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Continuing our look at some of the players the Jets might show interest in during this years draft, we flip back over to the defensive side of the football for Kentucky safety Winston Guy Jr. I'm looking more towards the middle rounds for safeties as there is no Eric Berry in this draft, there is no Earl Thomas in this draft and there is no Michael Griffin either. I honestly don't think there is a safety in this draft that deserves a first round selection, just like last year. A lot of people are hyping Barron, and he has talent; I think however the lack of elite talent at the position is making him more appealing that he should be. As such I wouldn't personally select Barron at 16 or even trading down to 25-26. In my mind he is a 2nd round talent just as I thought Taylor Mays was.
So here I am looking 3rd or 4th round selections and Winston Guy Jr is a guy that I really like. 120 tackles, 14 for a loss, 2 passes broken up, two interceptions and a forced fumble this year in the SEC. He is 6'1 and 210lb's and has been clocked as low as 4.46 in the 40 dash. 106 tackles in 2010 with three interceptions and 2 passes broken up and 60 tackles with 5 passes broken up as a first year starter in 2009.
He has his positives and with any prospect he has the things he needs to work on. Join me after the jump for some details:
Positives
A good size and frame and plays with a lot of speed. Good in the box against the run, and can be effective as a late pass rusher with his pace. Very durable as a three year starter and his coverage has been improving year by year to a point now where it is very effective. He is a very effective tackler when he wraps up in the open field, likes to play physical football against bigger wide receivers and tight ends. Really attacks the line of scrimmage and fights through any blocks to pick up good tackle for loss numbers for a safety. Took on a hybrid safety/linebacker role with Kentucky but definitely is a NFL safety. No character issues as far as I am aware, seems like a very grounded humble guy in interviews who is ready for the next step. Took part in a lot of community activity like Read Across America.
Negatives
Footwork could do with a little improving so that he is up to full speed a lot quicker and closing on the receiver quicker. Is a very good wrap up tackler but can sometimes go for a big hit and give up extra yards. Coverage is good but still needs a little work at the next level. Can on occasions allow some plays behind him and not as comfortable backpeddling as playing the ball in front of him. Doesn't happen very often but can bite on the play action and mis-direction plays.
Conclusion
I said it at the start but Winston Guy Jr is a guy that I really like. He has great athletic attributes, loves to tackle and can play in coverage as well. I think he could do a good job at SS and FS and in his first year he will be able to contribute on special teams with his pace and tackling ability. For a 3rd round selection (likely) or a 4th round selection the upside is too good to pass up. SEC is a football conference that I watch religiously and every time I have watched Kentucky Winston has always stuck out. In 5 years time, in my humble opinion Winston Guy may well be considered the best safety to come out of the 2012 NFL draft:
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