S Draft Prospects

N Barnett Dec. 14, 2006

1) LaRon Landry, 6'2 202 lbs, LSU

A complete safety who can play either safety positions. Nearly declared last season where he would have been a 1st round pick. Landry has good size but doesn't have top end speed. Can be too aggressive at times which takes him out of the play. But still, he is a top notch talent. Landry is a hard hitter who breaks very well on the ball. A playmaker in the secondary because of his great instincts. Very high potential to be a star player in the NFL.

NFL pro comparison: Adrian Wilson

2) *Reggie Nelson, 6'1" 193 lbs, Florida

Nelson is quickly becoming one of the best safeties in the nation. A hard hitter, he will likely need to bulk up a bit in order to play safety in the NFL. Very versitle, Nelson can also be used at CB if needed. A solid tackler who is becoming a playmaker in the secondary. Could go in the mid to late 1st if he declares for the draft.

NFL pro comparison: Ken Hamlin

3) Michael Griffin, 6'0" 205 lbs, Texas

One of the most complete and versitile secondary players in the draft. Griffin is a tackling machine who is always around the ball. He has the size and speed to play anywhere in the secondary. A talented athlete who will be very productive at the NFL level.

NFL pro comparison: Lawyer Milloy

4) Aaron Rouse, 6'4" 225 lbs, Virginia Tech

Incredible size for a safety because Rouse is a coverted LB. He has good speed and is a solid tackler. Isn't a big playmaker but he will make a handful of them each year. Still learning the position and questions could come up about him going back to LB. Still a solid 2nd round pick at the moment.

NFL pro comparison: Sean Taylor

5) *Tom Zbikowski, 6'0" 210 lbs, Notre Dame

Zbikowski isn't known for making the big, flashy plays but he is a solid all aroud player. Good size and speed. He could see some action at CB if needed. Zbikowski aslo has some return skills which will help his stock if he chooses to declare this year. Has experience at both safety positions.

NFL pro comparison: Keith Lewis

6) Eric Weddle, 6'0" 200 lbs, Utah

Weddle has alot of potential because of his size and speed. He could either play safety or CB in the NFL. At safety in college though, he was a big playmaker. He is a physical player who can come up to stop the run or stay back and defend the pass. Good all around skills but needs to find a position when he gets to the NFL.

NFL pro comparison: Michael Huff

7) John Wendling, 6'0" 222 lbs, Wyoming

A very experienced player in the secondary. Another all around good player who has above average potential. Wendling can play either safety position as well as CB. He has the skills to succeed and should test out very well at the combine. A sleeper pick to watch out for come April.

NFL pro comparison: Terrence Holt

8) Sabby Piscitelli, 6'3" 224 lbs, Oregon State

Very athletic player who has excellent size and speed. Piscitelli is a big time playmaker and solid tackler. Very durable and experienced. He has good instincts and hands. His size and speed combination could potentially work at LB as well. Piscitelli should go early on day 2.

NFL pro comparison: Stuart Schweigert

9) Will Gulley, 6'3" 219 lbs, Houston

A very underrated guy is Will Gulley. Probably because he is from a small school but he translates very well into the NFL. Great size and a hard hitter. A game breaker in the secondary. Playing against his level of competition added with his below average speed drop his stock a little. But he has alot of potential and might be developed as a LB if he can add some bulk.

NFL pro comparison: Rodney Harrison

10) Brandon Meriweather, 6'0" 195 lbs, Miami (FL)

Once thought to be the next in line as the next great Miami safety, Meriweather has been nothing but disapointing in his senior season. Character concerns has really hurt his stock but the potential still exists. He can play CB as well as safety. Hard hitter but is a little undersized for the NFL. Shows flashes and could potentiallty be a steal. A late 2nd to 3rd round pick at the moment but I'd look for him to rise his stock during the next few months.

NFL pro comparison: Erik Coleman

* Underclassmen eligible for 2007 NFL draft