2015 NFL Draft Prospects: Safeties

By Charlie Campbell.
Send Charlie an e-mail here: [email protected]
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The top 2015 safety prospects available for the 2015 NFL Draft. * – denotes 2016 prospect. ** – denotes 2017 prospect.

This page was last updated April 25, 2015. Follow Walter @walterfootball for updates.

1. Landon Collins*, S, Alabama
   Height: 6-0. Weight: 228.
   40 Time: 4.53.
   Projected Round (2015): 1-2.
   4/25/15: Sources say that for the NFL, Collins is a strong safety type who will do well playing in the tackle box. He is not a deep free safety who can cover receivers or tight ends in man coverage. That could hurt him on draft day. Evaluators feel that Collins is a solid player, but some teams have graded him in Round 2 even though he probably will end up going in the first round. Collins had a solid 40 time at the Combine.
   
   Collins recorded 103 tackles with seven passes broken up and three interceptions in 2014. He had a mixed game Iron Bowl as he was beaten for some pass receptions, including a long one to Sammie Coates, but also had nine tackles and a pass broken up. That performance just served to confirm that Collins is a strong safety for the NFL.
   
   Against Ole Miss, Collins was picked on and burned for two touchdowns, but it should have been worse as he was all but beaten for another long touchdown by a tight end who dropped the pass. Collins had a lot of trouble in pass coverage versus the Rebels, and that tape will cause NFL teams to question whether he has the coverage skills to run with receiving tight ends and backs out of the backfield.
   
   Taking on Arkansas, Collins made a game-clinching interception on a pass thrown up for grabs. He totaled eight tackles with a tackle for a loss, two passes broken up and the interception in that contest. Collins had a great game against Florida with five tackles along with an interception and two passes broken up.
   
   8/27/14: The Crimson Tide has been a talent factory for defensive backs for the NFL, and Collins is the program’s 2015 model. He had 70 tackles with four tackles for a loss, six passes broken up, one interception and two forced fumbles in 2013. Collins was a real play-maker for Alabama down the stretch after an injury to Vinnie Sunseri gave Collins more playing time. He had some missed coverages and tackles in the bowl game against Oklahoma, but otherwise Collins was impressive.
   
   Scouts told WalterFootball.com that in the second half of the season, there were stretches where Collins was Alabama’s best defender, even better than C.J. Mosley. Collins could be improved in 2014 having gained some experience.
   
   Collins has good size with the speed to make plays all over the field. He did a nice job of playing as the eighth man in the box and functioning in pass coverage. With HaHa Clinton-Dix in the NFL, Alabama could play Collins as a deep free safety more often.





2. Byron Jones, S/CB, Connecticut
   Height: 6-1. Weight: 196.
   40 Time: 4.35.
   Projected Round (2015): 1-2.
   4/25/15: Jones has been a rising prospect throughout the lead up to the 2015 NFL Draft. It looks like he stands a good shot of going in the first round.
   
   Jones totaled 24 tackles with four passes broken up and two interceptions this year. He had a good productive performance against East Carolina and its potent passing attack with an interception and pass broken up. A shoulder injury ended his season after seven games though. Jones didn’t run the 40 at the Combine, but turned in a tremendous vertical jump of 44.5 inches. At his pro day, he blistered a fast 40 time and continued his tremendous postseason.
   
   8/27/14: Jones played well in 2013, his first season at cornerback, with 60 tackles and three interceptions. If he continues to improve his coverage skills, he could rise higher in these rankings. For the NFL, Jones may fit best in a predominantly zone scheme. In 2012, he was a starter at safety and had 88 tackles with an interception. He broke into the starting lineup during the 2011 season and had 51 tackles.



3. Damarious Randall, S, Arizona State
   Height: 5-10. Weight: 194.
   40 Time: 4.46.
   Projected Round (2015): 2-3.
   4/25/15: In a weak safety class, Randall has become an in-demand commodity. He has experience playing corner and many teams are interested in him as a rangy free safety to play the deep center field. Randall also is considered the best pass-coverage, one-on-one safety in the draft class to match up against receivers and tight ends. If Randall were taller, he could be a possible first-rounder.
   
   At the Combine, Randall continued his great postseason with an electric 40 time. He also looked good in the field work. His stock has continued to rise in the leadup to the 2015 NFL Draft.
   
   Randall put together a strong senior season with 101 tackles with three interceptions, eight passes broken up, two forced fumbles, 9.5 tackles for a loss and a sack. He was a big presence for the Sun Devils’ defense and stayed around the ball. He had a good week at the Senior Bowl and showed some coverage skills as a free safety.
   
   Randall recorded 71 tackles with three passes broken up and three interceptions in 2013. It was his first season of playing time. Randall played in the junior college ranks prior to that. He also played baseball at the community college level.



4. Quinten Rollins, S/CB, Miami (Ohio)
   Height: 5-11. Weight: 195.
   40 Time: 4.57.
   Projected Round (2015): 2-3.
   4/25/15: Rollins was a two-sport star who also started on the basketball team. He was the 2014 MAC Defensive Player of the Year with 72 tackles, seven interceptions, four tackles for a loss, one forced fumble and nine passes broken up. Rollins needs to fill out his frame for the next level, but playing basketball could have held him back in that regard. Rollins is sticking with football for the NFL. His time at the Senior Bowl showed that he is raw and needs development, but he has a skill set to work with. At the Combine, Rollins hurt his stock by running slow in the 40. Some project him to move to free safety in the NFL, which could be best for his skill set.
   
   Personal: Son of Kendra Rollins.





5. Eric Rowe, S/CB, Utah
   Height: 6-1. Weight: 205.
   40 Time: 4.45.
   Projected Round (2015): 2-3.
   4/25/15: Rowe helped himself by having a quality week at the Senior Bowl and running well at the Combine. He has versatile size, so he can be a physical press-man corner or a deep free safety. Rowe looks like a corner to start out his career and a safety if that doesn’t work out. The senior played corner in 2014 and broke up 13 passes with an interception and 59 tackles. He played free safety during the two previous years and had 69 and 64 tackles respectively.



6. Anthony Harris, S, Virginia
   Height: 6-1. Weight: 183.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.59.
   Projected Round (2015): 3-4.
   4/25/15: Harris amassed 108 tackles with 10 passes broken up and two interceptions in 2014. He played well in the season opener against UCLA and was a solid defender for Virginia. Harris looks like he could have the potential to play free or strong safety in the NFL. Harris didn’t run at the Combine.
   
   8/27/14: Harris led the nation in interceptions in 2013 with eight. He was one of the bright spots of an ugly season for Virginia. The junior also had 80 tackles with six passes broken up and a forced fumble. Harris displayed good instincts to go along with speed and athleticism.
   
   It will be hard for him to duplicate his interception total as a senior, but he has already illustrated ball skills for scouts. As long as Harris’ coverage is sound in 2013, he shouldn’t be hurt by a decrease in interceptions.
   
   Harris broke into the starting lineup in 2012 and totaled 80 tackles with one sack, one forced fumble, three passes broken up and one interception.



7. Jaquiski Tartt, S, Samford
   Height: 6-1. Weight: 221.
   40 Time: 4.53.
   Projected Round (2015): 3-4.
   4/25/15: Tartt created some draft buzz with an impressive skill set on display for Samford. He totaled 62 tackles with one pass broken up and one interception this season. Tartt was solid against Auburn.
   
   The senior has good size, plus the speed to cover a lot of ground. Tartt could start out as a strong safety early in his NFL career and eventually develop into a versatile defender who can play free safety as well. He held his own at the Senior Bowl and proved he could handle himself against the increased level of competition. At the Combine, Tartt had a solid performance with a quality 40.
   
   Tartt recorded nine passes broken up, one interception and 98 tackles in 2013.
   
   Personal: Son of Sean King Sr. and Cheryl Tartt.



8. Doran Grant, S/CB, Ohio State
   Height: 5-10. Weight: 199.
   40 Time: 4.44.
   Projected Round (2015): 3-4.
   4/25/15: Grant notched 51 tackles with five interceptions in 2014. He was a steady corner for the Buckeyes throughout the year and was reliable in pass coverage. Grant has press-man experience and also looks like he could play off-man or zone coverage.
   
   Grant had a strong showing at the Combine as he ran fast and looked good in the field drills. Grant also did well in the bench press (21 reps). He could play corner or free safety in the NFL.
   
   8/27/14: In 2013, Grant broke into the starting lineup and contributed for Ohio State. He had 58 tackles with three interceptions and 10 passes broken up. Grant was an honorable mention All-Big Ten performer. He had some strong games for the Buckeyes, but needs to become more consistent as he had some rough moments as well. In 2012 and 2011, he was a backup.
   
   Personal: Son of Tonya Grant and Ted Jones. Majoring in criminology.



9. James Sample*, S, Louisville
   Height: 6-2. Weight: 209.
   40 Time: 4.56.
   Projected Round (2015): 3-4.
   4/25/15: All the attention in 2014 went to teammate Gerod Holliman, who led the nation in interceptions. However, Sample also impressed talent evaluators and showed a combination of size (6-2, 209) and athleticism. He notched 88 tackles with eight passes broken up and four interceptions in 2014.
   
   Sample took a long road to break out at Louisville. He started out at the University of Washington in 2012 and 2011. Sample then played one season at American River College after his stay at Washington and before transferring to Louisville. Sample is a sleeper prospect.





10. Kurtis Drummond, S, Michigan State
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 208.
    40 Time: 4.65.
    Projected Round (2015): 3-4.
    4/25/15: Drummond totaled four interceptions, 72 tackles and 11 passes broken up in 2014. The senior is a smart and instinctive safety who covers a lot of ground in the back end. However, he has to improve his eye discipline, and that issue caused him to have some feast-or-famine performances in 2014. Drummond didn’t stand out at the Senior Bowl or Combine.
    
    Drummond had some rough moments against Oregon and allowed a long touchdown pass by biting on play-action. That tape against Oregon will hurt Drummond’s chances of being a first-round pick. Drummond had a solid performance against Nebraska, and played well against Michigan with some impressive plays in coverage on wide receiver/tight end Devin Funchess.
    
    8/27/14: Drummond is a smart and instinctive safety who covers a lot of ground in the back end. For the NFL, he looks like a potential starter at free safety. Drummond was one of the best safeties in the Big Ten in 2013, his first season as a full-time starter. He was an all-conference First-Team selection.
    
    Drummond started 2013 in impressive fashion. He made a highlight-reel interception versus Western Michigan and played well against South Florida and Notre Dame. Drummond also stepped up and was very active against Michigan. He kept up the strong play all season by solidifying the deep middle of the field for the Spartans’ defense. The junior had 91 tackles, 10 passes broken up and four interceptions for the year.
    
    Drummond started seven games in 2012 while playing in 13. He totaled 53 tackles with 4.5 tackles for a loss, four passes broken up, two interceptions and a forced fumble.
    
    Personal: Majoring in psychology. Son of Evette Drummond.



11. Durell Eskridge*, S, Syracuse
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 208.
    40 Time: 4.63.
    Projected Round (2015): 3-5.
    4/25/15: Eskridge recorded 62 tackles with one interception and three passes broken up in 2014. He has some athleticism with size and quickness. Eskridge could be a free safety candidate for the NFL. He didn’t impress at the Combine.
    
    8/27/14: Eskridge was a leader of Syracuse’s defense in 2013 as he led the team’s stop unit in tackles and interceptions. The first-year starter ended up with four picks, one forced fumble, one pass broken up and 78 tackles. Eskridge has lobbied to play wide receiver and caught one pass for 19 yards in 2013. He was a backup in 2012. Eskridge has good size and athleticism.
    
    Personal: Son of Margaret Eskridge. Majoring in child and family studies.



12. Josh Shaw, S/CB, USC
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 201.
    40 Time: 4.44.
    Projected Round (2014): 3-5.
    4/25/15: Shaw played in both the East-West Shrine and Senior Bowl. He is strong and put together well with some press-man skills, but for the NFL, his best fit could come as a rangy safety who can cover tight ends and running backs. Shaw is still stiff to turn and run with receivers, plus doesn’t always play the ball well. His weaknesses could be masked at safety.
    
    Shaw was suspended for the majority of the 2014 season. He was activated late in the year and saw some playing time. Shaw’s suspension stemmed from having lied about how he injured his ankles before the season. His initial claim had been about saving his nephew from drowning, but eventually led to an investigation by the LAPD for a domestic-violence issue. Shaw could go in the mid-rounds or fall undrafted in the wake of the NFL dealing with a domestic-violence controversy and the lack of tape from his senior year.
    
    8/27/14: Shaw started out his collegiate career at Florida before transferring to USC. Shaw redshirted with the Gators in 2010 and had 22 tackles as a backup in 2011. The NCAA granted Shaw a hardship waiver because of illnesses in the family, so he played right away for the Trojans in 2012. Shaw started the final seven games at cornerback and had 30 tackles with six deflections and two interceptions.
    
    Shaw showed improved coverage skills in 2013 and also played some free safety. He totaled 67 tackles with four interceptions and seven passes broken up. Shaw has good size for a corner with the athletic ability to excel in coverage. The senior could rise during 2014, but it would help him to play corner or safety permanently.



13. Adrian Amos, S, Penn State
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 214.
    40 Time: 4.56.
    Projected Round (2015): 3-5.
    4/25/15: Amos recorded 34 tackles with seven passes broken up, three interceptions in 2014. He had 42 tackles with five passes batted away and an interception the year before. Amos split his time between cornerback and safety that season. For the NFL, the senior could fit as a free safety if he has the speed to cover in the deep part of the field. Amos was solid at the Senior Bowl.



14. Gerod Holliman**, S, Louisville
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 218.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.63.
    Projected Round (2015): 4-5.
    4/25/15: Holliman enjoyed a massive 2014 season creating turnovers for the Cardinals. Replacing Calin Pryor, Holliman was one of the breakout players in college football. He led the nation with 14 interceptions. The redshirt sophomore notched only 40 tackles with three passes broken up. Holliman had an excellent game against Florida State with two interceptions. He also had two picks against Virginia and Florida International. Holliman returned the one against Florida International for a touchdown. He has both size and instincts, but has to get better at tackling and providing more stable support in the ground game. Sources have said that Holliman has graded out for Day 3.
    
    Holliman was a backup to Calvin Pryor in 2013 as he totaled 16 tackles with three pass breakups. In 2012, Holliman played in three games as a true freshman before a season-ending shoulder injury. Holliman received a medical hardship for that season.



15. Justin Cox, S, Mississippi State
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 191.
    40 Time: 4.36.
    Projected Round (2015): 4-6.
    4/25/15: Cox made a statement at the Combine with an extremely fast 40 time that opened up some eyes. He needed it after a domestic violence charge landed him with a three-game suspension that ended his senior season early. Cox recorded 21 tackles with four passes broken up and one interception in his shortened 2014. As a junior, he had 31 tackles with one interception and one pass broken up. Cox played in the junior college ranks before landing with the Bulldogs. He has a good skill set, but his off-the-field concerns are significant.



16. D.C. Celiscar, S, Western Michigan
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 194.
    40 Time: 4.62.
    Projected Round (2015): 4-6.
    4/25/15: Celiscar had a solid senior season with 63 tackles, four interceptions and 17 passes broken up. It was the third-straight year that he was a quality producer for Western Michigan. As a junior, Celiscar had 60 tackles with nine passes broken up and three picks. His sophomore year saw him total 79 tackles with two interceptions and 14 passes broken up. Celiscar did not impress at the Combine.
    
    Personal: Son of Sergot and Myrnese Celiscar.



17. Jermaine Whitehead, S, Auburn
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 197.
    40 Time: 4.59.
    Projected Round (2015): 4-6.
    4/25/15: Whitehead had 36 tackles with a tackle for a loss, one pass broken up and six interceptions in 2014. In the season opener against Arkansas, he returned an interception 33 yards for a touchdown. Whitehead was suspended following the second game after a verbal altercation with an assistant coach. He was reinstated on October 21st, but for a time, Auburn only played him on special teams.
    
    Whitehead was eventually put back on the field on defense in the final month of the regular season and played well. He had two interceptions against Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl. If Whitehead had stayed in the lineup all year, he could have had a monster season. He is a sleeper pick who could be a steal. Some teams are targeting Whitehead, but only as an undrafted free agent.
    
    8/27/14: Whitehead has some speed and athleticism, but he isn’t the biggest of safeties. Whitehead recorded 65 tackles, six passes broken up and two interceptions in 2013. He was a solid defender for Auburn. In his first season as a starter, Whitehead had 86 tackles with five passes deflected and zero interceptions.
    
    Personal: Son of Teveeta Whitehead and Frank Ellis. Accounting major.





18. Clayton Geathers, S, Central Florida
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 218.
    40 Time: 4.55.
    Projected Round (2014): 4-6.
    4/25/15: Geathers is a free safety candidate for the NFL who has some size and length to him. He had a respectable showing at the Senior Bowl. Geathers recorded 97 tackles with 6.5 tackles for a loss, one forced fumble, one interception and nine passes broken up in 2014. He had 100 tackles as a junior with 10 passes broken up an two interceptions. Geathers also contributed as a sophomore (117 tackles) and freshman (67 tackles).
    
    Personal: Son of Clayton and Odetha Geathers.



19. Ibraheim Campbell, S, Northwestern
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 220.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.62.
    Projected Round (2014): 4-6.
    4/25/15: Campbell was limited to eight games as a senior after dealing with an injury that cost him a month. Despite the injury, he had quality production as he totaled 54 tackles, four forced fumbles, three passes broken up and three interceptions on the year. Campbell recorded 73 tackles, five break ups and four interceptions in 2013. He had 89 tackles as a sophomore with 12 passes defended and two interceptions. Campbell broke into the starting lineup as a redshirt freshman and totaled 100 tackles with four passes broken up and two interceptions. Campbell is put together as a possible strong safety for the NFL.
    
    Personal: Son of Carole Campbell and Michael Jones. Majoring in economics.



20. Anthony Jefferson, S, UCLA
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 198.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.72.
    Projected Round (2014): 4-6.
    4/25/15: Jefferson had 72 tackles with eight passes broken up and an interception in 2014. He notched 89 tackles with two interceptions the year before. In his first two seasons, Jefferson was a backup. He didn’t stand out at the Senior Bowl and will need some development in the NFL. Jefferson ran extremely slowly at the Combine. Personal: Son of Anthony Jefferson Sr. and Alyce Carter.



21. Derron Smith, S, Fresno State
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 197.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.68.
    Projected Round (2015): 5-7.
    4/25/15: Smith had 87 tackles with seven passes broken up and one interception in 2014. He turned in a solid performance in the season opener against USC and was a reliable defender for the Bulldogs. Smith did not run at the Combine.
    
    8/27/14: Smith has been a ballhawk in his Fresno State career. In 2013, he was the best player on the Bulldogs’ defense. The junior totaled seven interceptions, 13 pass broken up, 87 tackles, eight tackles for a loss and four sacks. Smith did well as a free safety for the Bulldogs and should stay in that role in the NFL.
    
    In 2012, Smith picked off six passes with 79 tackles, two passes broken up and a forced fumble.
    
    Personal: Son of Michael and Angela Smith. Majoring in communications.



22. Cody Prewitt, S, Ole Miss
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 208.
    40 Time: 4.60.
    Projected Round (2015): 5-7.
    4/25/15: Prewitt had 64 tackles with two passes broken up and three interceptions in 2014. Against Boise State to open the season, the senior totaled eight tackles with an interception and was very impressive. He also had a huge 75-yard pick-six against Texas A&M, but he was burned against Auburn by Sammie Coates. Prewitt didn’t fare well in that game and was burned for a long touchdown.
    
    Overall, Prewitt played softly as a senior. He had an occasional big hit, but shied away from some opportunities and looked like he was protecting himself. Prewitt also didn’t stand out at the Senior Bowl, and his coverage skills look limited. Sources say they were unimpressed with Prewitt and graded him as a sixth-round pick for the 2015 NFL Draft.
    
    8/27/14: Prewitt had a strong 2013 season and was a First-Team All American selection by some media outlets. The SEC coaches made the junior a First-Team all-conference selection. Prewitt totaled 71 tackles with six interceptions, seven passes broken up and two forced fumbles. He had a real presence for the Rebels. Prewitt has good size and showed improved instincts and ball skills from his first season as a starter.
    
    In 2012, Prewitt had 80 tackles with two picks, four passes batted and two forced fumbles as a sophomore.
    
    Personal: Grandson of Dorothy Duckworth. Business management major.



23. Jordan Richards, S, Stanford
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 208.
    40 Time: 4.65.
    Projected Round (2015): 5-7.
    4/25/15: Richards recorded 76 tackles with three interceptions and five passes broken up in 2014. He put together a nice performance against Notre Dame, including an interception. Richards had some ugly missed tackles against USC. He looks like a backup who could contribute on special teams.
    
    8/27/14: While Ed Reynolds received more media attention, Richards was the best safety for the Cardinal in 2013. Richards totaled 69 tackles with three interceptions and three passes broken up for the year. Two of his picks helped Stanford beat UCLA. In 2012, he recorded 68 tackles with 15 passes broken up and three interceptions. Richards has a good makeup and can function in the tackle box.
    
    Personal: Son of Terrence and Sharon Richards. Majoring in public policy.



24. Tevin McDonald, S, Eastern Washington
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 195.
    40 Time: 4.63.
    Projected Round (2015): 5-7.
    4/25/15: McDonald had an impressive interception in the 2014 season opener against Sam Houston State, but also had some ugly plays in the game. He recorded 80 tackles with three forced fumbles, three interceptions and seven passes broken up in 2014. McDonald was solid, but unspectacular, at the East-West Shrine.
    
    8/27/14: In 2013, McDonald had 43 tackles, two passes broken up and one interception. He has missed the last four games of the year with an injury. If it weren’t for off-the-field issues, McDonald could be higher in these rankings. He was kicked out of UCLA for violating team rules and transferred to Eastern Washington in 2013.
    
    McDonald was previously suspended by the Bruins for a reported failed drug test. He had an impressive 2012 season for UCLA with 79 tackles, nine passes broken up, one forced fumble and one interception. McDonald totaled 56 tackles, three interceptions, nine passes broken up and a forced fumble as a redshirt freshman in 2011.
    
    McDonald is fast and covers a lot of ground. He has good instincts and is a natural free safety.
    
    Personal: Tevin McDonald is the younger brother of St. Louis Rams safety T.J. McDonald (2013 third-round pick). Tevin is the son of Alycia and Tim McDonald. Tim McDonald played for the Arizona Cardinals (1987-1992) and San Francisco 49ers (1993-1999). Tim McDonald is currently the defensive backs coach for the Buffalo Bills.



25. Chris Hackett*, S, TCU
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 195.
    40 Time: 4.81.
    Projected Round (2015): 5-7.
    4/25/15: Sources say that Hackett has graded out as a late-round pick or an undrafted free agent. They already had speed concerns about Hackett for the NFL, and those were given validity with a terribly slow 40 time at the Combine. The junior totaled 75 tackles with six passes broken up and seven interceptions in 2014. It was a huge season for him, but he probably should have returned for his senior year. As a sophomore, Hackett had 88 tackles with three interceptions. He had 61 tackles with two picks in 2012.
    
    Personal: Son of Michael and Stephanie Hackett.



26. Sam Carter, S, TCU
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 215.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
    Projected Round (2015): 6-FA.
    4/25/15: Carter racked up 55 tackles, five passes broken up and four interceptions in 2014. He had solid games against Texas Tech and West Virginia. For the Horned Frogs, Carter was the strong safety who played in the tackle box. He is a solid player with instincts, but sources say they have speed concerns about Carter. He had a good week at the East-West Shrine and flashed some ability to play free safety as well as strong safety. Carter is a good player and speed concerns are the only issue from keeping him getting drafted earlier.
    
    8/27/14: Carter has been a productive starter for the TCU defense the past two seasons while providing the Horned Frogs with a lot of splash plays. He has shown nice ball skills and has good size.
    
    In 2013, Carter recorded five interceptions, two passes broken up, 49 tackles, four sacks and 7.5 tackles for a loss. He had 63 tackles with 6.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks, four interceptions and 10 passes broken up in 2012. Both seasons saw Carter being selected as a Second-Team All-Big XII selection. For the NFL, the senior looks like a nice fit as a strong safety.
    
    Personal: Son of Sam Carter and Dildred Taylor. Majoring in sociology.



27. Kyshoen Jarrett, S, Virginia Tech
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 200.
    40 Time: 4.57.
    Projected Round (2015): 6-FA.
    4/25/15: Jarrett had a huge game to help the Hokies upset Ohio State on the road in 2014. He recorded two interceptions, one pass broken up and five tackles. The senior didn’t play well against Miami, Pittsburgh or in other games. Jarrett totaled 88 tackles, five passes broken up, one forced fumble and three interceptions in 2014. He could go undrafted.
    
    6/14/14: Jarrett contributed to an outstanding secondary for the Hokies last year with 71 tackles with two interceptions. Alongside the Fuller brothers and Brandon Facyson, Jarrett had a lot of good play around him. He broke into the starting lineup as a sophomore in 2012 and recorded 83 tackles with, 4.5 tackles for a loss, a forced fumble and four passes broken up. Jarrett still has plenty of good talent around him to produce a big 2014 season.
    
    Personal: Son of Vinise Capers. Majoring in human development.



28. Matthias Farley, S, Notre Dame
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 205.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.56.
    Projected Round (2015): 6-FA.
    4/25/15: Farley totaled 53 tackles with four interceptions and a pass breakup in 2014. He looks like a backup and special teams contributor in the NFL. Farley did not work out at the Combine.
    
    8/27/14: Farley had 49 tackles with three passes broken up and two interceptions in 2013. He started eight games and played in all 13 contests. Farley broke into the lineup as a sophomore the year before and totaled 49 tackles with with an interception. He is part of a solid secondary whose members could help each other to improve their draft stock in 2014.
    
    Personal: Son of Mark and Falinda Farley. Majoring in film, television and theatre.



29. Cody Riggs, S/CB, Notre Dame
    Height: 5-9. Weight: 179.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.43.
    Projected Round (2014): 7-FA.
    4/25/15: Riggs notched 33 tackles with three passes broken up and an interception in 2014. He played well for Notre Dame, but also missed time with injuries. Riggs would be ranked a lot higher if he weren’t undersized with durability concerns. Riggs didn’t participate in the Combine.
    
    8/27/14: Riggs played safety for Florida in 2013 and was burned on a few a plays against Miami, Georgia and LSU. He recorded 51 tackles, three passes broken up and 7.5 tackles for a loss for the season. To get more consistent playing time, Riggs transferred to Notre Dame for his senior year. He is projected to be a starting cornerback. For the NFL, he would be a better fit as a slot corner and special teams competitor.
    
    Riggs had a good start to the 2012 and was playing well against Texas A&M before leaving with a broken foot. He was expected to be out a month, but never returned to the field. Riggs made his debut for the Gators as a true freshman in 2010 and started three games, but played mostly special teams. He had 18 tackles with an interception. Riggs won a starting spot in 2011 and recorded 31 stops with two passes broken up.



30. Tim Scott, S/CB, North Carolina
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 195.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
    Projected Round (2015): 7-FA.
    4/25/15: Scott recorded an interception, seven passes broken up and 78 tackles in 2014. He had some issues in coverage. Scott should be a safety in the NFL. He didn’t participate in the Combine.
    
    8/27/14: Scott broke into the starting lineup in 2011. The freshman had 43 tackles with six passes broken up and two interceptions. He started all 12 games in 2012 and totaled 48 tackles with nine passes broken up and four interceptions. Scott showed nice improvements in his second season as a starter. As a junior, he recorded 49 tackles with three passes broken up and two interceptions. Scott had some issues in coverage, and North Carolina has moved him to safety as a senior.



31. Brison Williams, S, South Carolina
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 208.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
    Projected Round (2015): 7-FA.
    4/25/15: Williams tirned in a quality 2014 in pass coverage, but didn’t offer much against the run as South Carolina’s defense had problems throughout the regular season. He recorded 34 tackles with six passes broken up and four interceptions for the year. Brison didn’t participate in the Combine.
    
    8/27/14: Williams had a solid 2013 season for the Gamecocks as a free and strong safety. He totaled 45 tackles with one interception and three passes broken up. Williams is a strong and physical safety who operates well as the eighth man in the box. For the NFL, he would be better fit as a strong safety unless he shows the coverage skills to play the deep part of the field as a senior.
    
    As a sophomore in 2012, Williams broke into the starting lineup and recorded 52 tackles with two interceptions and four passes broken up. He missed the first month of the 2011 season after breaking his arm during training camp. Williams spent that year as a backup and recorded 11 tackles. He started out his collegiate career at Fork Union Military Academy.



32. Isaiah Johnson, S, Georgia Tech
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 213.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.57.
    Projected Round (2015): 7-FA.
    4/25/15: Johnson had 72 tackles with an interception and five passes broken up in 2014. He didn’t participate in the Combine.
    
    8/27/14: Johnson decided to take a medical redshirt in 2013. He was one of Georgia Tech’s best defenders in 2012, leading the defense with 87 tackles. The junior also had a sack, an interception, a forced fumble and 4.5 tackles for a loss. Johnson tore his ACL in practice that December.
    
    Johnson has some quickness to go along with size and physicality. He was consistent throughout 2011, making 78 tackles, three interceptions, three tackles for a loss, one sack and three passes broken up. He had 46 tackles and three tackles for a loss, one interception, one forced fumble and one sack as a true freshman in 2010.
    
    Johnson is still developing and has some real upside heading into his senior year – provided he can come back healthy.
    
    Personal: Majoring in management. Academic standout. Son of Nathan and Dominica.



33. Corey Cooper, S, Nebraska
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 215.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.62.
    Projected Round (2015): 7-FA.
    4/25/15: Cooper had 73 tackles with an interception and a pass breakup in 2014. He’s a strong safety type. Cooper did not work out at the Combine.
    
    8/27/14: Cooper was a quality contributor for Nebraska in 2013. The first-year starter racked up 91 tackles with an interception and a pass broken up. He was a backup in 2012 who made three starts and had 17 tackles. Cooper is a quality run-defender who has some size and strength. As a senior, he needs to prove to have pass-coverage ability for the NFL.
    
    Personal: Son of Corey Sr. and Rose Cooper. Majoring in ethnic studies.

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