Truth be told, this post wasn’t supposed to run until tonight.
We had planned on dedicating Tuesday night and this morning to recapping the release of the 2010 NFL regular season schedule, as many thought it would come out Tuesday. But, of course the NFL isn’t ready to do that yet. Why would they be? That would be giving us what we want.
So, in that case, here’s part two of our series on safeties. It’s a position the Green Bay Packers must address, sooner rather than later in this draft. Nick Collins is, obviously, an All-Pro at free safety. No worries there. His running mate, Atari Bigby, shows the occasional flashes of greatness, but is also often hurt and/or ineffective.
Behind those two? Jarrett Bush and Derrick Martin.
(Shudder).
Adam covered three of the top guys Tuesday. And here are three more:
- Morgan Burnett, Georgia Tech
The numbers: 6-feet, 1-inch, 210 pounds…turned 21 years old in January…forfeited his senior season to enter the draft…4.42 40-yard dash time at his pro day in March and did 16 bench press reps at the combine…second team All ACC in 2009…77 tackles, four interceptions and four passes defended in 2009…14 interceptions (one returned for a score), one sack and one forced fumble in his three years at Georgia Tech.
What he does that could work for the Packers: Instincts – Burnett’s got them. He can read the play quickly, and if he’s near the ball, there’s a good chance he’ll get his hands on it (look at those interception numbers). He clearly has speed to burn and he can be viscious – in a good way, not a penalty-ridden way – to receivers who cross his path. Didn’t have a defined position at Georgia Tech – the word “rover” has been used several times to describe him – but is able to play both safety spots.
What he doesn’t do that could hurt the Packers: The “rover” thing worked in college, but he’ll likely need to learn the intricacies of both safety spots in the pros. He’s a gambler, no question about it, something that’s hurt him at times. He can lay the wood, but he needs to become a more consistent tackler (really, more consistent overall).
Final thoughts: Overall, there isn’t much about Burnett to dislike. His speed and nose for the ball are things that can’t really be taught. He’s a hitter and, perhaps most importantly, he’s versatile. He could step in for either Bigby or Collins should one of them get hurt. In all honesty, I think he could overtake Bigby at strong safety before the end of this season, once he learns what to do at the position. The consistency issues don’t really worry me as those things can be improved with coaching. He’ll be hard to ignore in the second round and impossible to ignore if he’s still on the board in round three.
- Reshad Jones, Georgia
The numbers: 6-feet, 1-inch, 214 pounds…turned 24 years old in February…forfeited his senior season to enter the draft…4.54 40-yard dash time and 24 bench press reps at the combine (improved his 40-time to 4.52 for his pro day in March)…second team All SEC in 2008…61 tackles, four interceptions, one forced fumble and six passes defended in 2009…11 interceptions in three years at Georgia.
What he does that could work for the Packers: Jones has many of the same strengths that Burnett does. He’s versatile (can play either spot) and tough and he packs a viscious punch as a hitter. His ball skills, while not quite as good as Burnett’s, are definitely solid. He’s also a lot stronger than Burnett (not many safeties can put up 24 reps). He’s not afraid to play the run and has above average athleticism.
What he doesn’t do that could hurt the Packers: Again, like Burnett, Jones needs to become a more consistent tackler and has been overaggressive in coverage too often. Burnett has been able to get away with it more, though, because of his supreme instincts and speed, neither of which Jones has.
Final thoughts: While Jones has the ability to play both positions, he strikes me as purely a strong safety in the pros. His lack of instincts and pure speed wouldn’t hurt him as much at that position. Plus, that position would allow him to showcase his strongest attributes – playing the run and hitting. In many ways, Jones reminds me of Bigby (minus, hopefully, the injury problems). I don’t like him as a second round pick, but as a third rounder, he’s intriguing as he’s got some upside.
- Larry Asante, Nebraska
The numbers: 6-feet, 1-inch, 215 pounds…turned 22 years old in March…4.62 40-yard dash time and 14 bench press reps at the combine (40-time slowed to 4.66 at his pro day in March)…first team All Big 12 in 2009…77 tackles, two interceptions (one returned for a score), two forced fumbles and six passes defended in 2009…three interceptions, three forced fumbles and one sack over his final three years at Nebraska.
What he does that could work for the Packers: Throw versatility out the window with this guy – he’s strictly a strong safety. That’s not necessarily a bad thing when you look at what Asante does well, though. This guy’s a big-time hitter – perhaps the hardest-hitting safety in this draft. He’s a fantastic tackler who loves to play the run. He’s sharp, too; he can read the play quickly, which helps him make up for his lack of pure speed.
What he doesn’t do that could hurt the Packers: As a cover man, Asante is lacking. His ball skills are still very raw, his footwork needs improvement and his stiff hips make it hard for him to turn and run with tight ends and backs.
Final thoughts: To me, Pittsburgh’s Ryan Clark is the prototypical 3-4 strong safety. In many ways, Asante is similar, particularly in his hitting, tackling and ability to play the run. Clark, however, is a very underrated cover man. Obviously, that’s where Asante needs the most work in order to catch up. With some good coaching, he could very well get there. Remember, Asante started his career playing linebacker at Coffeyville Community College and worked his way up to All Big 12. He’s got the ability to improve. I’m not sure that’s worth a third round selection, but I don’t see how Green Bay could pass him up in round four.
That wraps up part two of our look at safeties. If the league decides to hold off on the schedule release for another day, we’ll be back later today with the final part of our series on the position.
But if the league actually, you know, gives us what we want and puts the schedule out later today, we’ll conclude our series Thursday.
-Chris Lempesis
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