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Gil Brandt's top five college football senior safeties
Safeties must possess a more dynamic skill set than they did in the not-so-distant past, and these prospects appear to have what it takes.
At one time, the safety position did not carry the importance that it does currently in the NFL. It used to be a position where you could move a cornerback who lost some speed to. In today's game, a safety needs to be able to cover over the top and serve as a second linebacker against the run. In the 2013 NFL Draft two players (Kenny Vaccaro to the New Orleans Saints; Eric Reid to the San Francisco 49ers) were selected among the top 20 picks. That is unusual; teams used to be able to get safeties of that quality in the second round.
-- Gil Brandt (follow on Twitter @
The 6-foot-0 5/8, 207-pound Loston tied a school record with a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown last season. He finished the 2012 season with 55 tackles and three interceptions. Loston -- who sports a 40-yard dash time of 4.55 seconds -- has the necessary cover skills and toughness for the position. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Joyner's size (5-foot-8 1/4, 187 pounds) is a concern. Still, he was a first-team All-ACC selection in 2012 after recording 51 tackles and an interception. Joyner has enough speed (40 time of 4.5 seconds) that he can play cornerback, a position he is expected to see more time at this season. (AP Photo/Phil Sears)
Brooks (5-foot-11 1/2, 195 pounds) had 52 tackles and two interceptions in 2012. He has the toughness, speed (4.5 in the 40) and athletic ability needed to play the position in the NFL. (AP Photo/Phil Sears)
The 5-foot-11, 190-pound Bryant was the second-leading tackler for the Buckeyes in 2012 with 71 and was second on the team with 12 pass breakups. Bryant is a competitive player who features speed (4.55 in the 40) and quickness. (Greg Bartram/USA TODAY Sports)
Sorensen has the size (6-foot-1, 210 pounds) and speed (4.5 seconds in the 40) needed for the position. He was the second-leading tackler on his team in 2012 with 68 and also had three interceptions. Sorsensen is a very good football player who brings leadership ability. (Kevin Jairaj/USA TODAY Sports)
