Dave- Te Thomas' Draft Analysis
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THE 2001 NFL DRAFT REPORT's LOOK AT THE SAFETY CROP TEAMS WILL GAMBLE ON ATHLETIC ABILITY AT A POSITION LACKING IN EXPERIENCE
There is a nice crop of safety prospects for NFL teams to chose from this year. The only problem is, most players listed here lack much experience at their position. One look around the league and you will find an evolution taking place at both free and strong safety. When the ground game was "in," defenses combated that offensive attack with two big, physical safeties, built more in the mold of outside linebackers. Now, with the West Coast Offense and multiple receiver sets becoming the rage, the safeties are required to have quickness, along with superb open field hitting ability. The strong safety is the more aggressive of the two. He will generally come up to fill the rush lanes, but now is asked to show fluid backpedaling skills, in order to cover the tight ends in the short areas. He needs to be a player who can deliver crunching hits, while also showing hip flexibility to make the smooth switch-off in the zone. The free safety will usually have better range of motion. He has to handle the inside slot receivers and also pick up the running backs that escape the slower linebackers into the second level. He is more of a centerfielder type, roaming the field with one primary assignment - help out whatever defender going after the offensive player with the ball. The free safety is probably the most instinctive athlete on the defensive side, as any sign of hesitation on his part will lead to a quick six points by a smart quarterback that spots the free safety's moment of weakness. On top of all that, the free safety is responsible for making the defensive calls in the secondary. If you look around the NFL, you will find quite a few safeties that did not play that position in college. They are either undersized linebackers forced to adjust their game to suit the pros' needs or big, physical cornerbacks that may lack that one-tenth of a second or so needed to stay with receivers on deep routes, thus the move inside where they can play the ball, rather than the man. Collegiate cornerbacks like Mississippi's Ken Lucas, Northwestern's Harold Blackmon, Baylor's Gary Baxter, Georgia's Jamie Henderson, Missouri's Julian Jones, Texas A&M's Mike Jameson, Arizona State's Nijrell Eason, Shepherd's James Rooths, Kentucky's Kenneth Grant could all be in line for a position change in training camp this year. College linebackers like Arizona State's Adam Archuleta, Kentucky's Marlon McCree, Idaho's Chris Nofoaiga, Weber State's Jason Allen, Rice's Travis Ortega and Northern Arizona's Raymond Perryman are all expected to convert to safety. That leaves little top-level prospects available who lined up at safety during their college days. Florida State's Derrick Gibson is expected to go head-to-head with Archuleta to see who will be the first player taken here in the draft. Thanks to several underclassmen leaving college early, the depth has been improved tremendously, thanks to Memphis' Idrees Bashir, North Carolina State's Adrian Wilson and Washington's Hakim Akbar. All are projected as first day draft picks, along with Kansas State's Jarrod Cooper, who seems to have answered nagging questions about his durability through excellent post-season all-star game performances and a clean bill of health at the Combines. The second day of the draft will bethe time to hear the names of Alabama's Tony Dixon, Penn State's James Boyd, Virginia Tech's Cory Bird, South Florida's Anthony Henry, Notre Dame's Tony Driver, Clemson's Robert Carswell, Oklahoma's J.T. Thatcher and Texas Christian's Curtis Fuller getting a call. Below the NCAA Division 1-A level, there are few, if any prospects of note. Appalachian State's Corey Hall, Northwestern Oklahoma's Lynn Scott and Texas A&M, Kingsville's Glenn Jones are the best that the smaller colleges have to offer, but few teams in the league are ready to roll out the professional red carpet for these suspect prospects. THE POSITION REPORT CARD THE CREAM OF THE CROP Negatives…Very slender in the lower body, lacking leg drive to maintain position vs. the larger blockers...While he shows good zone coverage ability, he lacks the sudden burst out of his backpedal you would look for in a safety...Has mediocre jumping ability, making him less effective in deep pass coverage...Hands are also questionable, as he will drop the easy interception. CAREER NOTES…Former walk-on who started the last three years in the Sun Devils' linebacking unit...An ASU fan favorite for his relentless style of play, Adam vied for several national awards as a senior, inluding the Dick Butkus Award (nation's top linebacker) and Football News' National Defensive Player of the Year Award...Ranks fourth in school history with 54 stops behind the line of scrimmage, topped only by Al Harris (57, 1975-78), Shante Carver (57, 1990-93) and Bob kohrs (58, 1976-79)...Recorded 330 tackles (202 solos) with 14 quarterback sacks, six fumble recoveries and five forced fumbles during his four years at Arizona State.His 202 solo tackles rank fifth on the Sun Devils' career-record chart. REMINDS ME OF…Dallas' Darren Woodson. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Some say it will take him time to learn to play safety, but he played that position all of his life until his sophomore year at ASU. He's a crunching hitter, more like former Cardinals great Chuck Cecil, but this is pedigree material, in a few years of adjusting. THE BEST OF THE REST Negatives…Outside of an off-field incident in the summer (arrested for soliciting an undercover policewoman), there are no character flaws and certainly no on-field deficiencies in his game… Can get overaggressive at times, which takes him out of the play…Has problems dealing with the underneath pass, allowing too much cushion on the receiver…Takes plays off, relying on his recovery speed to compensate. CAREER NOTES…Called a "coach on the field" by Bobby Bowden, Derrick has been the stabilizing force in the Seminoles secondary for the last three years...Playing the "Rover" position, he is afforded the luxury of getting to the ball at all costs, something he has been quite successful in doing...The hard-hitting pass defender finished his career with 214 tackles (137 solos), nine stops behind the line of scrimmage, seven interceptions and 16 pass deflections. REMINDS ME OF…New England's Lawyer Milloy. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Have him in a dead heat with Archuleta, so for category purposes, I went alphabetically with these two. Now, if I am a general manager, I have to look at Gibson's experience over Archuleta, but on an athletic standpoint, they are equal. Either way, both are worthy of first round consideration. THE MOST UNDERRATED Negatives...Seems very hesitant in run support, generally losing his balance when getting bounced around by blockers in tight quarters...Gets a little sloppy at times in his wrapup tackling form, tending to grab at the receivers rather than trying to secure during his hits...Susceptible to the quarterback's pumps and fakes...Needs to show a more fluid motion when changing direction, as he appears to hesitate before redirecting. CAREER NOTES…Three-year starter who began his career as a strong safety before shifting to free safety as a junior...The versatile defender proved that he had the speed to match up with some of the quickest receivers in the country, that were featured by Conference USA opponents... Finished his career with 187 tackles (105 solos), four interceptions and 21 pass deflections. REMINDS ME OF…New York Giants' Shawn Williams. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Crunching hitter who plays like a linebacker. Few know of this guy, but sitting down and reviewing film, he just keeps popping up on the screen. Look for him to be gone in the second round. THE MOST OVERRATED Negatives…Has some good lateral agility, but could use improvement in this area...Even though he can pick off the pass, he tends to be more of a body catcher and keeps his arms a little short going up for the ball...Lacks the quickness one would like in a free safety, but may not have the growth potential on his frame to add bulk for a move to strong safety...Despite his aggressive tackling, he is certainly no training room warrior and can use muscle refinement. CAREER NOTES…Two-year starter who was considered to be a "coach on the field" for the young Spartans defense in 2000...Special teams standout who is one of the most respected athletes in the entire MSU athletic program...Finished his career with 230 tackles while earning 21 starting assignments. REMINDS ME OF…Miami's Arturo Freeman. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…It's not like I hate this guy, but Blesto Scouting has him rated as the sixth-best safety in the country and I feel he's not even the sixth-best safety in the Big Ten Conference. Something is seriously wrong with their assessment. THE SUPER SLEEPER Negatives...While he has a fluid hip swerve, he comes out of his backpedal a little to high in his stance, losing some balance and body control...Needs to show more fluid foot agility in his back- pedal...More comfortable playing the run, lacking the natural hands to effectively intercept the pass...Seems hesitant at times and does not show as much aggression in pass plays as he does in run support...Can be caught out of position by the receiver's head fakes and juking moves on deep routes. CAREER NOTES…Mainstay in the Lumberjacks' secondary, forcing his way into the starting lineup at free safety early in his freshman year...Shifted to strong safety as a sophomore, registering 40 starting assignments in 44 regular season contests for Northern Arizona...Finished his career with 307 tackles (175 solos), eight quarterback sacks for minus 55 yards and 25 stops for losses of 96 yards...Also had two interceptions, 14 pass deflections, four fumble recoveries and four forced fumbles. REMINDS ME OF…Miami's Brock Marion. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…He may not even be drafted, but he's a high intensity tackler who is just starting to come into his own. Few have the foot speed and wrapup tackling form like this guy. Why, oh why do I feel he's going to be wearing "Silver & Black". FIRST DAY DRAFT POSSIBILITIES Negatives…Has to get more active in run support...Has good range, but needs to refine his deep coverage technique, as he gets turned around some on receivers' head fakes...Has to show better crispness in his plant and drive, tending to cross his feet, at times, when switching off in the zone...A little upright in his movements coming out of his backpedal. CAREER NOTES…Two-year starter at strong safety who opted to test the NFL waters by declaring for the draft, despite another year of eligibility...Hard hitter with great sideline range, evident by his 254 tackles (144 solos) and 11 stops behind the line of scrimmage in 33 games for the Wolf-pack...His 254 tackles are the most by a NCSU defensive back since James Walker collected 289 hits (1993-95)...Added three interceptions and 11 pass deflections in 23 career starts. REMINDS ME OF…ex-Denver Broncos great Steve Atwater. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…This guy has tremendous range, possibly the best I have seen since Steve Atwater's days. He can flash to the play in an instant and quite a few teams are catching onto him lately. Look for the Saints to give him strong consideration very early in the draft. #9-HAKIM
AKBAR University of Washington Huskies 6:00.3-211 Negatives...Has to stay in control of his emotions to prevent costly penalties (sometimes gets over-aggressive in his tackling)...Suckered out of position at times on pumps and fakes...Has to show better hand usage in run support, as he allows blockers to get into his chest a bit. CAREER NOTES…Mainstay in the Huskies' secondary since the final four games of his freshman campaign...Pound-for-pound, one of the most aggressive and hardest hitters in the game...Versatile athlete with starting experience at both free and strong safety...His fluid movements and quick decision making ability allows him to always be around the ball... The big-play maker recorded 225 tackles (123 solos) with eight stops behind the line of scrimmage, five fumble recoveries and four interceptions in 33 games, earning 26 starting assignments. REMINDS ME OF…Former Oakland Raider, the late Eric Turner. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…The total perfectionist, before his career is done, he'll surpass fellow Husky, Lawyer Milloy as one of the greats to play the game, but he needs a year to get settled in at the pro level.
#18-GARY
BAXTER Baylor University Bears 6:01.2-202
#40-JARROD
COOPER Kansas State University Wildcats 6:00.2-210 Negatives…Not very smooth in his backpedal and seems to want to play the run, rather than dropping back in man coverage...Too upright coming out of his backpedal, shuffling his feet rather than gliding smoothly...Needs to play in better control, as he tends to want to knock out his opponent with his hits, causing for missed tackles...Hands are very stiff, lacking that natural ability to intercept the ball. CAREER NOTES…The unquestioned leader of the secondary ever since forcing the coaching staff to insert him into the starting lineup as a freshman...Well-respected by teammates, coaches and opponents alike, his "take no prisoners" approach to the game is quickly taken up by his team-mates...Few players display a "love for the game" like Jarrod does...In four years as a starter, he has compiled 310 tackles (197 solos) in 43 games (started 40 contests)...A force against the run, he has 28 stops behind the line of scrimmage for losses of 118 yards to his credit...Equally effective against the pass, he deflected 27 passes during his Kansas State career...Showing a nose for the football, all five of his fumble recoveries have led to KSU scoring drives. REMINDS ME OF…San Diego's Rodney Harrison. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Some teams like him better than Archuleta, Gibson, Bashir or Wilson, but others are concerned about his history of injury problems. If healthy, he's a long-term starter and potential All-Pro material. #24-TONY
DIXON University of Alabama Crimson Tide 6:01.0-209 Negatives…Gets sloppy at times trying to make the tackle, lunging at the receiver...Has only marginal speed for his position...Lacks the natural hands to make the interception... Needs to get a little more aggressive with the opponent going up for the ball...Seems to drop his right shoulder a lot while making the tackle and a possible medical condition could be unearthed there. CAREER NOTES…Three-year starter for the Crimson Tide, ranking near the top of the unit in tackles each season...The hard-hitting safety was responsible for 252 tackles during his career, including three quarterback sacks...Also excels in the classroom, graduating after only three and a half years in the program. REMINDS ME OF…St. Louis' Kim Herring. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Lunch pail type who won't be flashy, but will provide steady play. His recent workouts indicate that he's elevated himself into the third round. SECOND DAY DRAFT POSSIBILITIES Negatives…His intent on zeroing in on the ball sometimes brings about sloppy tackling, as he is not the best wrapup tackler you will find...Needs to show better concentration on his man, rather than eying the big play...Hesitant playing off blocks and often misses the open field tackles... Needs to improve his body control and sink his hips better to go low before making the tackle. CAREER NOTES…The unquestioned leader of PSU's defense, he finished his career ranked 14th on the school's record list with 233 tackles...Became only the thirteenth player in school history to record over 100 tackles in a season and in 2000, he established a new school season-record for defensive backs by registering 109 tackles. REMINDS ME OF…Tampa Bay's John Lynch. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Like most Nittany Lions, they will have to live down the 2000 season, yet, that was probably his best year as a collegian. He may be pound-for-pound the hardest hitter in this draft. Now, if he can only maintain his concentration, look out! #30-MARLON
McCREE University of Kentucky Wildcats 5:10.3-187 Negatives…Struggles with the more physical blockers in the box...Better playing in space or on the edge than going inside…Seems hesitant stepping up in run force…Lacks the smooth hip turn coming out of his backpedal…Misplaces his assignment switching off in the zone…Does not show good anticipation skills tracking the ball in flight. CAREER NOTES…Began his Wildcats career as a strong safety before moving to weakside outside linebacker as a redshirt freshman...Competed in 44 games, starting his final 33...Collected 219 tackles with 14.5 sacks and 46 stops behind the line of scrimmage during his career...Holds the school game-record with six tackles for losses (vs. Florida in 1998). REMINDS ME OF…Minnesota's Robert Griffith. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Patience will be the keyword for a position coach with this kid, as most of his playing time came facing the quarterback. Once he adjusts to transition and deep coverage, he'll be worth the mid-round pick. Until then, unleash this mad dog on special teams. #16-CORY
BIRD Virginia Tech Institute Hokies 5:09.6-216 Negatives…Lunge-&-grab tackler who despite his quickness, is better covering in the short area than on deep routes...Does not turn his head properly to eye the ball in flight...Lacks the long legs to stay with the receivers deep...Gets over-aggressive at times near the line of scrimmage, costing the team with foolish penalties...Has more of a linebacker's game mentality than that of a defensive back (better at run support than pass coverage)...Gets tied up with the larger blockers when trying to race through the inside holes at the line. CAREER NOTES…Two-year starter at strong safety, who actually began his career as a receiver before shifting to outside linebacker as a redshirt freshman and then to the secondary the following year...Was called the "unquestioned leader" of Tech's defensive unit by the coaching staff...Became the first Tech player in the history of the strength and conditioning program to earn "Super Iron Hokie" honors five-straight years...Mixing strength and aggressiveness with outstanding knowledge of the Tech system, he finished his career with 204 tackles (128 solos), 12 sacks for minus 94 yards and 21 stops for losses of 54 yards in 43 games. REMINDS ME OF…Chicago's Mike Brown. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Instant contributor on special teams. He has great strength and shows it every time he hits a running back, but he has to work on improving his pass coverage skills. #12-ANTHONY
HENRY University of South Florida Bulls 6:00.6-198 Negatives...His impressive athletic ability does not translate to the field due to his inability to recognize and digest the plays...Ducks his head when making contact, causing him to slip off more than a few tackles...Better in run support than pass coverage, as he lacks the instinctive skills to give support to the cornerbacks dropping back in the zone...Gets too late of a break on the ball, lacking that second gear needed to recover when beaten... Allows the receivers to get behind him too often...Takes poor angles to the ball, eliminating himself from the play...Struggles to break down the action in the open field. CAREER NOTES…Four-year starter for the Bulls at free safety, but also has experience as a cornerback and wide receiver...Was originally a Proposition 48 student, but his hard work in the classroom allowed the NCAA to grant him an additional year of eligibility in 2000...Finished his career with 256 tackles (169 solos) and nine stops behind the line of scrimmage...Recovered six fumbles and deflected 22 passes...Also had ten interceptions for 126 yards in returns, breaking the school career-records of eight pass thefts for 118 yards in returns by Roy Manns (1997-2000). REMINDS ME OF…Carolina's Mike Minter. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Like Minter, it is his athleticism that pops out at you first, but after reviewing film, you see those skills easily translate to the football field. It's a shame he did not get into any established big-name all-star games, as the level of competition he faced during his career makes it tough to gauge what he could deliver at the pro level. #9-ROBERT
CARSWELL Clemson University Tigers 5:11.3-215 Negatives…Tends to get a little sloppy tackling in the open field, preferring to do most of his hitting in closed quarters...Problem could arise from the fact that he allows too much cushion for receivers on deep routes and then lacks that sudden burst to get back to his man without overextending and lunging at him...Seems lost while trying to recover after the receiver gets by him...Takes improper angles in pursuit, taking himself out of the play as he will then get over-aggressive to compensate...While possessing good speed, he seems to lack that explosive initial step. CAREER NOTES…Mainstay in the Tigers' secondary since midway through his freshman year... Honored by the American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team for his community service, the hard-hitting tackler boasts 41 starts in his 47 games in a Clemson uniform, one start short of the school career-record for defensive backs (42 by James Lott, 1986-89)...Finished his career with 374 tackles (220 solos) and eight interceptions...His 374 tackles set a school career-record for defensive backs, topping the previous mark of 295 by Terry Kinard (1979-82)...Only Clemson defensive back to ever register over 100 tackles in a season twice in a career. REMINDS ME OF…Kansas City's Jerome Woods. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…One of those guys that I'd just like to bulk up and make him an outside linebacker. I am not crazy about his sloppy tackling and feel that by having him roam the field at safety, it makes him his own worst enemy. #20-LEO
BARNES University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles 6:00.1-200 Negatives...Lacks fluidity in his movements...Very rigid, almost getting back on his heels when going into his backpedal...Does not plant and drive well, showing marginal change of direction agility...Can track the pass, but needs to recognize his assignments better switching off in the zone...Covers ground, but has questionable speed which is exposed when he has to run with the receivers on long routes...Not the toughest you will find when called upon for run support, lacking aggression taking on blocks and losing balance as the larger linemen generally will rock him back...Provides a good thud when tackling, but tends to get a little sloppy, dropping his head before making the hit...Shows no explosiveness in his closing burst...Needs to drastically upgrade his work in the weight room to add much needed strength. CAREER NOTES…Three-year starter who has come up with countless big plays for the Golden Eagles during his time with the team...Standout pass thief who has the ability to change the course of a game in an instant...Collected 270 tackles (163 solos) during his career and ranks second on the school's all-time record list with 25 pass deflections...Tied for sixth on USM's career-record chart with eleven interceptions...His four interception returns for touchdowns set a Conference USA career-record and equaled the school mark first set by Perry Carter (1990-93). REMINDS ME OF…Pittsburgh's Lee Flowers. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…The best pass thief of the bunch, but he has to bring more to his game than just that. Also have to question his judgement in buying an $80,000 Jaguar recently. Hey Leo- without a Combine invitation, that may tell you your draft stock is not as high as you thought! #1-MICHAEL
JAMESON, JR. Texas A&M University Aggies 5:11.2-187 Negatives...Not the most instinctive, showing an inability to diagnose the quarterback's pumps and fakes...Not that effective in man coverage, having problems staying stride-for-stride with the receivers...More comfortable working the short areas covering tight ends and running backs rather than taking on the split ends and flankers...Lacks route awareness, not covering enough ground with the ball in flight...Hesitates breaking down the play and needs to develop better wrapup tackling technique, as he generally will grab at the opponent rather than secure him. CAREER NOTES…Began his Aggies career as a cornerback before shifting to strong safety as a junior...Moved again to free safety in his final season...Also served as the rusher on the punt return coverage unit...Tied with Kevin Smith (1988-91) for the school career-record with three interception returns for touchdowns...Finished his career with 190 tackles (131 solos), seven interceptions and 19 pass deflections. REMINDS ME OF…Buffalo's Henry Jones, in his prime. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Will contribute quickly in the nickel and dime package, but his lack of instincts makes it tough to elevate him to starting material. #25-TONY
DRIVER University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish 6:01.2-211 Negatives…Needs technique work in deep coverage, as he can be turned around on moves...Has to work on displaying better run support dynamics...Ducks his head at times before delivering the hit, which causes him to get bounced around some. CAREER NOTES…One of the finest athletes to ever wear a Fighting Irish uniform... Consummate team player who began his career as a tailback in 1997, then moved to strong safety in 1998, shifting back to the offensive backfield as a junior before finding a home at free safety in his final campaign...Has made major contributions on both sides of the ball, in addition to excelling on special teams... Became only the second player in college football history to return two fumble recoveries for touchdowns in the same game...During his Notre Dame career, he started 18 of 22 games on defense, finishing with 130 tackles (78 solos) and four interceptions...In 19 games on offense, he gained 304 yards with seven touchdowns on 85 carries (3.6 avg)...Performing for the special teams units, he returned 46 kickoffs for 1059 yards (23.0 avg)...Only Jim Stone (1079 yards, 1977-80), Allen Rossum (1318, 1994-97), Raghib Ismail (1607, 1988-90) and Tim Brown (2089, 1984-87) gained more yardage on kickoff returns in Fighting Irish annals. REMINDS ME OF…Jacksonville's Donovin Darius. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Hopefully, not being invited to the Combines gave this kid a reality check. Like Darius, he needs a serious in his deep coverage skills before he can make any noise at the pro level, but he's a fine athlete who works hard to get better. #44-TERRENCE
CARROLL Oregon State University Beavers 5:11.6-219 Negatives…Lacks a smooth change of direction, which causes him problems when having to stay with receivers in man coverage...Seems tight moving in transition...Lacks that ease-of-movement agility in his backpedal...Shows inconsistencies in his range, as he struggles to turn on the ball and tends to take shallow angles when beaten deep...More of a knock-down type, rather than an inteceptor, due to suspect hands...His penchant for playing as if he's on a "search and destroy" mission will see him get sloppy tackling at times, especially when it comes to proper wrapup technique...Seems to "disappear" for stretches during the game before gaining notice by making a big play...Needs to curtail his "night life" in order to be at peak level. CAREER NOTES…The hard-hitting tackler has started every game (44) he's played in for the Beavers...The two-time team captain hits like a linebacker and with good cause, as he was originally recruited to play that position...His great speed and tackling ability has led to the drastic improvement of OSU's defense over the years...The fearless tackler closed out his career with 255 tackles (186 solos), nine interceptions, eight stops behind the line of scrimmage, four fumble recoveries, five forced fumbles, 17 pass deflections and three blocked kicks...His five forced fumbles were two shy of the school career-record of seven, first set by Michael Hale (1991-94) and matched by Inoke Breckterfield (1995-98)...Only Hale (299), Reggie Tongue (362, 1992-95), Will Ephraim (281, 1991-94) and Andre Harris (268, 1987-88) had more tackles in a career among those that played in the defensive backfield at Oregon State. REMINDS ME OF…Seattle's Reggie Tongue. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…His problems switching off in the zone and lack of range makes this guy a linebacker stuck in a safety's body. He has good qualities, but to hear Dennis Erickson call him the best safety he ever coached is nothing but a crock! #15-J.T.
THATCHER University of Oklahoma Sooners 5:10.7-224 Negatives…Needs technique work in deep coverage, but has good range...Aggressive for the ball, but tends to gamble, trying to make the big play...Better in zone than man coverage, mostly due to his lack of experience on defense (one year). CAREER NOTES…The team's best athlete was also their jack-of-trades, performing as a quarter-back, tailback, wide receiver, return specialist and free safety during his time with the Sooners...A tireless worker, J.T. sacrificed personnel success for that of the team, but few stars shone as brightly as his during Oklahoma's national championship run in 2000...A sensational return artist, he became the first player in the Sooner program to return two punts for touchdowns in the same season since Eddie Hinton accomplished that feat in 1966...Despite only one full season as the team's punt returner, he ranks fourth on the Sooners' all-time record list with 745 yards gained (on 42 attempts), topped only by Joe Washington (807 yards on 65 tries, 1972-75), Jack Mitchell (922 on 39 chances, 1946-48) and Jarrail Jackson (1241 on 125 attempts, 1996-99)...Only the second player in school history to gain over 500 yards in a season on punt returns, setting the Sooner annual record with 599 in 2000...His average of 17.7 yards per punt return is topped only by Mitchell's 23.6-yard average in Oklahoma history...In only one full season on defense, he totaled eight interceptions with 16 pass deflections. REMINDS ME OF…New England's Tebucky Jones (for athletic skills and lack of experience). GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Could be a nice fit for the 49ers later in the draft, as he is a big, physical, but raw defender that brings added value as a top-notch return man. OTHERS TO WATCH OUT FOR Negatives...Lacks solid man coverage skills, preferring to play the zone...Stiff in the hips when turning out of his backpedal and lacks the explosive drive to catch up when the receiver gets by...Seems to hesitate when tracking the ball in flight, bringing the pigskin into his body rather than extending for the ball (result is few interceptions)...Bites on the quarterback's fakes and has problems maintaining contact with the receiver on crossing patterns due to the large underneath cushion that he allows...Gets sloppy in his tackles at times, especially in the open field...Does not have the leaping ability to consistently battle for the ball in traffic. CAREER NOTES…Experienced defender who has played both safety positions, in addition to holding for place-kicks during his time with the Trojans...Tough, durable tackler with great size and impressive power behind his hits...Appeared in 43 games, starting 21 contests at Southern California...Finished his career with 168 tackles, five interceptions and 27 pass deflections. #2-JAMES
ROOTHS Shepherd College Rams 5:11.3-213 Negatives...Lacks run support ability, as he tends to get bounced around too much when asked to step up and fill the rush lanes...Ducks his head when attempting to make the tackle...More of a side-tackler who will grab and try to drag down, but needs to extend his arms better in order to secure and wrap...While he has a smooth turning motion, he tends to side-pedal too much, preventing him from getting an explosive break on the ball near the point of attack. CAREER NOTES…One of the most electrifying return specialist in the history of college football... Holds the NCAA's all-time overall record with ten punt returns for touchdowns during his career with the Rams, shattering the previous mark of six scoring returns by Billy "White Shoes" Johnson of Widener (1970-72)...Holds the school's career-records with 66 punt returns for 1275 yards, topping the previous marks of 50 attempts by Justin Duhaime (1987-90) and 512 yards by Bootsie Washington (1996-97)...Finished his career with 118 tackles (94 solos), nine interceptions and 37 pass deflections...Started 40 of 43 games he played in for the Rams. #18-CURTIS
FULLER Texas Christian University Horned Frogs 5:09.6-187 Negatives...Shorter than ideal...His frame is probably maxed out, leaving little room to add needed strength...Lack of power makes him little more than just another warm body in run support (not timid, but does not search out contact)...Has very poor hands, dropping more than a fair share of potential interceptions...Can stay with the speedy receivers down the sidelines, but lacks the second gear to adjust to the opponent's upfield moves...Does not always recognize the play developing...Will make good strikes, but is more of a grabber than a wrapup tackler. CAREER NOTES…Former cornerback who started at free safety during the last three years for the Horned Frogs...First-class citizen who is well-respected by teammates and held in esteem by the local community for his volunteer work...A member of the American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team, he serves as a leader of a church mission group that travels to Mexico every summer to build houses for the poor...Approaches practices as if it was a game, giving 100% effort all of the time...The "quarterback" of TCU's defense, he finished his career with 257 tackles (192 solos) and 19 pass deflections. #13-SHAWN
FORTE University of Maryland Terrapins 6:01.0-201 Negatives…Lacks the quickness and range needed for deep coverage...More of a grab-&-drag down tackler, rather than a wrapup one...Very cautious in run support, showing inconsistencies taking the proper angles towards the ball...Has limited deep coverage ability due to a lack of speed...Lacks the burst an catchup speed in the deep areas... Hesitant at times closing on the ball...More comfortable in the zone, showing limited range in man coverage...Has had a hard time dealing with the death of his brother. CAREER NOTES…Three-year starter who has been the unquestioned leader of the Terrapins secondary...Was originally recruited as a tailback...Started 29 of his last 30 games...Began his career at strong safety before moving to free safety as a junior...Finished his career with 193 tackles (133 solos) and nine interceptions. #38-JOHN
HOWELL Colorado State University Rams 5:11.0-196 Negatives...Lacks flexibility and blazing quickness...Gets caught in his feet at times trying to break in the open...Needs to improve his hip swerve in order to get a more fluid motion when turning on the ball...Lacks the leaping ability and natural hands to make the key interception... Has to work on improving his timing, as he is not always capable of recovering when beaten deep...For all of his aggression, he does not show ball-hawking ability. CAREER NOTES…Two-year starter at free safety who is one of the most intense special teams coverage performers in college football...Originally came to CSU as a halfback, moving to the defensive backfield as a redshirt freshman...Recorded 233 tackles (134 solos) with nine quarterback sacks for minus 63 yards and 18 stops for losses of 81 yards in 42 games as a Ram. #7-ALFONSO
"AL" BLADES University of Miami Hurricanes 6:00.4-207 Negatives...Not that quick to read and diagnose the plays...Has adequate speed going deep, as receivers frequently get by him on long routes...Comes out high and very slow from his back- pedal, but does show fluid hip turn...Does not plant and drive on the ball with quickness...Fights to get into position, taking angles that generally will cause him to over-shoot and miss with his attempted tackle...Struggles to maintain body control in the open...Better covering in run support near the line of scrimmage than dropping off in the zone on pass coverage. CAREER NOTES…Fifth-year senior who carried on the long family tradition of providing stellar play in the Miami program...Latest in am impressive lineage that included older brothers Benny (1987 Jim Thorpe Award winner), a standout safety and Brian, a superb receiver, to wear a Hurricanes uniform...Has manned the free safety position for the last three years... Regarded as one of the hardest-hitting run support defensive backs in college football, he finished his career with 258 tackles (125 solos), four fumble recoveries, three interceptions and ten pass deflections. #24-COREY HALL Appalachian State University Mountaineers 6:03.2-188 ANALYSIS…Positives…Well-conditioned athlete with long arms and superb leaping ability...Has the height to match up with tight ends in the zone and shows excellent lateral agility...His speed could see him shift to cornerback at the pro level...Light on his feet, showing loose hips...Turns and runs smoothly...Shows proper technique positioning himself against the receiver in the deep zone...Natural interceptor who can extend and snatch...Keeps his shoulders squared properly when attacking. Negatives…Despite leading the team in tackles the last few years, he is not a physical tackler... Grabs at ball carriers, rather than trying to wrap them up...Does not plant and drive well with his legs...Will throw a shoulder at his opponent, but rarely looks to punish...Needs to work through blockers quicker, as his lanky frame generally sees him lose in physical confrontations. CAREER NOTES…Has been a mainstay in the Mountaineers secondary since moving into the starting lineup midway through his freshman year...Started 42 of his last 43 games...Finished his career with 310 tackles, the tenth-highest total in Appalachian State annals...His 13 interceptions rank fifth (tied) on the school's all-time record list...Also deflected 30 passes. #3-SHAUNARD
HARTS Boise State University Broncos 5:11.5-195 Negatives...Still developing play diagnostic skills, partly due to two years spent on offense that he has been a little slower to read plays from a defensive standpoint...Better suited for zone coverage, as he tends to let the receiver get right on top of him when playing in one-on-one situations...Does not plant and drive well out of his backpedal, appearing to shuffle rather than turn and smoothly flip his hips...While he extends well for the ball, his hands are smaller than ideal (8-inch width) to be a natural interceptor...Aggressive in run support, but does not always take proper angles...Also does not use his hands well to play off blocks and protect his feet. CAREER NOTES…The former wide receiver found a home in the defensive backfield after being moved to weakside safety as a junior...The hard-hitting defender has been one of the top tacklers on the team during his defensive career, recording 145 tackles (85 solos) with 12 quarterback sacks for minus 70 yards and 21 stops for losses of 97 yards. #11-GLENN
JONES Texas A&M University, Kingsville Javelinas 6:01.0-209 Negatives...Lacks that quick burst to mirror receivers moves near the line or the sustained speed to stay with his man on deep routes...does not plant and drive well coming out of his backpedal, taking wasted steps before turning on the ball...His penchant for zeroing in on the ball and not playing the man sees him sometimes over-pursue as the receiver makes the big play because of Jones' insistence on gambling...Will be pulled from the field in obvious deep passing situations due to a lack of foot speed...drops his head at times before making the tackle, causing ball carriers to slip through his grasp. CAREER NOTES…Two-year starter who took the 1999 season off to concentrate on improving his academic status...Performed at strong safety as a junior before shifting to free safety in 2000... Began his collegiate career in 1996 as a free safety at Tyler (Tex.) Junior College, joining the Javelinas program in 1998...Collected 151 tackles (71 solos) with six sacks and 16 stops behind the line of scrimmage during his two years at Kingsville. #8-JASON
DOERING University of Wisconsin Badgers 5:11.5-200 Negatives...Labors coming out of his backpedal, keeping his feet too narrow to generate a proper hip swerve...Lacks the quickness to stay with receivers in the open...Has to show a better feel in run support, as he tends to play the blockers more than the ball...Has only an adequate change of direction...Needs to show more aggression and better crispness in his footwork...Despite his football smarts, he is still susceptible to the quarterback's pumps and fakes. CAREER NOTES…Former walk-on who went on to start 36 games during his Wisconsin career... Hard hitter who ranks 12th overall and third among defensive backs on the school's career-record list with 338 tackles (more than any walk-on in school history)...Only the fifth player in Badgers' history to serve as team captain in more than one season.
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