Ha Ha Clinton-Dix* – Alabama – FS/SS
Like most Crimson Tide safeties, Clinton-Dix is a versatile defensive back who can be used in a number of different roles. Clinton-Dix can play the run, man the back end in coverage, and get after it as a blitzer. He has very good range for a safety his size and is field-fast and fluid. Clinton-Dix is very capable in zone coverage and is able to bend the back end of the defense. He takes very good angles in pursuit and in coverage, and is a very safe last line of defense. Clinton-Dix is a sure tackler, and while he is not an intimidating striker, he flashes the ability to pop on contact. Though not particularly strong, he is able to come down in run support and throw himself into the mix. Clinton-Dix can get covered up by most blockers but he at least shows the ability to push back WR blocks. While he is not flashy, Clinton-Dix has the ability to be a reliable last line of defense and will likely be drafter higher than his rating based upon his consistency and versatility. He should be the first safety selected in the 2014 NFL Draft.
Comparison: Mark Barron
Grade: 9.2 (late-1st Round)
Calvin Pryor* – Louisville – SS
Pryor is a tough, physical safety, who plays with reckless abandon. Showing fairly good range for a strong safety prospect, Pryor is also capable of playing in coverage. While he’s not a good man cover safety, he’s capable of playing well in zone coverage and is able to range across the back half. Pryor has shown the ability to elevate and make athletic plays on the ball, as evidenced by his interception of Blake Bortles in the back corner of the endzone. Pryor is at his best when he’s playing closer to the line of scrimmage, however, as he hits with violence and is aggressive taking on blocks and blitzing from the line of scrimmage. However, Pryor often finds himself in trouble in this area and will have to play smarter and more under control if he’s going to succeed in the NFL. He is far too aggressive in pursuit, overrunning the play and taking poor angles to the sideline, allowing more yardage than he should. Pryor also needs to polish up his tackling technique and look for the wrap tackle more for the kill-shot. With good coaching, Pryor should be able to develop into a very good starter in the NFL.
Comparison: Antrel Rolle
Grade: 9.0 (late-1st Round)
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