As NFL teams begin scouting college games, one thing is crystal clear: There are four elite safeties. LSU's
LaRon Landry, Virginia Tech's
Aaron Rouse, Miami's
Brandon Meriweather and Texas'
Michael Griffin are all sure to be high draft picks.
It's like judging a beauty contest. All are gorgeous prospects, and NFL teams must figure out which one they like best. It is an interesting dilemma because all four clearly are different and will appeal to different teams. It is unlikely that any consensus will form about the draft order of these four elite prospects.
Rouse (6-4, 212) is the most physically impressive in terms of size and speed (4.39 seconds in the 40-yard dash), but he does not make plays in all aspects of the game. He is much more effective coming forward and making tackles on plays in front of him and has the speed to chase down plays in pursuit.
Meriweather (6-0, 190) is the opposite of Rouse. Meriweather probably will test out below the other three safeties in pre-draft workouts, but he makes more plays on the field. He consistently is around the ball against the run and pass and makes big plays in critical situations.
Griffin (6-0, 200) has great athleticism like Rouse, but his production is inconsistent in all areas. Griffin makes some highlight hits against the run and shows the range to make tough interceptions on deep sideline routes. However, he lacks great instincts and does not react quickly to every play at the snap, often leading to mistakes.
Landry (6-2, 202) is the best combination of the four. He is a great athlete who will test out well in pre-draft workouts, but he also is productive on the field. He is equally adept in the running and passing games, and he is such a hard hitter that he intimidates many a receiver.
HOWARD HEALING
After transferring to Arizona State, defensive end Loren Howard could climb up NFL draft boards with a big 2006 season. Howard was productive at Northwestern before tearing a tendon in his ankle five days before the start of the 2004 season. The time away ultimately led to him transferring back home -- he grew up in Scottsdale, Ariz. -- and redshirting in 2005.
Howard (6-4, 274) is big and athletic, and he shows the speed to chase down plays in pursuit and shows the strength to drive offensive tackles backwards on a bull rush. Howard must stay healthy and be productive this season to regain his standing with NFL teams.
MUCH TO PROVE
Virginia Tech offensive tackle
Brandon Frye, despite only one career start before his senior season, is an intriguing prospect. Frye (6-4, 302) clocked a tremendous 40-yard dash (4.76 seconds) and shows great all-around athleticism.
There is concern, though, that Frye wasn't able to beat out Jimmy Martin, who was a seventh-round pick in 2006 and has since been released by the Chargers. Frye will be drafted fairly high based solely on pre-draft workouts, but to move into the early part of Day 1 he must improve throughout this season and prove he is more than just an athlete.
TIGHT END ON THE MEND
Scouts are eager to see Nebraska tight end Matt Herian, who missed the 2005 season because of broken leg. Before the injury, he made big plays as a receiver and showed the quickness and speed to get down the seam and separate from defenders.
Before the injury, Herian (6-5, 245) was a competitive blocker but not a dominant guy who consistently neutralized his man. If Herian regains his pre-injury form and his leg checks out medically, he will be a Day 1 pick. If not, he'll slip to the later rounds.
Draft Dish: Scouting out the top safeties
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