2022 Edition NFL Draft/S

 We'll be taking a look at some of the safeties that will be available late 2nd round and beyond. For me the sweet spot looks to be at the top of the 3rd round if you want a year one challenger. First up:

Bryan Cook 6'1" 206 lbs., Cincinnati 31 7/8" arms, 8 1/2" hands Safety is the last line of defense and so the first prerequisite is tackling, and this kid is one of the most reliable tacklers in this class finishing the year with 95. When he arrives at the ball carrier it's with ill intent. He's good in coverage too having been a former CB, however he needs to be better at positioning his body downfield to gain leverage. He has the versatility to be a chess piece, but I think he'd have a good chance of winning the SS position.

Nick Cross 6'1" 215 lbs., Maryland 31 1/2" arms, 9" hands, 4.34 Forty, 37" Vert, 130" Broad Jump, 6.85 Three cone, 21 Bench press, Has all the physical attributes you want to see with the versatility to be moved around. Led the Terrapins in Int's all three years there. Patient open field tackler that can bring the thump. Takes some false steps and can be manipulated and taken advantage of his lapses in awareness. I wouldn't trust him in man coverage right now but he's young to the position with room for growth. Standout special teams player.

Kirby Joseph 6'1" 200 lbs., Illinois 33" arms, 10 1/4" hands, Cover 3 safety who enjoyed a breakout season after serving in a part time role the prior 3 years. Speed to either sideline with solid tackling mechanics. Turns into a wr at the catch point with excellent body control. Finished the year with 5 Int's. Needs to get stronger and establish more consistency as a tackler. Has experience as a gunner for special teams. 

Tycen Anderson 6'2" 210 lbs., Toledo 33" arms, 10 1/8" hands, 4.36 Forty, 6.64 Three cone, 35.5" Vertical, 123" Broad jump, Box safety with back end potential. Tall, long and fast with some burst to close. Urgency and play diagnosis contribute to his inconsistencies in coverage and pursuit angles. He'll need to sharpen his instincts and develop enough consistency to be trusted in an expanded coverage role. Special teams and let him compete for a nickel role on defense. 

JT Woods 6'2" 193 lbs., Baylor 32 3/8" arms, 8 1/2" hands, 4.36 Forty, 6.94 Three cone, 39.5 Vertical, 128" Broad jump, Sticky handed safety with 9 career Int's, 6 of which he stole last year. Stole another one in the Senior bowl. Legit track speed that translates on the football field. Relies too much on his athletic tools which accounts for some blown assignments and tackling issues. Can lose the ball if asked to track it downfield. He's much better coming downhill.