2016 NFL Draft Prospects: Safeties

By Charlie Campbell.
Send Charlie an e-mail here: [email protected]
Follow Charlie on Twitter @draftcampbell for updates.

The top 2016 safety prospects available for the 2016 NFL Draft. * – denotes 2017 prospect. ** – denotes 2018 prospect.

This page was last updated April 27, 2016. Follow Walter @walterfootball for updates.

1. Jalen Ramsey*, S/CB, Florida State
   Height: 6-1. Weight: 209. Arm: 33.38.
   40 Time: 4.41.
   Projected Round (2016): Top-5 Pick.
   4/27/16: Sources with the Titans said that Ramsey was the favorite to be their pick at No. 1 overall prior to their trade with the Rams. They felt he could be a Richard Sherman- or Charles Woodson-type defensive back for them. Two playoff teams have told WalterFootball.com that they have a second-round grade on Ramsey. However, two other teams picking in the top 10 have Ramsey in the top 10 on their draft boards.
   
   The Nashville product was a star of the combine interviews. Teams say Ramsey is a great kid and they love him off the field. He also had an excellent combine workout with a fast 40 and a strong showing in the field work. With Ramsey’s character and impressive skill set, some teams are over the moon about him.
   
   Sources from the teams that gave him a second-round grade say that in watching Ramsey, he is more special at safety rather than corner. For the NFL, they feel he would be a press-man corner to take on big receivers, but would struggle to prevent separation from speed receivers and sudden route-runners. They believe that Ramsey would have to be moved around and protected in their defense, but he would probably playing safety the majority of the time.
   
   The sources that love Ramsey said that while big corners struggle with small shifty players, Ramsey can reroute them easily at the line of scrimmage or cover them up with size and length downfield. They compared Ramsey to Rod Woodson, Charles Woodson, Richard Sherman and Xavier Rhodes.
   
   In 2015, Ramsey had 50 tackles with 10 passes broken up and zero interceptions. Against South Florida, Ramsey had a nice pass breakup and a long kick return, but also got lucky. He was all but beaten for a long pass play after losing a receiver deep downfield, but the wideout dropped the pass. Versus Miami, Ramsey gave up a 58-yard touchdown to Hurricanes wide receiver Rashawn Scott. It gave evidence that Ramsey is a work in progress as a corner. He played better against the Clemson Tigers and their talented wide receivers.
   
   8/17/15: The Florida State defense was disappointing as a unit in 2014, but some individual players impressed. Ramsey was one of the team’s best defenders, making a lot of clutch tackles. He totaled 79 stops, 9.5 tackles for a loss, 12 passes broken up, two interceptions and two forced fumbles on the year. At times during the 2014 season, Ramsey was the Seminoles’ best defensive player.
   
   There is some talk of Ramsey moving to cornerback in 2015, and that could change his draft evaluation significantly. However, Jimbo Fisher believes that Ramsey has the potential to be an elite corner.
   
   As a freshman in 2013, Ramsey started on Florida State’s National Championship team at safety and cornerback. He recorded 49 tackles and an interception that season.





2. Keanu Neal*, S, Florida
   Height: 6-0. Weight: 211. Arm: 32.75.
   40 Time: 4.62.
   Projected Round (2016): 1-3.
   4/27/16: At the combine, Neal had a solid showing. He hit where I projected him to run the 40, but others thought he might run faster. Neal is in the running to be a late first-round or early second-round pick. Teams like Neal’s versatility to play free or strong safety. They also love his character.
   
   In 2015, Neal had 85 tackles with a pass breakup and interception. He was a tough defender for Florida, but needs to continue to improve his coverage skills for the NFL and work on wrapping up ball-carriers rather than looking for the knock-out blow. Some teams have given Neal second-day grades, and others think he could be a late first-rounder in a draft that doesn’t have 31 players with first-round grades. Sources say that Neal is a good kid off the field and loves football.
   
   The junior is a big, strong and instinctive safety, who has impressed NFL sources and has the talent to be an early round pick. Teams know that he can serve as an in-the-box run safety. As a sophomore in 2014, Neal had 45 tackles with three interceptions and four passes broken up.



3. Vonn Bell*, S, Ohio State
   Height: 5-11. Weight: 205.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.66.
   Projected Round (2015): 2-3.
   4/27/16: Bell played well in 2015 with two interceptions, 65 tackles and nine passes broken up. Generally, he was solid – minus a few coverage lapses on occasion. Bell is a quality run defender who has some versatility in pass coverage. He can play some free safety and nickel cornerback. That versatility could cause his stock to rise late in the draft process.
   
   8/17/15: Bell had a huge 2014 season with the Buckeyes as he recorded six interceptions with 92 tackles and six passes broken up. The sophomore finished the year in impressive fashion to help the Buckeyes win the National Championship with four interceptions across the final six games. Bell showed speed, ball skills and instincts in his first season as a starter.



4. Su’a Cravens*, S/OLB, USC
   Height: 6-1. Weight: 226.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.69.
   Projected Round (2016): 2-3.
   4/27/16: In 2015, Cravens totaled 86 tackles, 15 for a loss, 5.5 sacks, six passes broken up, two forced fumbles and two interceptions. He recorded 68 tackles with 17 tackles for a loss, five sacks, three interceptions and nine passes broken up in 2014. Cravens was moved from safety to linebacker that season, but his best role in the NFL could come as a safety on run downs and a linebacker in passing situations. A good defensive coordinator could get a lot of out of Cravens by moving him around and using him in a variety of ways.
   
   The 6-foot-1, 226-pounder is physical, strong and quick. As a freshman, he totaled 52 tackles with four interceptions, one pass batted and a forced fumble. Cravens was named a Freshman All-American and a All-Pac-12 honorable mention.



5. Karl Joseph, S, West Virginia
   Height: 5-9. Weight: 205. Arm: 32.13.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.58.
   Projected Round (2015): 2-3.
   4/27/16: Joseph was having a tremendous 2015 season before a knee injury in practice ended his year after only four games. At the time of the injury, the senior was tied for the lead in the nation with five interceptions. He also had 20 tackles, one sack and one pass breakup.
   
   Joseph was displaying nice coverage skills to go along with being a physical enforcer and good tackler. If it weren’t for the injury, he would be in contention to be a first-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. The injury kept him from running at the combine, but Joseph looks safe to be selected on the second day of the 2016 NFL Draft.
   
   8/17/15: Joseph had a strong 2014 season for the Mountaineers. He racked up 92 tackles, three passes broken up, one interception and two forced fumbles on the year. Joseph was all over the field against Alabama in the 2014 opener as he totaled 18 tackles with a tackle for a loss. In his regular-season finale, Joseph had a big game against Iowa State with two pass breakups, an interception and eight tackles.
   
   Joseph has shown some ability to play deep as a free safety and is very aggressive in the tackle box. He has demonstrated zero hesitation to stick his nose in with linemen and make tackles. As a senior, it would help if he showed improved ball skills. Joseph is a safety who is similar to Baltimore’s Matt Elam or Tampa Bay’s D.J. Swearinger.
   
   In 2013, Joseph notched 68 tackles with four passes broken up and an interception. In 2012, he led the defense with 104 tackles. The freshman also had two interceptions, three forced fumbles, six passes broken up, one sack and seven tackles for a loss.



6. T.J. Green*, S, Clemson
   Height: 6-2. Weight: 205.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.66.
   Projected Round (2016): 2-3.
   4/27/16: Green amassed 95 tackles with three passes broken up and two forced fumbles in 2015. Throughout the season, he flashed some impressive play but also some busts. Green should have returned to the Tigers after starting for only one season, but he entered the 2016 NFL Draft. Sources at some teams like Green and are giving him consideration as a second- or third-rounder. Teams like his skill set and ability to be a deep center fielder and coverage safety.





7. Darian Thompson, S, Boise State
   Height: 6-1. Weight: 217. Arm: 30.38. Hand: 9.25.
   40 Time: 4.70.
   Projected Round (2016): 2-3.
   4/27/16: At the combine, Thompson ran slower than expected. It could force teams to project him as a strong safety and not a player who could move to free safety responsibilities pre-snap.
   
   Thompson continued his strong play in 2015 as he totaled 65 tackles with four passes broken up and five interceptions. The senior has an impressive combination of size, tackling ability, instincts and ball skills. He had a big junior year with seven interceptions and 71 tackles. As a sophomore, Thompson recorded 63 tackles and four interceptions.
   
   At the Senior Bowl, Thompson had a very impressive week as he showed well. He flew around the field and very physical. In speaking with sources, they say they don’t believe that Thompson has true centerfield speed. He’s at his best when the play is in front of him, plus he is a willing tackler. Thus, Thompson is more of a strong safety than a free safety.



8. K.J. Dillon, S, West Virginia
   Height: 6-0. Weight: 210. Arm: 31.63.
   40 Time: 4.53.
   Projected Round (2016): 3-4.
   4/27/16: Dillon had a strong performance at the combine with a strong 40 time and a strong performance in the field drills. At the Senior Bowl, he made his presence felt and was one of the most physical defenders. Dillon laid out a number of bone-rattling hits and was flying around the field.
   
   Dillon played in the shadow of Karl Joseph at West Virginia, but Dillon produced two quality years to close out in his collegiate career. In 2015, he had 55 tackles with eight passes broken up, 7.5 tackles for a loss, and two interceptions. Dillon had 62 tackles, seven break ups and three interceptions in 2014.



9. Jeremy Cash, S, Duke
   Height: 6-0. Weight: 212. Arm: 32.38. Hand: 9.5.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.66.
   Projected Round (2015): 3-5.
   4/27/16: Cash had 101 tackles with 18 for a loss, 2.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and four passes broken up in 2015. He is a tough safety who needs to improve his pass coverage for the NFL. At the Senior Bowl, Cash had a solid week and showed good instincts to be around the ball. He did not run at the combine.
   
   8/17/15: Cash had 111 tackles with 10.5 tackles for a loss, seven passes broken up, four forced fumbles and two interceptions in 2014. He was a solid defender for the Blue Devils, but he could use work on his pass coverage for the NFL.
   
   Cash started out his career at Ohio State and saw the field as a freshman in 2011. After sitting out the 2012 season due to his transfer to Duke, Cash started in 2013 and made a big impact for the Blue Devils. He racked up 121 tackles with 9.5 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, four interceptions and four passes batted away.



10. James Bradberry, S/CB, Samford
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 211. Arm: 33.38. Hand: 9.
    40 Time: 4.46.
    Projected Round (2016): 3-5.
    4/27/16: Jaquiski Tartt represented Samford at the Senior Bowl last year, and this year, it was Bradberry. He has a great skill set with size and speed. The senior recorded 45 tackles with 11 passes broken up and two interceptions in 2015. He had two interceptions in his junior, sophomore and freshman years.
    
    Bradberry’s steady play earned him an invitation to Mobile, and he had a quiet, but solid, week there. He could be best as a safety in the NFL. Bradberry was expected to star at the combine, and he came through with a fast 40 time.



11. Tyvis Powell*, S, Ohio State
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 209. Arm: 31.75. Hand: 9.38.
    40 Time: 4.46.
    Projected Round (2016): 3-5.
    4/27/16: At the combine, Powell really helped himself with a faster-than-expected 40 time. He has good size for the NFL and was a productive 2-year starter for the Buckeyes. Powell notched 71 tackles with three passes broken up and three interceptions in 2015. The previous season, he had 76 tackles with four pass breakups and four interceptions. Powell had a quality week at the Senior Bowl.





12. Jalen Mills, S, LSU
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 194. Arm: 31.38. Hand 9.
    40 Time: 4.61.
    Projected Round (2016): 3-5.
    4/27/16: Mills fractured his leg in August and had surgery. He played in seven games on the year, totaling 30 tackles and three passes broken up. At the Senior Bowl, Mills was not impressive.
    
    8/17/15: Mills had a solid 2014 season. He is a free safety with some skills, but sources said Mills was wise to return for his senior year and get better before going pro. He recorded 62 tackles with five passes broken up and the interception in 2014. Mills was suspended over the summer vacation before that season for allegedly punching a woman and knocking her unconscious.
    
    Mills flashed some serious potential in 2012 when he was a First-Team Freshman All-American by numerous media outlets. Mills contributed 57 tackles, two interceptions and five passes broken up. In his second season as a starter, Mills improved his production and once again was a reliable defender for the Tigers. He totaled 67 tackles, three passes broken up, three sacks and three interceptions in 2013. Late in the season, Mills moved from cornerback to safety.



13. Sean Davis, S/CB, Maryland
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 201. Arm: 32.38 Hand: 9.5.
    40 Time: 4.46.
    Projected Round (2016): 3-5.
    4/27/16: Maryland’s defensive leader started 40 games as a Terrapin and played at a variety of spots. Davis showed good run support and tackling with 88 total tackles in 2015. He also had three interceptions and three passes broken up. Davis recorded 115 and 112 tackles as a junior and sophomore, respectively.
    
    Davis held his own at the Senior Bowl and was competitive. At the combine, Davis ran faster than expected. He also has been excellent in pre-draft workouts. However, sources say that Davis has some bad tape from the 2015 season, and that will likely put him in the mid-rounds despite an early round skill set.



14. Miles Killebrew, S, Southern Utah
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 219. Arm: 31.38. Hand: 9.25.
    40 Time: 4.65.
    Projected Round (2016): 3-5.
    4/27/16: Killebrew is another small-school defensive back who earned an invitation to the Senior Bowl. His time in Mobile showed he is a work in progress as needs to develop his instincts and avoid taking false steps. At the combine, Killebrew had a quality performance.
    
    Killebrew is a big, long safety who showed his tackling skills with 132 stops in 2015. He also had seven passes broken up but no interceptions, though he had three picks as a junior. Killebrew is a hard-hitter who will look to light up ball-carriers at any time possible.



15. DeAndre Houston-Carson, S, Williams & Mary
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 197. Arm: 29.88. Hand: 8.63.
    40 Time: 4.53.
    Projected Round (2016): 4-6.
    4/27/16: Houston-Carson had an impressive senior year with 109 tackles, three breakups and four interceptions. He also had quality seasons as a junior and sophomore. Houston-Carson had a mixed showing at the Senior Bowl, but he has some developmental potential for the next level. At the combine, Houston-Carson put together a strong performance.



16. Deon Bush, S, Miami
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 199. Arm: 30.88.
    40 Time: 4.64.
    Projected Round (2016): 4-6.
    4/27/16: Bush totaled 47 tackles with one interception and four pass breakups in 2015. He was a solid defender for Miami. Bush had a respectable showing at the East-West Shrine, but he didn’t impress at the combine.
    
    8/17/15: Bush didn’t impress for Miami in 2014 on his way to 53 tackles with three pass broken up and two interceptions. He played in a platoon role in 2013 and recorded 31 tackles with two sacks, one interception and one pass broken up. Bush had three forced fumbles as a true freshman.



17. Jayron Kearse*, S, Clemson
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 216. Arm: 34.25.
    40 Time: 4.62.
    Projected Round (2016): 4-6.
    4/27/16: Kearse started the 2015 season strongly and finished with 62 tackles, six passes broken up, an interception and a forced fumble. He played well for Clemson, but wasn’t all that impressive going against Florida State and running back Dalvin Cook. Some teams said they had him as a mid-rounder, but teams feel that Kearse was inconsistent. They soured on his play over time.
    
    8/17/15: Kearse notched 60 tackles with two interceptions and five passes broken up in 2014. He had a quality season and was a bigger presence than the numbers indicate. Kearse has nice size and length to help him match up against tight ends and big receivers. His stock could rise.





18. Justin Simmons, S, Boston College
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 202. Arm: 32.63.
    40 Time: 4.61.
    Projected Round (2016): 5-7.
    4/27/16: Sources say that Simmons is a late-rounder who could compete as a backup safety and special teams contributor. He had a quality week at the East-West Shrine. As a senior, Simmons racked up 67 tackles with five interceptions and two breakups. He totaled 76 tackles with two picks and five breakups in 2014. At the combine, Simmons put together a respectable showing.



19. Jordan Lucas, S, Penn State
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 201. Arm: 30.13.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.59.
    Projected Round (2016): 5-7.
    4/27/16: Lucas recorded 56 tackles and three passes broken up during 2015, but also missed time with injuries. He didn’t show an improved ability to create turnovers as a senior.
    
    8/17/15: Lucas is a well-built defensive back who is a good run-defender. He totaled 58 tackles in 2014 and 65 the year before. Lucas didn’t have any interceptions in 2014, but had nine passes broken up. The previous season though, he recorded 13 breakups with three interceptions. It would be good for Lucas if he can turn more of those breakups into interceptions.



20. Kevin Byard, S, Middle Tennessee
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 216. Arm: 33.5. Hand: 9.88.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.59.
    Projected Round (2016): 5-7.
    4/27/16: Byard had 61 tackles, four interceptions and five passes broken up in 2015. At the Senior Bowl, he was decent but didn’t impress or hurt himself significantly. Byard did not participate in the combine.
    
    8/17/15: Byard has displayed some serious instincts and ball skills over the past three seasons with interception totals of four (2012), five (2013) and six (2014). He has taken four of his 15 interceptions back for touchdowns. Beyond his nose for the ball, Byard also is a willing tackler despite having a career-low 66 tackles in 2014. He had 106 as a sophomore and 74 as a freshman. Byard has totaled 11 passes broken up across his career.



21. A.J. Stamps, S, Kentucky
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 205.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.56.
    Projected Round (2016): 5-7.
    4/27/16: Stamps recorded 67 tackles with eight passes broken up and an interception in 2015. He’s a sleeper safety who could be a nice late-round value. Stamps didn’t participate in the combine.
    
    8/17/15: Stamps was a junior college product who made a quick impact for Kentucky in 2014. In his first season for the Wildcats, Stamps was a physical presence and showed some real instincts. He totaled 56 tackles with four interceptions and five passes broken up. Stamps has the potential to be even better having gained a year of experience.



22. Jamal Golden, S, Georgia Tech
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 193.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.67.
    Projected Round (2016): 6-FA.
    4/27/16: Golden totaled 64 tackles with four passes broken up and an interception in 2015. He didn’t participate in the combine.
    
    8/17/15: In 2014, Golden was a quality defender for the Yellow Jackets. He recorded 61 tackles with four interceptions, three forced fumbles and three passes broken up. Golden was named a Third-Team All-ACC selection for his year.



23. LaDarrell McNeil, S, Tennessee
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 215.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.63.
    Projected Round (2015): 6-FA.
    4/27/16: McNeil missed a few games during 2015 with “neck instability,” but eventually was cleared to play again. He appeared in 11 games, recording 31 tackles with two interceptions and two passes broken up. McNeil didn’t participate in the combine.
    
    8/17/15: McNeil picked up 76 tackles with three passes broken up and an interception in 2014. He needs to improve his production as a senior to rise. In 2013, McNeil had 54 tackles, three passes broken up and one interception. He was a Freshman All-SEC selection the year before and racked up 58 tackles with one forced fumble and one pass break up across 11 games.





24. Elijah Shumate, S, Notre Dame
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 208. Arm: 31.13.
    40 Time: 4.58.
    Projected Round (2015): 6-FA.
    4/27/16: In 2015, Shumate had 70 tackles, two passes broken up and an interception.
    
    8/17/15: In 2014, Shumate was an active defender for the Fighting Irish. He totaled 66 tackles with four passes broken up and one interception on the year. Shumate needs to produce more as a senior. He notched 23 tackles in four starts during 2013.



25. Kodi Whitfield, S, Stanford
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 204.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.68.
    Projected Round (2016): 7-FA.
    4/27/16: Whitfield totaled 53 tackles with two passes batted and an interception on the year. He didn’t participate in the combine.
    
    8/17/15: Whitfield transitioned from wide receiver to safety in 2014 and made five tackles at his new position. He has a nice skill set and is athletic, so he is a player to watch in 2015.



26. Geno Smith, S, Alabama
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 196.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.61.
    Projected Round (2016): 7-FA.
    4/27/16: Smith had 72 tackles with one pass broken up and one interception in 2015. He gave up some plays in pass coverage though. Smith didn’t participate in the combine.
    
    8/17/15: Smith didn’t impress in pass coverage as a junior with 56 tackles and one pass breakup. The senior needs to show real improvement in his coverage during 2015.



27. Jordan Simone, S, Arizona State
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 193.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.58.
    Projected Round (2016): 7-FA.
    4/27/16: In 2015, Simone recorded 91 tackles, nine for a loss, four passes broken up, four sacks and two interceptions. He didn’t participate in the combine.
    
    8/17/15: Simone was a contributor for the Sun Devils in 2014. He had 100 tackles with two interceptions.



28. Michael Caputo, S, Wisconsin
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 212.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
    Projected Round (2016): 7-FA.
    4/27/16: Over the course of 2015, Caputo totaled 65 tackles with eight passes broken up and two interceptions. He was a solid defender for the Badgers, but doesn’t look like he has an NFL skill set. Caputo didn’t participate in the combine.
    
    8/17/15: Caputo is a good run-stuffing safety for the Big Ten, but his pass-coverage skills may not be a great fit for the NFL. In 2014, he had 106 tackles with an interception and six passes broken up. Caputo recorded 63 tackles and three passes batted the previous season.



29. Lee Hightower, S, Houston
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 195.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.61.
    Projected Round (2016): 7-FA.
    4/27/16: Hightower had 53 tackles, two passes broken up and one interception during 2015. He didn’t participate in the combine.
    
    8/17/15: Hightower started out his career at Boise State before transferring to Houston. He had an interception and 12 tackles across six games in 2014 before an Achilles injury ended his season.



30. Hakim Jones, S, N.C. State
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 205.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.61.
    Projected Round (2016): 7-FA.
    4/16/16: In 2015, Jones notched 61 tackles with two pass breakups and two interceptions. He didn’t participate in the combine.
    
    8/17/15: Jones totaled 80 tackles and three passes broken up in 2014. He took over as the starting strong safety position in 2013 and held his own. Jones had 61 tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and eight passes broken up that season.



31. Rohan Gaines, S, Arkansas
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 200.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.62.
    Projected Round (2016): 7-FA.
    4/27/16: Gaines had 67 tackles, one interception and a pass broken up in 2015. He didn’t participate in the combine.
    
    5/30/15: Gaines had 59 tackles with five passes broken up and an interception in 2014. His one pick was returned 100 yards for a touchdown against Ole Miss. Gaines didn’t do much in 2013 (33 tackles, 1 pass broken up), but had a decent 2012 season. The freshman was second on the team in tackles with 75. Gaines also chipped in four pass breakups and a forced fumble.



32. Tyler Hunter, S, Florida State
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 200.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.62.
    Projected Round (2016): 7-FA.
    4/27/16: Hunter didn’t play well and was unimpressive during 2015. He had 26 tackles and an interception on the year. Hunter didn’t participate in the combine.
    
    8/17/15: In 2014, Hunter recorded 65 tackles with seven passes broken up and one interception. He flashed at times, but wasn’t as impressive as fellow safeties Jalen Ramsey and Nate Andrews. With Ramsey possibly moving to cornerback, there could be an open starting safety spot for Hunter. He was in line to play a big role in the Seminoles’ secondary in 2013 before a neck injury ended his season after only three games. Hunter spent 2012 as the Seminoles’ nickel corner and tied for the team lead in picks with three.



33. Derrick Moncrief, S, Auburn
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 221.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.68.
    Projected Round (2016): 7-FA.
    4/27/16: In 2015, Moncrief totaled 27 tackles, one forced fumble and a pass broken up. He didn’t participate in the combine.
    
    8/17/15: Moncrief worked his way onto the field in 2014 and totaled 27 tackles with one pass broken up. His pass coverage will be put to the test in 2015 as Will Muschamp puts his corners and safeties in a lot of man-to-man situations.



34. Kenny Iloka, S, TCU
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 209.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
    Projected Round (2016): 7-FA.
    4/27/16: Iloka totaled seven tackles in 2015 before a season-ending injury. He didn’t participate in the combine.
    
    8/17/15: Iloka is a player to watch as a replacement for Sam Carter and Chris Hackett. Iloka is the younger brother of Cincinnati Bengals safety George Iloka.



35. Kent London, S, Southeastern Oklahoma
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 215.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
    Projected Round (2016): FA.
    4/27/16: London started out his college career at Houston before going the junior college route. As a senior, he had five interceptions with 39 tackles and two passes broken up. London didn’t participate in the combine.



36. Denzel Nkemdiche, S/OLB, Ole Miss
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 212.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
    Projected Round (2015): FA.
    4/27/16: Nkemdiche had 53 tackles with 6.5 for a loss, .5 sacks and one pass broken up in 2015. He missed time late in the regular season and was in the hospital. Nkemdiche doesn’t have the skill set of his younger brother Robert, but was considered a team leader and the heart of the defense. Denzel Nkemdiche didn’t participate in the combine.
    
    Notably, NFL evaluators have major off-the-field issues with Denzel Nkemdiche. Sources say that Nkemdiche will go with his brother Robert to whatever city he lands in the NFL, and they see that as a significant concern toward drafting Robert Nkemdiche high in the first round. They feel that Denzel has a lot of off-the-field problems and is a horrible influence. Adding to the issues, Robert was arrested for pot possession and jumped off a hotel balcony, which resulted in a trip to the hospital. Teams really dislike Denzel Nkemdiche off the field.
    
    8/24/15: Partway through the 2014 season, Nkemdiche went out for the year due to an ankle injury that required surgery. He had previously missed the season opener over a suspension. Nkemdiche totaled 28 tackles with 3.5 tackles for a loss in his shortened season. In 2013, he had 35 tackles with a forced fumble and was a part-time starter. Nkemdiche redshirted in 2011, but had his best season in 2012, when racked up 82 tackles with three sacks, 13 tackles for a loss, four forced fumbles, three interceptions and five passes broken up.

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