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Frank Coyle's analysis of the class:


POSITION
GRADE
C

This class is only a very average group of seniors. Junior safety Kenny Phillips is the only blue-chip defender in this class who carries a first-round grade.

Several senior defenders like Jonathan Hefney and Quintin Demps are considered NFL starting talent, though they won't be picked in the first round.

Free Safeties Rankings
1. * Kenny Phillips, 6-2, 210, Miami
An athletic junior safety, Phillips is the premier defender in this class with the well-developed skills to be an early NFL starter. He had a decent performance at Indianapolis, though not one that guarantees a first-round selection.
2. Tyvon Branch, 5-11, 200, Connecticut
This probable top-100 prospect would be one of the steals of the draft if he isn't taken among the first 100 picks. Branch is one of the top special teams performers in this class and could win a role as a gunner immediately.
3. Quintin Demps, 6-0, 205, UTEP
Demps displays a fine combination of speed, instincts and tackling ability. He had a super workout in Indianapolis.
4. Thomas DeCoud, 6-2, 205, California
Demps displays a fine combination of speed, instincts and tackling ability. He had a super workout in Indianapolis.
5. Jonathan Hefney, 5-8, 190, Tennessee
Hefney has shown fine instincts in coverage and the tackling skills to finish plays. He backed up his production with a fine workout at the NFL Combine.
6. Tom Zbikowski, 5-11, 210, Notre Dame
This safety/return specialist had a fine 2007 season and showcased his skills with a solid Senior Bowl performance. He completed his postseason with a fine overall effort at the NFL Combine.
7. David Roach, 6-1, 210, TCU
He has the size and athleticism to eventually develop into a starter if he improves his pass coverage skills. He could be a good late-round selection with some upside if he settles into a position.
8. Simeon Castille, 6-0, 190, Alabama
Castille, a savvy defensive back who has fine instincts and ball skills, will get a look at both corner and safety. His questionable speed for the corner at workouts probably projects him to this position.
9. Michael Grant, 5-10, 190, Arkansas
A fast, athletic safety, Grant has made a nice recovery from knee surgery and shows the well-developed skills to start as a pro. He had a huge workout at the NFL Combine with two 4.40 times in the 40-yard dash, which improved his stock.
10. Chris Horton, 6-0, 210, UCLA
He combines fine size, speed, quickness, agility and ball instincts to become a solid pro starter. He's a good late pick and a possible starting defender in the dime package.
11. D.J. Parker, 5-11, 195, Virginia Tech
12. Roger Williams, 6-0, 200, Florida State
13. Dennis Keyes, 6-2, 205, UCLA
14. Darien Williams, 5-11, 200, Oklahoma

FRANK COYLE'S NFL DRAFT POSITION RANKINGS:
QB | RB | WR | TE | FB | OT | OG | C | DE | DT | ILB | OLB | CB | FS | SS | K/P

Frank Coyle is a nationally known NFL scout who publishes Draft Insiders' Digest and www.draftinsiders.com. In it's 16th season, Draft Insiders' Digest is dedicated to year-round coverage of NFL and NCAA Football. He covers the NFL Draft and free agency extensively with a veteran scouting staff that provides insightful and unique information on players and team potential in the coming seasons. Draft Insiders' Digest is an extensive publication that produces 15 issues throughout the year and a Draft Yearbook with over 450 in-depth scouting reports.

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