Take a look back at the 2007 NFL Playoffs and you’ll see that of the 12 teams involved, four (Jacksonville, Tennessee, Tampa Bay, Washington) had starting rookie safeties, and seven of the teams (the aforementioned, including San Diego, Green Bay, and New England) had rookie safeties who played a significant role.  The safety position this season is not the deepest, but does have some quality players.

Kenny Phillips – U of Miami:  Phillips is another in the long line of productive Hurricane safeties.  Unlike some prior players from the University of Miami, Phillips has a clean record of character off the field and has shown an attitude on the field.  Phillips is 6’2” 210lbs and has been productive both against the run and tracking down balls deep in coverage.  Something that sets Phillips apart other than his nice athleticism is his football I.Q.  At U of Miami, Kenny Phillips would often direct the defense and play a large role in defensive audibles and play recognition so he should have a seamless transition to an NFL defensive backfield as a leader on the field. 

Reggie Smith – Oklahoma:  Smith might play corner in the NFL, but going into the combine he’s still a S.  That versatility makes him a hot commodity at the next level (see Eric Weddle).  Smith has good speed and ball skills with the only negative being a few injuries along the way.  Reggie Smith is a tweener S/CB, but good times in the short shuttle and three cone drill could push him to a higher ranking making him a borderline first round selection.

Jonathan Hefney – Tennessee:  Hefney is listed at 5’9” 185, so his size is his biggest “flaw” as a free safety.  Hefney should time out tremendously in the 40, short shuttle, and three cone drill which will help his stock and also show that he could potentially play corner at the next level, but more importantly be a guy who can be a great COVER safety.  Hefney is a very good return man which helps his stock and helps people overlook his size.  Despite his size, Hefney is a very solid player in run defense and he also has a good frame to build on which could help him out down the road.  With the increasing amount of four wide receiver sets and deep receiver threats, a great cover safety is a position of need for a lot of teams and Hefney can be this.

Sleeper:  Dominique Barber – Minnesota:  Dominique is the younger brother of Marion Barber and coaches have said that the intensity, toughness, and passion definitely were passed on to younger brother Dominique.  At 6’0” 210lbs, Barber has always been solid in coverage, but this past season showed excellent tackling skills and toughness against the run recording 5.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and one forced fumble.  Barber has fluid hips in coverage and solid top end speed; expect Barber to be a 4^th round selection with a great upside. 

Potential Bust:  Craig Steltz - LSU:  It’s hard to select a “bust” out of these safeties because other than the top two there really isn’t a clear cut order of talent.  Tom Zbikowski would have been this selection if he came out after his junior season, but after a poor 2007, his stock is as low as it can be.  The pick here is Craig Steltz, Steltz isn’t a top prospect, but he is a potential day one pick and he put up huge numbers in his senior season at LSU.  Steltz has great size at 6’2” 209 with a broad frame, much like last year’s John Wendling.  Steltz is a guy with a good motor, he’s a good hitter, but has poor footwork in coverage, and could potentially fit better at linebacker in a Tampa 2 scheme and play some great special teams, something you shouldn’t spend a day one pick on. 

Top 10 Safeties in 2008 Draft:

1. Kenny Phillips – U of MIAMI
2. Reggie Smith – OKLAHOMA
3. Jonathan Hefney – TENNESSEE
4. DaJuan Morgan – N.C. STATE
5. Tom Zbikowski – NOTRE DAME
6. Marcus Griffin – TEXAS
7. Dominique Barber – MINNESOTA
8. Thomas DeCoud - CALIFORNIA
9. Chris Horton – UCLA
10. Pig Brown – MISSOURI