The best at their positions
This week’s NFL draft position previews look at offensive tackles and safeties, including Florida State’s Derwin James.
USA TODAY Sports Weekly takes a position-by-position look at prospects for the NFL draft April 26-28 in Arlington, Texas. This week: safeties
1. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Ala
bama (6-0, 204): On a Crimson Tide defense rife with future NFL talent, Fitzpatrick stood apart as a leader and a do-everything force. He gained substantial experience as a traditional safety, slot cornerback and outside linebacker, working extensively almost everywhere with the exception of matching up with receivers on the outside. That might serve as one of the few limitations to his value given the Thorpe Award winner (given to the country’s best defensive back) brings a rare blend of size, range and play-making ability.
2. Derwin James, Florida
State (6-2, 215): With outspoken confidence reminiscent of former Seminoles teammate and current Jaguars all-pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey, James has predicted he will go in the top 10 of the draft — and there’s a legitimate chance he will be proved correct. After a torn lateral meniscus sidelined him for almost the entirety of his sophomore season in 2016, he bounced back by earning second-team All-American honors despite a disappointing overall season for Florida State’s defense last year. James is best deployed in a role allowing him to blitz and attack near the line of scrimmage, but he’s no slouch in coverage. With further development, he could take on more of a single high safety role.
3. Justin Reid, Stanford
(6-1, 207): The younger brother of former LSU and 49ers safety Eric Reid, Justin is a versatile and savvy defender who is comfortable both up high and in the box. He could also prove valuable defending against passcatching tight ends. Though Reid recorded five interceptions last season, he isn’t a ballhawk. He also has a tendency to overpursue in run defense.
4. Ronnie Harrison, Ala
bama (6-2, 207): If Fitzpatrick was Alabama’s safety for a new era of football, Harrison was the throwback — a hard hitter primarily focused on separating the ball from the receiver. With prototypical size and speed, he could become a versatile piece if his coverage skills catch up to his run support ability. For now, his value is as a downhill tackler, though he’ll have to reel back a sometimes reckless style of play. And if he can’t adapt to a broader role, he’ll likely need to pack on more weight in order to survive as a box safety at the pro level. 5. Jessie Bates, S, Wake
Forest (6-1, 200): He had just two years of on-field experience for the Demon Deacons after redshirting as a freshman. Bates covers a lot of ground and can change directions on a dime. But his poor angles and lean build fuel concerns about his ability to stop the run.
6. Armani Watts, Texas
A&M (5-11, 202): Although undersized by NFL safety standards, he has the coverage skills to stick around as an asset in nickel and dime packages. Watts could be a liability as a tackler, but his range and ability to match shifty receivers will be attractive for any team vulnerable in sub packages predominantly used at the pro level.
7. Kyzir White, West Vir
ginia (6-2, 218): The White family could be crashing the NFL draft party in a big way. Kyzir and Ka’Raun White, a wide receiver, are poised to join older brother Kevin, a first-round pick of the Bears in 2015. Kyzir White’s value might be tempered by his need to play closer to the line of scrimmage, as he operated in a hybrid linebacker role at West Virginia and is out of his element in space. But he could thrive if used on passing downs and with special teams. His leadership and tenacious approach could make him a welcome backup.
8. Terrell Edmunds, Vir
ginia Tech (6-0, 217): Perhaps overshadowed by younger brother Tremaine, a highly regarded linebacker who could be a top-15 pick in the draft, Terrell Edmunds nevertheless stands out as an accomplished and promising prospect. He has the build and speed (4.46 seconds in the 40-yard dash) to carve out a role in run support and in short to intermediate areas of coverage. Like his brother, however, Edmunds too often finds himself out of position or employing an overly aggressive approach. Next week: Wide receivers and tight ends