Green Bay Packers 2015 NFL Draft: Breaking down the safety prospects

San Jose State Spartans wide receiver Tim Crawley (2) is tackled after the catch by Fresno State Bulldogs defensive end Todd Hunt (96) and safety Derron Smith (13). Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Tier Two

5. Derron Smith, FS, Fresno State (5-10, 200)
6. James Sample, SS, Louisville (6-2, 209)
7. Cody Prewitt, FS, Ole Miss (6-2, 208)
8. Anthony Harris, SS, Virginia (6-1, 183)
9. Adrian Amos, FS, Penn State (6-0, 218)

 The Skinny: Smith is a true ballhawk and can fly around in coverage and make plays. He leaves Fresno State with 15 career interceptions.

He doesn’t boast great size, speed, or athleticism at the position, but he’s a smart player who plays with good instincts and finds ways to impact games.

He’s a solid day two pick in the draft.

Sample is a big, imposing safety prospect with great speed and athleticism. Despite not having the attention of his Louisville companion going into the draft, Sample could end up being the better pro.

Louisville Cardinals safety James Sample (2) and Louisville Cardinals safety Gerod Holliman (8) tackle Kentucky Wildcats safety Glenn Faulkner (18).

He’s the ideal strong safety for the modern NFL. He can make plays up in the box but also has the ability to cover tight ends across the middle.

Prewitt is a productive safety who is probably a better player than athlete at the position. His game lacks speed and suddenness, but he’s a gritty player who will make plays because he’s smart and makes good reads in coverage.

Harris is a versatile player who can play either safety spots and flashes some playmaking ability at the position. He packs a punch when he hits, but his consistency as a tackler could improve.

With impressive pre-draft workouts, Amos has really showcased the type of elite athlete he is, causing him to move up draftboards.

He’s an intriguing player who has the coverage skills and speed to also play corner in certain systems.

He’s a rangy defensive back with a knack for dissecting and breaking on routes. He’d be great value in the middle rounds for a team looking for a reliable free safety to be a security net in coverage.

Next: Tier Three