A solid group of safeties. (Draft Watch).

None of these guys is likely to be among the first names called by Paul Tagliabue on draft day, but a lot of them could become solid NFL safeties. Look for a number of them to be chosen in Rounds 2 through 4.

1. Troy Polamalu, 5-11, 213, Southern California. Explosive, active, tough player. Smart and fast. Shows good awareness. Moves well in space, but his strength is playing in the box. Doesn't have a lot of experience in coverage.

2. Terrence Holt, 6-2, 202, North Carolina State. Doesn't have top speed like older brother Torry Holt of the Rams, but he has tremendous instincts. Athletic and aggressive. Can play strong or free safety. Makes plays.

3. Mike Doss, 5-10, 200, Ohio State. Aggressive player who is solid against the run. Athletic and disciplined. Covers a lot of ground. Needs to improve coverage technique but makes up for it with anticipation and speed. Is undersized. Gives up some big plays.

4. Todd Johnson, 6-1, 201, Florida. Big hitter. Can be the quarterback of a defense. Solid and dependable. Is a little tight in coverage and needs to improve his tackling technique.

5. Gerome Sapp, 6-0, 211, Notre Dame. Came on strong this year, showing awareness, discipline and instincts. Versatile enough to play either safety position. Makes more plays on feel than athleticism.

6. Julian Battle, 6-2, 206, Tennessee. Rangy player who is willing to hit. Strength is a plus. Speed is average, but he is athletic. Has played some at cornerback and could be used at that position in the NFL.