2012 NFL Draft rankings: Safeties

by Dan Kadar on Jun 28, 2011 11:00 PM EDT in 2012 NFL Draft

Although the safety position looks to be down again for the 2012 NFL Draft, it is much better than this year's mediocre class.

The first true safety wasn't picked this year until the Broncos picked UCLA's Rahim Moore 45th overall. If some of the juniors come out, the position should garner some first round interest. The single player who can rise the most of the safety group is Miami's Ray Ray Armstrong. The top junior safety, I have Armstrong rated 36th overall. That is largely based on him starting only four games last season.

A faller could be Maryland's Kenny Tate. While he's rated as the top senior safety (and 30th overall), he's playing a hybrid linebacker/safety position this season. That could negatively impact his draft stock as he'll most likely be playing closer the line of scrimmage.

Get the full safety rankings after the jump.

1. Kenny Tate | 6'4, 220 pounds | S | Maryland

2. Mark Barron | 6'2, 215 pounds | S | Alabama

3. Delano Howell | 5'11, 198 pounds | S | Stanford

4. Tony Dye | 5'11, 205 pounds | S | UCLA

5. Eddie Whitley | 6'1, 195 pounds | S | Virginia Tech

6. Markelle Martin | 6'1, 198 pounds | S | Oklahoma State

7. Lance Mitchell | 6'2, 207 pounds | S | Oregon State

8. Robert Golden | 5'11, 200 pounds | S | Arizona

9. Duke Ihenacho | 6'1, 210 pounds | S | San Jose State

10. Tramain Thomas | 6'0, 198 pounds | S | Arkansas

11. Brandon Taylor | 6'0, 195 pounds | S | LSU

12. Winston Guy | 6'1, 210 pounds | S | Kentucky

13. Sean Cattouse | 6'2, 213 pounds | S | California

14. Harrison Smith | 6'2, 214 pounds | S | Notre Dame

15. Kelcie McCray | 6'2, 195 pounds | S | Arkansas State

JUNIORS:

1. Ray Ray Armstrong | 6'4, 220 pounds | S | Miami (Fla.) *

2. Robert Lester | 6'2, 210 pounds | S | Alabama *

3. DeVonte Holloman | 6'2, 226 pounds | S | South Carolina *

4. T.J. McDonald | 6'3, 205 pounds | S | Southern California *

5. Jarred Holley | 5'10, 180 pounds | S | Pittsburgh *

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Comments

I think Armstrong, Lester, Barron, Tate, and McDonald could all go in the 1st two rounds

My Seton Hall blog: http://thesetonhallblog.blogspot.com/
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by seton hall and steelers on Jun 28, 2011 11:26 PM EDT reply actions

I really am amazed at how much you know about prospects

do you know of any safeties that can play all 4 downs that could replace Brandon Meriweather?

"We talk football here, specifically the NFL and, more specifically, the New England Patriots."
"If you can’t treat others with respect, then you shouldn’t be commenting, period."

by statsare4losers on Jun 28, 2011 11:37 PM EDT reply actions

All four downs?

Mocking the Draft: Talking NFL Draft all year.

by Dan Kadar on Jun 29, 2011 8:07 AM EDT up reply actions

sorry

like downs 1-3 (like first, second, and third) and then 4th down (a Pats fans way of saying special teams).

most of the Patriots picks are players that can contribute to special teams also. are there any high-ranking safeties that fit that bill? I’m not entirely sure what the Pats look for in a safety other than that

"We talk football here, specifically the NFL and, more specifically, the New England Patriots."
"If you can’t treat others with respect, then you shouldn’t be commenting, period."

by statsare4losers on Jun 29, 2011 8:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Hoping the Ravens can grab a S in one of the first two rounds. Much better class than last

On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu

by AV23 on Jun 28, 2011 11:37 PM EDT reply actions

Quite a bit if talent

Good thing too the league seems to be desperate for help at the position

Winning

by Foilhat on Jun 28, 2011 11:59 PM EDT reply actions

Kenny Tate

I think his role might actually help his stock some. I can see his physical tools and ability to stop the run as a major plus for some teams. I know I’m homer, but a team like the Colts could definitely use him. Anyway, he sounds a bit like a Brian Urlacher.

by coltsfan88 on Jun 29, 2011 2:18 AM EDT reply actions

The thing is, everyone knows he can work against the run. What he can do in coverage – his fluidity and ability to make a play on the ball – is still in question.

Mocking the Draft: Talking NFL Draft all year.

by Dan Kadar on Jun 29, 2011 8:06 AM EDT up reply actions

Hell yeah Kenny Tate

Back on the Sweed train. Choo Choo!
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller

by John Stephens on Jun 29, 2011 8:44 AM EDT reply actions

who of this guys is better on cover duties?

by ratware on Jun 29, 2011 6:31 PM EDT reply actions

Eddie Whitley is a name I think that everyone will know well by the end of the season

I know I am being a homer but watch him play this year, he is going to be special.

by ENsDad27 on Jun 29, 2011 9:23 PM EDT reply actions

Agreed

That VT secondary might emerge as the best in the nation. Another year of Whitley’s lightning coupled with Exum’s thunder, Fuller maturing into the nearly limitless prospect he is, Hosley continuing his interception tirade, and Dietrick Bonner emerging as a more than viable option at nickelback. Should be another solid season for the Hokies as Logan Thomas steps into GOAT consideration (jk, but not really).

All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence, and then success is sure.
-Mark Twain

by kinzav29 on Jun 30, 2011 12:16 AM EDT up reply actions