We finally wrap up the top players at each position in the NFL Draft, according to NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock. We are at the safeties, a position that is very likely to be addressed this offseason by the Arizona Cardinals.
Arizona has Rashad Johnson entering free agency. Tony Jefferson will be a restricted free agent. Tyrann Mathieu is recovering from a torn ACL. Deone Bucannon plays linebacker now and doesn't appear to be moving back to safety, as he was one of the most productive linebackers in football.
The Cardinals want to add length and speed to the back end of the defense. Let's see if any of Mayock's top five fit the bill and whether they will be available to Arizona.
Safeties
1. Karl Joseph, West Virginia
2. Vonn Bell, Ohio State
3. Darien Thompson, Boise State
4. Miles Killebrew, Southern Utah
5. Jeremy Cash, Duke
Well, if we are looking at Dan Kadar's latest mock draft, not a single safety is taken in the first round. It is very possible the Cardinals could go that route at No. 29 should they want to.
Joseph is a fantastic player. He is only 5-11, but can do it all, according to many. He checks off a lot of boxes for the Cardinals, but he is coming off an ACL injury. He is fierce and even reckless with his body.
Bell is another enforcer, but at 5-11 and without top end speed, he might not be what the Cardinals want.
Thompson is a guy Seth Cox wrote about as being a great fit for the Cardinals, even in the first round. At 6-1, 215, he is a very good all-around safety.
Killebrew is a small school kid, who played in Cedar City, Utah. He has the length at 6-1 and could be a mid-round steal. He is a special teams stud and is speedy. His player comp on his draft profile page is Deone Bucannon. He could be another guy who plays dollar linebacker.
Cash has the length at 6-1, and he can play near the line of scrimmage or cover. He can cover in the slot, but isn't great in man coverage. He did break his wrist in December, so he might not be able to do everything at the Combine. He was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year.
It sounds like if length is the requirement, any of the last three guys would be very good additions to the Cardinals defense.