LSU's Landry provides a safety net

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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."