At the two safety spots, there is only one first-rounder in the bunch–Miami free safety Sean Taylor–but plenty of contributors as backups and special-teamers.
Teams always look for cornerbacks first who could move inside if they can’t cover on a regular basis. Taylor has the size and skills to cover as well as patrol the middle.
1. Sean Taylor
6-2, 230, Miami
A top-10 pick, he is comparable to recent safeties Roy Williams and Ed Reed. Big, fast, nasty.
2. Bob Sanders
5-8, 200, Iowa
Short but jet-fast. Probable second-rounder will need to compensate for lack of height.
3. Matt Ware
6-2, 210, UCLA
Converted cornerback and baseball player, he could be a second- or third-rounder on potential.
4. Sean Jones
6-1, 215, Georgia
Played strong and free safety positions. Physical, needs work in coverage.
5. Stuart Schweigert
6-2, 215, Purdue
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Fast, physical and polished. Character issues loom.
Sleeper
Will Allen
6-0, 200, Ohio State
Started only one year but instinctive athlete.
Local
Glenn Earl
6-1, 220, Notre Dame
The Naperville North graduate could go as high as the third round if teams are satisfied that he’s recovering well from October surgery for torn ACL.