Walter Football's Draft Needs Analysis

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Safeties:

LaRon Landry (WAS) - Though Landry already carried a lucrative contract as a top 10 pick as a rookie, his play as of late suggests he has another large deal in his future. The Redskins defense is noticeably better with him in the lineup and given his athleticism and propensity to lay the lumber, with consistency, Landry could join the elites at his position.

Michael Griffin (TEN) - There hasn't been a more inconsistent safety in the league over the last couple years than Michael Griffin, who has gone from being Pro Bowl caliber to below average and back up again. Still, he's much stronger than what the Titans have to offer at the safety position beside him, so there's a good chance they'll look to retain Griffin. If history has shown anything in Tennessee, it's that they don't believe in overpaying.

Chris Harris (DET) - Harris is coming off a career year at safety having shown aptitude in coverage and run defense. However, through the early portion of this season, it has been quite a different tale. He's already been responsible for two 40+ yard runs and a 70+ yard TD-all on Monday night against the Lions. This type of inconsistency has been the norm for NFL safeties outside of a handful. It's certainly not something the Bears are too pleased about.

Tyvon Branch (OAK) - Branch has the makings of a solid strong safety. He's fills down hard and is effective near the line of scrimmage. Though he doesn't have the versatility to play much man coverage, he's more than adequate when given zone responsibilities.

Brandon Meriweather (CHI) - Perhaps Meriweather is only notable because he was a Pro Bowl player cut before the beginning of the next season, none of which had to do with off-field or character concerns. Simply put, he's a poor tackler and inconsistent in coverage. For those believing that Meriweather would be a huge upgrade in the secondary-it'll probably be by name only. By this time next year, the search for a safety will still be underway. Make no mistake though-the talent is there, but the production is definitely not.

The Rest:

Hamza Abdullah (ARZ)
Thomas DeCoud (ATL)
James Sanders (ATL)
Tom Zbikowski (BAL)
Bryan Scott (BUF)
Craig Steltz (CHI)
Reggie Nelson (CIN)
Gibril Wilson (CIN)
Mike Adams (CLE)
Abram Elam (DAL)
Gerald Sensabaugh (DAL)
Erik Coleman (DET)
Dominique Barber (HOU)
Courtney Greene (JAC)
Jon McGraw (KC)
Husain Abdullah (MIN)
Tyrell Johnson (MIN)
Derrick Martin (NYG)
Jim Leonhard (NYJ)
Brodney Pool (NYJ)
Steve Gregory (SD)
Paul Oliver (SD)
Bob Sanders (SD)
Dashon Goldson (SF)
Reggie Smith (SF)
Madieu Williams (SF)
Tanard Jackson (TB)
Sean Jones (TB)
Corey Lynch (TB)
Jordan Babineaux (TEN)
Chris Hope (TEN)
Anthony Smith (TEN)
Rashad Johnson (ARZ) - S - Restricted
Jeromy Miles (CIN) - S - Exclusive Rights
Randy Phillips (DET) - S - Exclusive Rights
Bret Lockett (NE) - S - Exclusive Rights
Jonathon Amaya (NO) - S - Exclusive Rights
Jerome Boyd (OAK) - S - Exclusive Rights
Tramaine Brock (SF) - S - Exclusive Rights
C.J. Spillman (SF) - S - Restricted
Darian Stewart (STL) - S - Exclusive Rights