NFL Draft Early Entries: Safeties

2016 NFL Draft Early Entries: It’s not pretty. The NFL is starving for safeties, and this group fails to impress.

2016 NFL Draft Earlt Entries: Safeties

Vonn Bell, Ohio State, 5-11, 205

Right Move? The superstar recruit needed a little while, and then he showed what all the fuss was about with plenty of athleticism and the ability to do a little of everything right with 65 tackles and nine broken up passes. While he might not be a blowup hitter, he doesn’t need to be. While he won’t be sensational, he’s a good, sound playmaker – he should be the first safety off the board.
Projection: Second Round

Travis Blanks, Clemson, 6-0, 211

Right Move? While he’s too small to be an NFL linebacker, he might end up at safety. Injuries have been a problem in the past, and he already graduated, so outside of pushing for another shot at the national title there’s no real reason to stay. Now it’s just a question of whether or not he can make squad as a special teamer.
Projection: Free Agent

T.J. Green, Clemson, 6-2, 205

Right Move? While he might need a little while, he showed throughout this year that he can produce at the highest of levels finishing second on the team with 95 tackles. He only did it for one year, and he didn’t show quite enough against the pass, but with his size and upside he’s a chance worth taking in the mid-rounds.
Projection: Fifth Round

Jayron Kearse, Clemson, 6-4, 220

Right Move? With his frame and his athleticism, he’ll be an intriguing option for a secondary looking for a guy with all the tools and upside. He came up with 62 tackles with six broken up passes and a pick, but the wow moments will come in the highlight reel when he shows off blasting hit after blasting hit. In a league desperate for safeties, he should be a gamechanger.
Projection: Second Round

Keanu Neal, Florida, 6-1, 216

Right Move? A big-hitting safety, he came up with 96 tackles with two sacks and a pick even though he missed a few games banged up. It would’ve been nice if he did a little more when the ball was in the air, but the Gators had elite corners to handle that. He might not be for everyone, but his tackling ability should help him make a roster.
Projection: Fourth Round

Tyvis Powell, Ohio State, 6-3, 210

Right Move? With 71 tackles and three picks, he was a nice part of a terrific Buckeye defensive back seven. While he was never seen as a superstar on a team full of superstars, he turned in a nice career showing a knack for the big play at the key time. Already graduated, he’s ready.
Projection: Fifth Round