Brando19
03-14-2007, 03:52 PM
There is a good possibility that the Green Bay Packers may select a safety on the first day of the April 28-29 NFL Draft, maybe with the 16th overall pick. The Packers are expected to give Marquand Manuel a chance to retain his starting position this off-season despite the struggles he had early on last season, but don’t be surprised if Green Bay selects a potential starter in 2007 at safety via the draft.
Many draft experts feel Louisiana State safety LaRon Landry is the best of the bunch at the safety position in this year’s draft class, which also includes Florida’s Reggie Nelson and Texas’ Michael Griffin.
Here is some info compiled by Scout.com on Landry:
LaRon Landry, S LSU 6-1, 200 (4.5 40-yard dash time at Combine)
NFL Comparison - Darren Sharper, Minnesota
Overview
Very experienced (4-year starter) and has tremendous instincts. Makes plays all over the field and is equally solid against the run and pass. 2006 All-American and would’ve been a first-round pick last year had he left. Hits hard, but can miss. Doesn’t have great hands, but is adequate. Solid body and frame.
Against the Pass
Reads routes correctly, almost as if he knows the play before the ball is snapped. Has great anticipation and makes plays on the ball, despite his lack of elite ball skills. Bats down a lot of passes, but needs to snatch them. Can cover most tight ends and running backs in man coverage, but is also a force in zone, making plays all over the field. Very, very smart football player.
Against the Run
Disregards his own body to lay the boom on ball carriers. Throws himself into opposing players and doesn’t shy away from contact. Sometimes doesn’t wrap up and goes for the highlight hit. Solid open-field tackler and led LSU in tackles last season. Is always around the ball.
Roster Impact for Green Bay
Could start at strong safety in place of Manuel because of his deep speed and great awareness. May be a better fit at free safety in place of Nick Collins. Would be an upgrade over any of Green Bay’s backups, including Marviel Underwood and Tyrone Culver, and could start immediately. Landry will start as a rookie no matter what team takes him.
Draft Projection
A first round lock, the only question is how high? He could go as high as 10 to Atlanta, but safeties tend to drop on draft day. Landry should be off the board by the 22nd pick, meaning the Packers will have to decide at 16 if he is worth selecting.
Final Analysis
Landry is going to be a fantastic NFL safety because he has the size, athleticism and passion to be great. His instincts and awareness are on an elite level, giving him an advantage over almost every other safety in the Draft. Landry’s versatility also pushes him to the top of the class at his position.
Wow...I really like this guy. If Lynch is off the board..I wouldn't mind seeing Landry in a Green and Gold uniform!
Many draft experts feel Louisiana State safety LaRon Landry is the best of the bunch at the safety position in this year’s draft class, which also includes Florida’s Reggie Nelson and Texas’ Michael Griffin.
Here is some info compiled by Scout.com on Landry:
LaRon Landry, S LSU 6-1, 200 (4.5 40-yard dash time at Combine)
NFL Comparison - Darren Sharper, Minnesota
Overview
Very experienced (4-year starter) and has tremendous instincts. Makes plays all over the field and is equally solid against the run and pass. 2006 All-American and would’ve been a first-round pick last year had he left. Hits hard, but can miss. Doesn’t have great hands, but is adequate. Solid body and frame.
Against the Pass
Reads routes correctly, almost as if he knows the play before the ball is snapped. Has great anticipation and makes plays on the ball, despite his lack of elite ball skills. Bats down a lot of passes, but needs to snatch them. Can cover most tight ends and running backs in man coverage, but is also a force in zone, making plays all over the field. Very, very smart football player.
Against the Run
Disregards his own body to lay the boom on ball carriers. Throws himself into opposing players and doesn’t shy away from contact. Sometimes doesn’t wrap up and goes for the highlight hit. Solid open-field tackler and led LSU in tackles last season. Is always around the ball.
Roster Impact for Green Bay
Could start at strong safety in place of Manuel because of his deep speed and great awareness. May be a better fit at free safety in place of Nick Collins. Would be an upgrade over any of Green Bay’s backups, including Marviel Underwood and Tyrone Culver, and could start immediately. Landry will start as a rookie no matter what team takes him.
Draft Projection
A first round lock, the only question is how high? He could go as high as 10 to Atlanta, but safeties tend to drop on draft day. Landry should be off the board by the 22nd pick, meaning the Packers will have to decide at 16 if he is worth selecting.
Final Analysis
Landry is going to be a fantastic NFL safety because he has the size, athleticism and passion to be great. His instincts and awareness are on an elite level, giving him an advantage over almost every other safety in the Draft. Landry’s versatility also pushes him to the top of the class at his position.
Wow...I really like this guy. If Lynch is off the board..I wouldn't mind seeing Landry in a Green and Gold uniform!