Four days and counting to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis as Detroitlions.com continues to look at players in positions of need for the Detroit Lions.
"Sometimes it's confirmation of what you already know," Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said of the combine. "Sometimes a guy can benefit himself. Sometimes a guy can hurt himself in that process. The combine will be for interviews and getting to know some of these guys. It's an important part of the process for us."
We've already taken a look at just a few of the top talent at defensive end and cornerback and today we'll look at the safety class.
The Lions are on the lookout for a cover safety, who can effectively take away the deeper portions of the field. Detroit gave up 13 passing plays of 40-plus yards last season, the second-most in the NFL behind the New Orleans Saints (14).
Veteran free agent George Wilson was brought in for a visit last week and the team will also try to bring back free agents 
But adding safety talent via the draft has to be an attractive option and there will be a few good ones displaying their talents this week.
Kenny Vaccaro, 6-1, 215, Texas
Best trait: Versatility
Concerns: Zone concepts
The skinny: He's got terrific cover skills for a player with his build. He was used as a nickel back some in Texas' defense. He has a nice blend of speed, quickness and toughness. He's probably the top safety in the class and a probable top 15 pick.
John Cyprien, 6-0, 210, Florida International
Best trait: Being in the box
Concerns: Range
The skinny: He went to the same high school as current Detroit Lions safety Louis Delmas and has a very similar game. He was impressive at the Senior Bowl and showed better cover skills than he credit for. He's a smart player.
Eric Reid, 6-2, 208, LSU
Best trait: Athleticism
Concerns: Can be too aggressive at times
The skinny: He's a safety without a lot of holes in his game. He was equally good against the pass (nine passes defended) and the run (91 total tackles) in 2012.
Matt Elam, 5-10, 206, Florida
Best trait: Playmaker
Concerns: Will miss tackles
The skinny: Terrific playmaker in the box and a highlight hitter. Also shows good cover skills and should have little trouble covering backs and tight ends in the NFL.
Shawn Williams, 6-0, 220, Georgia
Best trait: Instincts
Concerns: Tackling
The skinny: He had four interceptions and defended 10 passes as a junior in 2011, which shows his cover skills. He's not afraid to come in run support.
David Amerson, 6-3, 194, N.C. State
Best trait: Ball skills
Concerns: Agility
The skinny: I included Amerson in my cornerback listing and he's going to the combine as a cornerback, but he could wind up a safety at the next level. If it's a cover safety the Lions want, who better than a converted cornerback? Amerson had 13 interceptions in 2011, which tied for second-most in NCAA history.
