Panthers NFL Draft: Five Safety Targets

On the season, Smithson totaled 93 tackles with seven passes broken up, four interceptions and two forced fumbles. He has played really well in pass coverage and run defense. Smithson could be a steal.

In 2015 on an 0-12 team, Smithson led the nation with 7.9 solo tackles per game on 87 solo tackles. He totaled 111 stops with two interceptions, five passes broken up and one forced fumble on the year. One general manager told WalterFootball.com that in studying pre-draft tape, Smithson has really jumped out at them and they’re excited to watch him this fall.

Thomas has 59 tackles with two for a loss, two passes broken up and one sack on the year.

In 2015, Thomas totaled 75 tackles with three interceptions and three passes broken up. He had 75 tackles and a pick the year before. Thomas is a solid run defender who could rise with a big season in pass coverage.

Jackson was solid for Alabama as its deep free safety. On the year, he totaled 24 tackles with two passes broken up, one interception that was returned 55 yards for a touchdown, and two punts returned for touchdowns. His season ended after eight games due to a broken leg.

Jackson massively improved after a move to safety from cornerback for 2015. He had six interceptions, 46 tackles and two passes broken up there in the new position last season. Jackson has looked natural as a coverage free safety who can cover in man and play the deep centerfield. As a sophomore, Jackson was a corner who totaled 41 tackles with six passes broken up and one interception. He had 19 tackles with two passes broken up and a pick in 2013.

Jackson needs to continue to add weight to tackle in the NFL.

Ford has 59 tackles with seven passes broken up. He is a solid, but unspectacular, defender for Auburn who can contribute in pass coverage and run defense.

Ford has been a solid defender for Auburn the past few seasons. In 2015, he totaled 118 tackles with one sack, two passes broken up and two interceptions, plus showed that he is a threat as a kick returner. As a sophomore, Ford had 93 tackles with three interceptions.

Hooker has been one of the breakout draft prospects in 2016. He has totaled 67 tackles with five for a loss, .5 sacks, four passes broken up and six interceptions with three returned for touchdowns this season.

The evaluators who love Hooker feel he is a safety who can do it all. In coverage, he is fast and athletic with the skills to defend the deep part of the field. Sources also say Hooker has the length and strength to play in the tackle box. They also like how Hooker drives down on the ball. They feel he is a fast, rangy defender with good ball skills. Right now, they think Hooker is on his way to being a top-20 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Two top national scouts from NFC teams said that Hooker’s skill set is the best they’ve seen from a safety since Eric Berry. They like Hooker more than Jamal Adams, Jabrill Peppers or Marcus Maye. One scout said, in his opinion, Hooker could end up being an elite safety prospect comparable to Berry or the late Sean Taylor. Many in the scouting community feel that Taylor was the best of the best in terms of safety prospects this century. Both of these scouts believe that Hooker is a future top-10 pick.

Some other team sources said they have been impressed by Hooker, but at this point, think he would be rated behind Adams and Peppers for them. Numerous team sources believe that Hooker is going to end up being their top-rated safety for the 2017 NFL Draft.