2012 NFL Draft: Ranking the Top 10 Free Safeties

The position of free safety is being asked to become bigger, stronger and faster, just like every other position on the field. However, with the progress being made by the "dual threat" quarterback in the NFL, free safeties are being asked to do more than ever.

Trying to zero in on players like Michael Vick and Cam Newton and contain them is no easy task, not to mention the additional tasks that are regularly expected of these players in run support and coverage packages.

This draft is not a barn burner for the free safety position, but with some players looking like linebackers and playing like cornerbacks, it is in an intriguing position for scouts.

Here are the top 10 free safeties available in the NFL Draft.

10. Neiko Thorpe, Auburn

Thorpe was not even invited to the NFL combine, but his performances on his pro day would have made him worthy of some head turning had he been there.

The snub from the combine was likely due to the fact that Thorpe spent most of his time at Auburn as a cornerback, and with 4.40 speed it is no wonder why. Still, he played enough at free safety to give teams a glimpse of what his speed can help him do.

Throw into the mix that he is a former National Champion with Auburn, and he could be a steal for a team in the final round of the draft. 

9. Brandon Hardin, Oregon State

Another player who was not seen at the combine, but this time it was due to an injury which caused Hardin to miss all of last season. The shoulder injury has been repaired, but teams are leery of drafting a player who has been off the field for over a year.

Hardin is an impressive mix of size (6'3", 216 lbs) and speed, as he reportedly ran a sub-4.4 40-yard dash during his pro day at Oregon State. Teams who were interested in drafting him in the third or fourth round prior to the injury might be happy to see him in the sixth or seventh now.

8. Tramain Thomas, Arkansas

Tramain Thomas grew into his role as a free safety at Arkansas and had his finest season as a senior. He was not invited to the combine, and his size is somewhat of a concern, but Thomas can make up for those detractions in other areas.

He posted 91 tackles and led his team with five interceptions in 2011, and he plays with football smarts beyond his size and stature. At under six feet and 200 lbs, Thomas is smaller than what most teams are looking for at the position.

7. Christian Thompson, South Carolina State

This former Auburn Tiger transferred to South Carolina State and became an impact player right away for the Bulldogs. He is a versatile secondary player who can move between strong and free safety as the need arises.

His speed and strength were impressive at the combine, but there are always questions about how playing in the MEAC can translate into playing in the NFL.

6. Eddie Whitley, Virginia Tech

The pedigree of defense that Frank Beamer and Bud Carson instill at Virginia Tech is strong, and that is what makes Whitley a great prospect. He is well versed in every position of the secondary and also a maven on special teams (a must for "Beamer Ball").

He operates well all over the field and it shows, with his solid 83-tackle performance in 2011. If there is a knock on Whitley, it's that he makes good plays but not spectacular plays when the opportunity arises. Still, a valuable pickup for teams looking to add depth or cultivate talent. 

5. Aaron Henry, Wisconsin

Henry is not just a great player, but also a great young man who was honored by the Big Ten for sportsmanship and recognized by his university with a "Coaches Appreciation Award" at Wisconsin.

This former Badger was a leader and constant contributor for the Wisconsin defense, as he continued his growth after making the switch from cornerback the previous season. He possesses a great football IQ and the athleticism to make plays from the safety position.

4. Trenton Robinson, Michigan State

Robinson seems to fit the body type of a cornerback more than a free safety, but he plays the game with a workmanlike mentality and is as hard-nosed as they come. He shined brightly for the Spartans in key games and developed into a strong leader of the defense.

His intangibles and physical style are what keep him at free safety, but he can mold himself into a lot of different defensive schemes, which makes him a valuable commodity earlier in the draft.

3. Janzen Jackson, McNeese State

Jackson is the only underclassman who made the list, but troubles at his first collegiate stop and a huge upside induced him to declare for the draft early.

A top-notch recruit entering Tennessee, Jackson ran into trouble and finished his career at McNeese State playing cornerback. Everyone who has worked with Jackson calls his athleticism "freakish" and has high hopes for his NFL career.

NFL teams looking to contain mobile quarterbacks can use Jackson's speed and affinity for hitting to their advantage more so than some of the other names on this list. 

2. George Iloka, Boise State

Iloka is a specimen, standing 6'4" tall and tipping the scales at over 220 lbs, yet he runs extremely well and has no trouble keeping up in the secondary, despite the fact that he possesses vitals that would make a linebacker proud.

Iloka has a long history of game experience and was even named as a captain for his Boise State team in 2011. He impressed at the Senior Bowl and has drawn the attention of many scouts as a player who blends linebacker size with safety ability.

1. Markelle Martin, Oklahoma State

The only thing separating Martin from being the top free safety prospect in the 2012 draft is injury, but a team that is happy with his progress will be rewarded by drafting this former Cowboy.

Martin was an Associated Press All-American choice and has a history of performing in the big games, having won Player of the Game honors in the 2010 Valero Alamo Bowl.

Tackling, coverage, turnovers and anything else that the defense needs comes from Martin, and he will be the most valuable draftee at his position in April.