Theres no stopping a hot-hand quarterback when hes lighting up a weak pass defense. The 2017 NFL draft will supply three talented safeties, who possess different skill sets capable of significantly upgrading a secondary.The Carolina Panthers realized the importance of a top-tier coverage defensive back after letting cornerback Josh Norman walk in free agency and ranking No. 29 in passing yards allowed. Should Carolina add another playmaker to expedite its rebuild in the defensive backfield'After a rough split with veteran safety Eric Weddle, the Los Angeles Chargers decided to start Dwight Lowery, Jahleel Addae and Adrian Phillips between the cornerbacks in 2016. Addae will become an unrestricted free agent in March. Should the front office look for an impact player to strengthen the pass defense with the No. 7 overall pick'Which prospects stand out among the rest at safety, and where will they land'7. Los Angeles Chargers, Jamal Adams, S, LSUIn last years draft, general manager Tom Telesco passed on safety Jalen Ramsey for defensive end Joey Bosa with the No. 3 overall pick. Most draft analysts expected the Florida State product to replace Weddle in the secondary as the new playmaking center fielder.Ramsey played well during his rookie season for the Jacksonville Jaguars, but Bosas 10.5 sacks led the Chargers defense. After a public contract negotiation between the organization and Bosa's agent, Telescos previous first-round draft selection seems like the correct choice.In the upcoming draft, its imperative to address the secondary with a versatile safety, who can bolster the run defense and backpedal into deep coverage. On some draft boards, LSUs Jamal Adams ranks as the No. 1 prospect at the position. His ability to take on ball-carriers downhill or blanket the deep threat should catch Telescos eye at No. 7.Los Angeles fielded a top-10 run defense, but its pass defense ranked No. 20 and hurt the team when attempting to close out games in the fourth quarter. Draftbreakdown.coms Nicholas McGee posted a GIF illustrating Adams ability to track and take down receivers in the short passing attack:8.Carolina Panthers, Malik Hooker, S, Ohio StateUnlike Adams, Ohio State safety Malik Hooker isnt as sharp with open-field tackles, but hes a prototype deep safety, who can read the quarterbacks eyes and close on the football for an interception.As a sophomore, Hooker notched seven interceptions and returned three for touchdowns. His opportunistic approach after forcing turnovers should translate to a ball hawk on the professional level.In the previous season, the Panthers tied for No. 4 in interceptions with 19, but the secondary still needs an upgrade over Tre Boston. As the young cornerbacks develop on the perimeter, a playmaking deep safety would force opposing quarterbacksto think twice about attempting to push the ball downfield in chunks.NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock provided a glimpse into Hookers ball instincts and wherewithal after forcing a turnover via Twitter:19.Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jabrill Peppers, S, MichiganMichigan prospect Jabrill Peppers doesnt specialize in any particular skill, but hes the jack of many trades on the field. Hes listed as a linebacker-safety hybrid, which indicates his ability to impact the play when lining up closer to the line of scrimmage. He logged three sacks and 13 tackles for a loss during his junior season.At 60, 205 pounds with two years; experience as a defensive back, hell likely line up as a box safety who can neutralize receiving tight ends. In addition, he could shorten the field for the offense with long kick or punt returns.Not only do the Tampa Bay Buccaneers need help at safety, but they ranked last in punt returns yards (128) and No. 22 in kick return yards during the previous season. Peppers could add production in both phases of the game for the Buccaneers as a rookie.Due to running back Doug Martins uncertain future with the team, Peppers may have an occasional 20-plus-yard carry behind an improving offensive line. He averaged 6.2 yards per carry on 27 attempts and scored three rushing touchdowns in his final season with Michigan.
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