I’m going to be ranking the top 6 of each position based on my personal tastes—a mix of my trade value, production, and future prospects. Let’s get to it and start with these safeties!
Strong Safety
6. Michael Boulware, Carolina Panthers
At safety, I heavily weigh height, as good length tends to lead to a lot more pass deflections. Boulware makes the list even as a rookie in large part to his elite 6’3” frame. At 22, his awareness starts off decently at 61 and his TAK is already above average (73). He’s currently producing at a solid level early in his career through two games with 7 tackles, 3 DFL and only 1 catch allowed. At just 74 OVR, he will hit both his initial progression bumps as well. He will be among the better safeties in terms of production in a short amount of time.
5. Terrence Holt, Tennessee Titans
Holt is 6’2” with 84 TAK at 24 years old. He’s set to accrue his sophomore progression as well, which will help his weakest spots at AGI/ACC (80/85). He looks like he’s a little linebacker out there with his outrageous STR(81) and will only get better. Last year he notably forced 2 fumbles, and this year he hasn’t allowed a catch yet. He should be elite in run support and at least close to that in coverage as he progresses.
4. Donnie Nickey, Detroit Lions
Yep, I know I’m biased as fuck but I love the talent and his production last year was pretty damn good(nearly 100 tackles). At 6’3” 225 lbs, he’s among the biggest guys at the position in the league and he’s fast too (90 SPD). Nickey is only 23 and has a lot of room to get better and will get that chance on a Lions D that should given him many opportunities to accumulate some stats again in his sophomore campaign.
3. Hank Milligan, Washington Redskins
Another big fella at 6’3” but he ranks above the ones mentioned before based on his production. Last season he had 21 pass deflections with 8 catches allowed and 2 INTs. He might only have 86 SPD but his AGI and ACC combo is great (95/91). His TAK is also very good at 79. If he were on my team, I’d be tossing him a bit more love in training camps to ensure he stays among the elite.
2. Adrian Wilson, Arizona Cardinals
What sets Wilson apart from the rest of the 6’3” guys at this point is mainly his awareness, which is 82. He’s basically another linebacker out there with his 81 TAK. Production has stepped up this season with 10 pass deflections and only 1 catch allowed thus far. Only 25, Wilson will likely get another training camp or two to extend his career a couple of seasons into regression.
Troy Polamalu, Dallas Cowboys
I haven’t looked closely but I’m pretty sure he’s missing the signature hair which probably reduces his effectiveness a bit. His numbers haven’t popped like I thought they might but they’re still good, his height below average for the position but how can you not like 99 SPD and 98 TAK? Once his awareness passes 80 I’m expecting to see a different level of player. That he’s almost maxed out allows the Cowboys to focus training camps on other secondary players, which adds some value for me.
Free Safety
6. Brian Dawkins, Philadelphia Eagles
If Dawkins wasn’t already 31 years old, he’d be higher on the list. His awareness is second best in the league but he’s athletic enough to get by this year and next without being a major liability speed wise. His production is top notch as he had 6 INTs last season, and 2 more already to start 2004.
5. Dexter Jackson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The 27-year old Jackson has good awareness at 82, decent size (6ft), and though his mobility is slightly above average, he can technically get a couple more training camps if desired. He had 22 pass deflections last season with 9 catches allowed plus 3 forced fumbles.
4. Mike Brown, Chicago Bears
Brown is a shorty(5ft10) but the numbers are on his side as he’s only allowed 2 catches through his PTF career with 19 passes broken up. Only 26, he should have around 90+ awareness entering his age 28 season, which would be elite and near the top of the league.
3. Darren Sharper, Green Bay Packers
Yes, he is 29, but Sharper can survive a bit longer into regression with his 89 SPD and 6’2” size. He will have 90+ awareness later this season and for the remainder of his career, which is pretty valuable considering what the rest of the league currently runs out there.
2. Ed Reed, Baltimore Ravens
Reed has elite speed (92/95/94 SPD/AGI/ACC), good awareness(79), and still only 26. He’d be farther along if it weren’t for an injury-plagued 2003 season. He can still get a few training camps under his belt to get that speed to keep him playing at an elite level well into his regression years.
1. Sean Taylor, Detroit Lions
Yup, another Lion—sue me. Taylor is the most valuable free safety in the league to me—he’s the fastest by a fair margin, is 6’2”, and just 22 years old, with 80 TAK already. He should fill the box score and bring up the only thing lacking in his game pretty fast—awareness. Even still, his speed and size will allow him to make plays few others can, and some no one else can. Taylor could end up with 99 SPD at some point, which would allow him to play well until 35 years old, or something like that.
What I learned from this exercise was that these positions are far from stacked. The lack of overall athleticism stood out to me, and I like it that way, mainly because it gives my guys an edge
. Things will obviously change as the league progresses but it’s a currently pretty interesting mix. Not sure where I’ll hit next but I’m thinking outside linebackers!
