Player Profiling: NFL Safety Rankings

(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Ranking the leagues best players at the safety position, entering the 09' season

1. Ed Reed (BAL)

I believe Reed should've won league MVP last season. Baltimore's success last year obviously came from the defensive side of the football. Although Lewis is the true leader of that defense, Reed is the biggest play maker. He is a threat to pick any ball off at any time and can take it the distance with ease.

He is arguably one of the hardest hitting dudes and consistently produces every year. His speed, aggression and pure athletic talent make Reed one of the best safeties to ever play the game.

2. Troy Polamalu (PIT)

As a Steeler fan, it is hard to put Polamalu behind Reed. Troy is another defensive player who has MVP capabilities. He is always looking for a knock out blow that usually dismantles an entire offense's flow. His leaping ability and quick change in direction allows him to cover a majority of the field.

He is a threat when blitzing and a straight head-hunter on the field. He is always looking to make a big play anyway he can. His awareness, aggression, skill and reliability make Polamalu one of the most valuable players on defense today.

3. Adrian Wilson (ARI)

Other than Reed, Wilson is the most athletic safety in the league. He has the best leaping ability, which makes it tough for quarterbacks to throw deep on. His body size and speed combine for a dangerous threat for any receiver running his way. He does a good job of reading plays and not giving up big passing plays.

He is quick enough to position himself as a pass defender, then run up and stop the run at the line of scrimmage (sometimes the backfield). Wilson is another safety who is a threat in the blitzing game, and has proven he take over as a leader on defense.

4. Bob Sanders (IND)

Sanders is capable of making almost any play on the field. He has MVP quality talent with some of the best knowledge. Sanders is quick enough to come stop the run and can come from almost any direction on field.

He is a heat-seeking missile when plays are made underneath him, which makes him so dangerous. His pass coverage ability is not as strong as hit hitting game though, but the cover two defense allows him to play the zone decently for the most part.

His one-on-one coverage with receivers deep down the field is one way to beat this guy, but he does a good job of keeping everything in front of him where he is able to create a big play for his defense.

5. OJ Atogwe (STL)

OJ is a very underrated defensive back in the league. Maybe it's because he plays on the St. Louis Rams; but whatever the case, Atogwe is a big play maker who can give the needed spark to his team.

Atogwe is a very smart defender who sees the field very clearly. He understands what most receivers are trying to do in passing situations; and if he is able to make a play, he will. He is very reliable in the passing game and has the play making ability that surprises many teams.

I haven't seen much from him in the tackling game, but that could be due to my limited viewing of Rams' games last season. 

6. Laron Landry (WAS)

Landry is probably feared by every offensive player except Brandon Jacobs. Landry has the speed, acceleration and toughness to take out any receiver in his path. He is a threat for turnovers with his ability to force fumbles.

Landry can make interceptions, but his hitting game is overall better than his coverage skills. He rarely gives up big plays and usually makes good decisions on the ball. A reliable safety to have patrol your secondary and a tough mindset make Landry a top talent and play maker in the league.

7. Brian Dawkins (DEN)

I don't believe age is an issue with Brian Dawkins. He is still the same crazy, scary and determined player he was in Philadelphia. Dawkins can get to almost any spot on the football field with the mindset of crushing whoever is in his path.

Dawkins is not afraid of anyone and will take advantage of any clear shot opportunity. His ability to create turnovers has slowly disappeared each season, but he is still a threat to any offense.

Overall, Dawkins is a smart, reliable, proven leader that can help make any defense successful.

8. Michael Griffin (TEN)

This is another underrated safety who has killer instincts and amazing coverage skills. Griffin has developed into a smart and confident player with tons of talent around him to improve his success.

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