LSU’s Landry provides a safety net

One by one, projected NFL Draft picks were herded into a large conference room in Indianapolis this winter to give the media their heights, their weights, their agent’s names, their life stories and, most importantly, their self scouting reports.

For the most part, all the players spewed the cliches about their work ethic, their desire to win and their excitement about getting drafted.

But not LaRon Landry.

The safety from Louisiana State was straightforward and truthful, exhibiting an outward confidence that will help him in the NFL.

“I’m a complete safety,” Landry said. “I’m fast and physical. I communicate well. I’m able to read offenses. I can play the middle of the field. I can play man to man. I have great technique. I can play down in the box. I can take on pulling guards.

“I just have a passion for the game.”

Landry has a right to be so bold. Most NFL teams would agree with his self report, which is why he is the draft’s top defensive back and a candidate to be selected sixth overall Saturday by the Washington Redskins.

“One of my favorite players in the entire draft is LaRon Landry,” NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said. “There’s a trend in the NFL now trying to draft more athletic safeties because they have to play deep-half coverages, have to play man-to-man and have to get up in the box and be physical.”

Landry, rated by some as the best defensive player available, is one of four safeties that could go in the first round (the others are Miami’s Brandon Meriweather, Florida’s Reggie Nelson and Virginia Tech’s Aaron Rouse).

“In terms of safety depth, I think it’s one of the better years,” Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher said. “There will be safeties available throughout the draft.”

In addition to the safeties, three cornerbacks — Michigan’s Leon Hall, Texas’ Aaron Ross and Pittsburgh’s Darrelle Revis — have received first-round buzz.

The current nature of how offenses operate has amplified the importance of having two good safeties and, subsequently, made them a higher priority early in the draft. Roy Williams went eighth to Dallas in 2002, Sean Taylor went fifth to the Redskins in 2004 and last year Michael Huff (Oakland) and Donte Whitner (Buffalo) went seventh and eighth, respectively. All four players were starting by the end of their first month in the league.

“Safety play in this league is essential,” Fisher said. “Offensive schemes have redefined the position. The Colts are a great example of what happens when you lose your safety. When Bob Sanders came back, their defense changed.”

Sanders was chosen 44th by the Colts in 2004, 39 spots behind Taylor. After three years in the league, Sanders clearly is the better player. Teams still want the big hitter (Taylor) but need their safeties to be sure tacklers, adequate in coverage and make plays on the football when the opportunity arises.

“There are very few safeties who can cover and play down in the box,” said Landry, whose brother, Dawan, plays for the Baltimore Ravens. “I guess that’s why it’s become a glamorous position.”

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