2015 NFL Draft: Four Safeties the Bengals Should Target

Nov 28, 2014; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils defensive back Damarious Randall (3) reacts prior to the game against the Arizona Wildcats during the 88th annual territorial cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Damarious Randall, Arizona State

Other than Alabama’s Landon Collins, there aren’t many safeties who are going to warrant a high draft selection this year.  One of the few who could is Arizona State’s Damarious Randall.

The Sun Devils’ senior safety was highly productive this past season.  He accumulated 106 tackles, which included 9.5 for loss.  This along with a sack, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, and nine pass deflections.  He plays with great speed and it shows based on his production all over the field and in all facets of the game.

Randall’s speed enables him to be effective in man-to-man coverage when necessary.  When watching him on film he displays a good ability to blitz and disrupt the quarterback.  Although some scouts have expressed concern with Randall’s size, I believe his speed and athleticism can make up for such deficiencies.  This while, if draft by Cincinnati, Randall would be allowed a year to acclimate to the NFL before being asked to take on a major role, if he can supplant Shawn Williams on the depth chart.

Randall seems to possess much of the skill set that current Bengals free safety Reggie Nelson possesses, which could make him a nice replacement for Nelson if the team chooses to move on from him, despite his effectiveness, in the coming season.  The question regarding Randall will be whether the Bengals want to utilize a second (maybe third) round selection on a safety.

Next: A Nittany Lion to Fill Out the Bengals' Secondary