The New York Giants have said they will not re-sign backup safety Derrick Martin. They are also unlikely to bring back veteran Deon Grant. And no one is counting on Chad Jones. That leaves the Giants with only Kenny Phillips, Antrel Rolle and Tyler Sash at safety. Thus, at least adding some depth and special teams capability is important.
Kelcie McCray, a 6-foot-1, 195-pound safety from Arkansas State, is a player expected to be a third- or fourth-round draft pick this April. He is the subject of today's 2012 NFL Draft Prospect Profile.
The National Football Post's Wes Bunting considers McCray a drift riser with middle-round value. Bunting wrote:
"He does have some natural coverage ability for his size and runs very well for the position. There are some questions about desire as a tackler and instincts in the deep half. However, a guy at his size with his athleticism will get picked high at the safety position."
NFL.com says:
"McCray is a big, physical safety from Arkansas State who could develop into a future starter in the NFL if put in the right scheme. A former high school quarterback, it is evident that McCray is able to key in on plays as a safety and make the pre-snap reads to put himself in a good position. He has the size to cover tight ends and the physicality to be a presence on the back end."
Great Blue North Draft Report says:
"Versatile safety with the athleticism to play FS, but physical enough to work at SS; former high school QB runs well and covers a lot of ground with sub-4.5 speed; also has pretty good instincts and decent hands; has 6 career picks; better in zone coverage though as he is somewhat stiff and does not turn and run that well; also doesn't always find the ball when it is in the air; has a decent break out of backpeddle and will pop receivers crossing his area; solid tackler had 79 stops last fall; does a nice job getting to the ball, but does not make many plays in the backfield."
Kelcie McCray Profile
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 195:
School: Arkansas State
40 time: 4.54