Panthers FS Godfrey Proves His Value - Part 2

This is the second part of an analysis I started earlier regarding the 2008 performance of Panther then rookie FS Charles Godfrey. In the first post I compared Godfrey's rookie performance to the rookie performance of the five safeties taken in the 1^st round the previous two drafts. Basically it showed that in most areas Godfrey's performance was in-line with those draft picks, essentially showing that Godfrey brought true ‘value' given he was a 3^rd round pick. So far a very nice pick by Fox & Hurney.

In the subsequent comment thread I was asked a couple questions that I thought were good questions. First, how did Godfrey compare to the top safeties in the league as opposed to just those specific players? Please refer to the table below where I have listed the performances of the top free safeties, at least statistically speaking:

I think it's pretty safe to say the Ravens Ed Reed is the top free safety in the league but its interesting how few tackles he makes. My guess is that the Raven LB's are so good he has fewer opportunities to make tackles. Now compare that to the Chargers Eric Weddle who logged an astounding 127 tackles at free safety. Does that likewise say something about the Chargers LB's (that maybe they suck?) You can't blame it on the defensive system since they both play a 3-4 defense. But I digress.

I don't think it takes much analysis to conclude Godfrey has a ways to go to be considered one of the top players at his position. The number I want to see increase drastically is passes defensed. Sure, INT's are sexy and can be game changers but for a guy in his second year I want to see him breaking on the ball quicker and use that closing speed. If there is one guy I expect new DC Ron Meeks to have an impact it's Godfrey.    

So what might we expect from Godfrey in his second season? That leads us to the second good question I was asked. Here's what the aforementioned four safeties did in their 2^nd year:

So the question remains, what might we expect from Godfrey in his second year? Let's not concern ourselves with the number of tackles as that is not the FS' primary skill. Besides, Godfrey has shown a penchant for making big hits, the kid is not afraid to tackle.

Instead I think we can agree we want to see more passes defended from Godfrey. I don't think we should be concerned if he doesn't increase the INT's much. Sure we will take as many as we can get but I would rather see the rookie react better to the ball and show more recognition and anticipation of the WR's route. If we can get 12-15 passes knocked down by Godfrey that is the type of improvement that should signal the rookie truly has what it takes to play FS in the NFL. Throw in 4 INT's and we should all be convinced. Only then can we say that Fox & Hurney got a true value pick in Godfrey in the 3^rd round. Any other predictions?

Hat tip to r3 for the prodding to dig a little deeper!