2010 NFL Draft: Strong safeties

After starting for LSU’s talented defense for two seasons, Chad Jones opted to forego his senior season and enter the draft a year early. With the physical package he brings to the table and his experience in the speedy SEC conference, Jones could be a star.

- Scouting report -

Jones is a safety that is NFL ready from the physical point of view. He plays with the kind of downhill aggression that every team wants in an enforcer over the middle. He is a guy that always find himself in or near the action, getting in on a lot of turnovers and big plays.

- Scouting report -

Ward may have played free safety at Oregon, but he projects more to strong safety because of his lack of agility and his plus strength. He's very good supporting the run and is more of a factor in that part of the game than against the pass. Some teams may pass on him due to his injury history. But Ward should be able to come in and immediately contribute nicely on special teams and challenge for a starting spot as a rookie.

- Scouting report -

Stuckey really arrived during his junior season when he had 98 tackles, seven pass breakups and five interceptions. He had somewhat of a down season in 2009. He doesn't have great athleticism or physical skill, but he's a try-hard player. He can really pop a ball carrier and is solid in coverage.

- Scouting report -

Woodall is a fairly athletic safety who can break down in space and tackle. Woodall is good in zone coverage, but a lack of agility hurts him in man coverage. He could also pursue a career in baseball.

What Coleman may lack in size, he makes up for in strength and determination. He was one of Ohio State's team captains as a senior and is a great effort player. While he may not be a front-line starter in the NFL, he'll be a solid contributor because of his skills covering kicks and punts.

Church is sound against the run and the pass and arguably the greatest defensive player in Toledo history. Church excels in zone coverage because he has a good short-area burst and is a heavy hitter.

A third-team All-American in 2008, Rolle has spent a year studying in Oxford. He has the physical tools to become a solid starter at the next level.

While he's not the best athlete, McNally is a tough and aggressive player who gets after the ball. He consistently made plays for the Cardinal and is known to have a good work ethic.

Impressively, Pinkard can play both safety and cornerback. He does both adequately. He'll be an asset to some team because of his versatility. Medical checks could drop Pinkard down draft boards, though.

Stewart is a physical safety who likes to mix it up near the line of scrimmage. He's played several different positions during his career and could give a team solid depth.