top safeties in 2008 draft: 1. Kenny Phillips, Miami Height: 6-2 Weight: 212 College stats: 33 starts, 241 tackles, 15 passes defended, 7 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles. Vital numbers: 4.48 40-yard dash, 4.27 short shuttle, 34 vertical Phillips is the top safety on most draft boards, if not all, but Tyrell Johnson is making a late run for the top spot. One GM described Phillips as a great tackler but without the range of some of the other great Miami safeties. Has better strong safety (in the box) skills than he has free safety skills but he can play in the deep hole or half field. Draft projection: Round 1. Phillips: First Draft | Path to the draft discussion 2. Tyrell Johnson, Arkansas State Height: 6-0 Weight: 207 College stats: 45 starts, 353 tackles, 28 passes defended, 13 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles Vital numbers: 4.41 40-yard dash, 4.42 short shuttle, 39 vertical Johnson is a fast riser on draft boards and is now capable of being a first-round pick. He is a fine tackler, can line up and cover a wide receiver or tight end. One defensive coordinator likes his mechanics over all the other safeties. The Arkansas State competition seemed to be a concern earlier in the process but the workouts puts those concerns to rest. Some might feel he could play corner. Draft projection: Round 1-2. Johnson: Combine highlights 3. DaJuan Morgan, North Carolina State Height: 6-0 Weight: 205 College stats: 12 starts, 225 tackles, 15 passes defended, 6 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles Vital numbers: 4.56 40-yard dash, 4.41 short shuttle, 37 ½ vertical Morgan is listed as a one-year starter but after talking to him he pointed out how much he played the previous year. He's not a great tackler but is smooth in transition in the open field. He has better range in zone coverage than his 40 time would suggest. He can get trapped making mistakes on the field and a good quarterback can bait him into mental errors. Draft projection: Round 2. Defensive backs at the combine 4. Tom Zbikowski, Notre Dame Height: 5-11 Weight: 211 College stats: 47 starts, 300 tackles, 15 passes defended, 8 interceptions, 7 forced fumbles Vital numbers: 4.44 40-yard dash, 4.04 short shuttle, 32 ½ vertical Zbikowski really intrigued me at the Senior Bowl practices. He plays faster than advertised; he really understands offenses and how to play formations and routes. He may not be great at the next level but he will be a reliable pro who could be a starter down the road. In the meantime, he will be ready to come off the bench quickly. Draft projection: Round 3. Zbikowski: Combine highlights | Gearing up for the draft | Combine interview 5. Quintin Demps, Texas-El Paso Height: 5-11 Weight: 206 College stats: 46 starts, 275 tackles, 41 passes defended, 17 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles Vital numbers: 4.39 40-yard dash, 4.14 short shuttle, 34 ½ vertical Demps did not jump out at me during Senior Bowl practices. He has great measurables and production. His open-field tackling leaves something to be desired but he does make plays on the ball. He can return punts, play on kick coverage units and be a third safety in his rookie season. Draft projection: Round 4. Defensive backs at the combine 6. Craig Steltz, LSU Height: 6-1 Weight: 213 College stats: 20 starts, 184 tackles, 18 passes defended, 11 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles Vital numbers: 4.60 40-yard dash, 4.19 short shuttle, 35 vertical Steltz is a very good college safety who some feel will fail in the NFL. I've talked with Steltz and watched a number of his game tapes and I see him playing in the NFL for a number of years. He may be a special teams guy and a reserve safety but he knows the game and plays it with passion. There is still room for men like that in the NFL. He didn't start at LSU right away, but when he got his chance he proved he belonged. He will do the same thing in the NFL. Draft projection: Rounds 5. link http://www.nfl.com/draft/story;jses...0d5d807d7cf8&template=with-video&confirm=true
