as a Freshman, but his season was cut short
due to a torn ligament in his knee. Since then, he's been the starter at SS
and hasn't looked back. Last season, he posted 57 Tackles, 8 TFLs, 2 Sacks,
2 Interceptions, and 6 PBUs. He plays against the run and pass equally well.
While Taylor Mays will get the press at FS, don't think Ellison doesn't help him
look good...vice versa applies. He has a solid shot at leading his team in
Tackles this year.

6) Chip Vaughn SS 6'2 220 Wake Forest
While he played in a back-up capacity for 2005-2006, Vaughn still got to see
a lot of the field and became better as a result of it. Last season, he took
advantage of his starting role and led his team with a respectable 105
Tackles. If that wasn't enough, he proved to be great in pass coverage where
he hauled in an Interception and had 14 PBUs. He plays fast, with a great
speed to weight ratio. His reaction time is very quick. You'll struggle to see a
play off of the LOS that he isn't in on.

7) Nic Harris SS 6'2 225 Oklahoma
Harris was a top-shelf recruit coming out of High School, and has looked the
part ever since. Last season, he had 74 Tackles, 9.5 TFLs, 3.5 Sacks, 2
Interceptions and 7 PBUs. He has the ability, size and speed to play at either
Safety position. So, where's he been this year? Harris, while still a good
prospect, has not been the same player this year. He needs to finish the
season strong to avois a late round grade.

8) *Kam Chancellor SS 6'3 225 Virginia Tech
Chancellor showed that he's a great athlete when he held down the QB
position back in High School. In watching him play now, you probably wouldn't
have assumed as much. Meaning, he looks like a natural Safety. Last season,
he tallied 79 Tackles, 1 Interception and 7 PBUs. He has the speed to play FS,
where he may land come the season opener. While he has room to get better,
it'll be fun to watch him progress.

9) *Barry Church SS 6'2 220 Toledo
Church has started since his Freshman year and has been the star of the
Rockets' Defense ever since. In just 2 seasons, he's accumulated 163
Tackles, 12 TFLs, 7 Interceptions, and 10 PBUs. If you prorate those stats
over a 4-year term...oh-boy. There's no reason to think that he won't
continue to be dominant regardless of who he plays against. He has great
workout numbers and should impress the scouts.

10) Shane Carter SS 6'2 202 Wisconsin
Carter is expected to man the FS position for Wisconsin in 2008, but his size
and speed combination would allow him to possibly be a better fit at SS. Last
season, he notched 56 Tackles, 7 Interceptions, and 2 PBU. It was his first
year starting at Safety, so we'll have to see if he can sustain his high level of
play or not. So far, so good. This kid's been real active out there, making his
presence certainly felt.

11) Otis Wiley SS 6'2 210 Michigan State
Even with his struggles last season, you could still see something special in
Wiley. He's come back this year and has looked as good as many of his
supporters said he would. He's an aggressive safety who will certainly hit you.
He has the potential to really move up the boards.

12) Anthony Scirrotto SS 6'0 192 Penn State
There has really never been a question about Scirrotto's level of talent or
ability. He's an excellent athlete who knows his way around the field. The
concern, however, has been around his off-field issues. This is the year where
he'll have to keep his nose clean and show what he can really do. The Big Ten
has some solid gun-slingers so he'll be tested. With Sean Lee out for the year,
Scirrotto has to step up and lead.

Other Considerations...
Jamarca Sanford - Mississippi, Reshard Langford - Vanderbilt, Otis Wiley -
Michigan State, Al Afalava - Oregon State, Rashad Sha'reff - Central Florida,
Kurt Coleman - Ohio State, Quinton Andrews - West Virginia, Larry Asante -
Nebraska, Dorian Munroe - Florida, Bryan Williams - Akron, Jamario O'Neal -
Ohio State,