NFL draft analysis: Safeties

Miami Dolphins beat writer Omar Kelly breaks down the 2017 NFL draft one position at a time in a 10-part series.

1. Ohio State’s Malik Hooker: Hooker’s ball skills, instincts and athleticism have drawn comparisons to Ed Reed because he’s suited to be a roaming center fielder for an NFL defense. There are some medical risks associated with Hooker, who hasn’t been able to work out for scouts because of a torn labrum and hernia he had surgery on in late January.

2. LSU’s Jamal Adams: Adams doesn’t have outstanding size (5-11, 214 pounds), but he possesses exceptional speed and functional strength. He’s more suited to serve as a physical in-the box hammer, and should be the Day 1 starter for the team that selects him in the early portion of the first round.

3. Utah’s Marcus Williams: Williams is smooth and athletic, which indicates that he’ll have outstanding range, and could play nickelback in the NFL. He showed good route recognition at Utah, which allowed him to produce 11 interceptions in his three seasons before entering the draft as a junior.

4. UConn’s Obi Melifonwu: Melifonwu is an explosive athlete with a unique 44-inch vertical and 11’9” broad jump, which set records at the NFL scouting combine. His size (6-3, 224 pounds) and speed (4.43 in the 40 yard dash) have him skyrocketing up draft boards, but his film shows that he possesses average instincts for a four-year starter.

5. Michigan’s Jabrill Peppers: Peppers, who played linebacker at Michigan, is a competitive athlete who brings energy and intensity to a defense. He plays with physicality at the point of attack, and has excellent closing speed. But he lacks ideal range to play center field, and only pulled down one interception and produced one forced fumble in his three seasons for the Wolverines.

BEST OF THE REST

Florida’s Marcus Maye, Washington’s Budda Baker, Alabama’s Eddie Jackson, Boston College’s John Johnson and Colorado’s Tedric Thompson all have the talent to eventually become NFL starters. Miami’s Rayshawn Jenkins, Louisville’s Josh Harvey-Clemons, Michigan’s Delano Hill, Texas A&M’s Justin Evans and St. Francis’ Lorenzo Jerome should make an NFL team’s 53-man roster.

CLASS GRADE

This year’s safety class is as strong and deep at the top as any draft that’s taken place this decade. Both Ohio State’s Hooker and LSU’s Adams are potential top-5 picks, and Michigan’s Peppers and UConn’s Melifonwu could command first-round interest. With a little developmental time as many as half a dozen or more safeties in this draft could become NFL starters.

Grade: A--

TEAMS IN NEED

49ers, Bears, Jaguars, Titans, Bills, Saints, Cardinals, Redskins, Buccaneers, Dolphins, Texans, Cowboys, Steelers.

DOLPHINS’ FOCUS

Reshad Jones is viewed as one of the Dolphins’ top playmakers, but the eight-year veteran is difficult to play with because of his risk-taking style and freedom to freelance. That means Jones needs a rangy, intelligent safety to serve as Miami’s center fielder. The Dolphins signed Nate Allen and T.J. McDonald this offseason, and have given Michael Thomas a restricted tender, but Miami needs to draft someone who can be developed.