Cornerback
Nnamdi Asomugha and DeAngelo Hall are the clear-cut starters, forming one of the league's best cornerback tandems. Stanford Routt is the nickel corner, but the fight will come into play for the fourth and fifth corners adding depth at the position.
This battle will be between Chris Johnson, John Bowie, and Darrick Brown. Chris Johnson earned playing time last year, and the coaches love his speed and special-teams play.
John Bowie is the player drafted with the pick for Randy Moss; he was active just once last year. Darrick Brown is a 6’3” 200 lb. undrafted free agent. He is extremely athletic and not afraid to support the run.
He was an All-District running back in high school, rushing for 2,200 yards in his career. He is the athletic type of player that many coaches want to develop for the secondary.
More than likely, two will earn roster spots, and the other is a candidate for the practice squad or one of the first-team cuts.
Safety
As it stands right now, Gibril Wilson and Michael Huff are the starters. The intrigue here will be at the reserve safety positions or depth at the positions. This battle will be between Tyvon Branch and Hiram Eugene.
Tyvon Branch was a corner in college that was converted into a strong safety. He has the look of a fast and aggressive sure-tackling safety that will make an impact this year, both on special teams and early as a kick returner, and even in kick coverage, and in the secondary later in the year. Hiram Eugene played in five games last year.
I would like to see the undrafted free agents OG Brandon Rodd, DE Greyson Gunheim, LB Malik Jackson, WR/TE Marcel Reece, and DT/DE Tranell Morant compete and make a strong push for a spot on the roster.
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