No player may be more scrutinized this season than Mays. An imposing prescence in Southern California's defense, Mays knows how to lay a big hit. The Trojans' defensive scheme calls for him to roam the deep middle. Although he doesn't have many interceptions, he breaks up a lot of passes.

In two seasons as South Florida's starting free safety, Allen has 129 tackles and five interceptions. If he can be more consistent in 2009, he has the athleticism and intelligence to rise up draft boards.

Ward, Oregon's top returing tackler from 2008, makes plays all over the field. He shows good instincts and closes on the ball really quickly. He can hit very hard but can get somewhat wreckless.

Many considered Chancellor's first season at free safety a down one after moving from rover. He gains this ranking, though, because of his size and athleticism.

Lake has been highly productive the last two seasons, totaling more than 200 tackles, 18 passes defended and five interceptions. He's a big hitter in the secondary who could be a great special teams player.

Entering his third year as the Bulldogs' free safety, Baker has more than 300 career tackles and is a consistent performer. He's an intelligent player who makes the adjustment calls for Louisiana Tech and is alway in the middle of the action.

An all-conference selection, Eskridge is a playmaking free safety who had four interceptions in 2008. Eskridge excels in providing bracket coverage, but also does a nice job against the run.

Wright is known as a highlight reel player who lays as big of a hit as anyone and can make a play on the ball. He's at his best in the box against the run. To become an elite safety prospect, he'll have to become more

Williams is a scary combination of speed and size. He's started both of his seasons at North Carolina and done an excellent job. In 2008, he finished with 65 tackles and three interceptions.

Culliver became a first-time starter in 2008 and showed a lot of promise. He totaled 60 tackles, three interceptions and two forced fumbles. Culliver has excellent speed and is one of the top kick returners in the nation.