DRAFT TRACKER 2014

A big, physical, hammering run defender brings an enforcer mentality to the box and an intimidating, punishing presence to the back end. Is arguably the most violent hitter in this year's draft class and should make his presence felt readily in the pros.

Lean, athletic, physical, instinctive free safety with starter-caliber range, coverage skills and tackling ability. Was not an omnipresent ballhawk or violent eraser, but should step into a starting role right away and solidify the position.

Fast, rangy, tough, loquacious defensive back who was miscast as a safety in his senior season, but projects best as a cornerback in the pros where his explosiveness and physicality will appeal to a wide range of teams. Should contribute readily on special teams and has eventual starter potential. Played his best football early in the season and tapered off late in the year.

A very smart, pedigreed, rangy free safety with the athletic ability and cover skill desired on the back end. Lack of size and tackling strength could leave much to be desired when defending the run. Top-notch intangibles -- toughness, instincts, competitiveness and leadership ability -- should allow him to quickly emerge as a defensive leader and enhance his draft status.

Southward, who played only one year of high school football, is a size-speed prospect still learning positional nuances. Could get his foot in the door on special teams and buy some time to develop as a reserve.

A long-limbed, rangy back-half defender with intriguing straight-line speed, range and leaping ability to compete for a job as a backup safety and special teams performer. Has intriguing physical tools to be molded if he bows up.

Lean, athletic, long-limbed hybrid safety with an appealing combination of fluidity, range and physicality. Versatile defender who can be deployed over the top as a “robber” or in the box. Has starter-caliber ability if he if he’s able to shore up his tackling and become a more productive on-the-ball defender, but at worst should be a solid backup and core special-teams player.

A true tweener, Darby is built like a cornerback but lacks the foot speed to match up 1-on-1 with receivers and does not have ideal bulk for the safety position. Has overcome a lot of adversity in his life, was recognized as the first player to don Pat Tillman's jersey in practice for his hard work and leadership and has make-it intangibles that could resonate with a coaching staff and inspire a locker room. Is worth trying as a zone corner, could add depth to a secondary and compete on special teams.

Big, assignment-sound, Cover-2 safety with enough tackling skill, range and ball skills to crack a depleted starting lineup. However, he lacks prototypical athletic ability and physicality, and would be more ideally suited as a backup. Is a candidate to be overdrafted on interception production.

Did not work out in the spring while still recovering from a broken ankle suffered against Wisconsin in Week 5 and would be best suited for a role as a nickel safety or short-area, zone cornerback.

More smart than instinctive, classic overachiever with enough size, straight-line speed and intelligence to function as a backup and special teams performer. Shows enough range to survive on the back end and toughness to interchange in the box. Can make a living on special teams.

A smart, quietly competitive, nondescript, interchangeable safety with a cautious playing temperament. Benefited from playing alongside standout Calvin Pryor in a defense that did not require as much back-end responsibility.

Height-weight-speed prospect who made a statement at his pro day and could command late draftable interest for his speed and athletic ability. A late bloomer, Pinkins is still learning the nuances of the game and could need to make a mark on special teams to earn a spot.

Lean, athletic, finesse free safety with the chops to hold down a backup job in a system where he could react to plays in front of him, though he will have to demonstrate utility on special teams.

Lean, long-armed, finesse free safety who left I-AA JSU a year early despite his status as a fringe prospect. At his best in deep zone coverage, but deficient strength, physicality and instincts will turn some teams off, and he does not project as a core special-teams contributor.

Functional college football player lacking the athletic talent, speed and cover skills to stick on a roster.

Tall, lean, high-cut center fielder with backup potential as a deep safety. Is more of a rangy deterrent than a playmaking punisher, but will get a look for his measurables alone, especially in a league seeking secondary length now more than ever. Lacks ideal twitch and physicality for special teams and must prove worthy in this area to stick.