STRENGTHS - Well built with good playing strength, Stafford can be a strong and physical tackle when he bends knees, stays over feet and drives up into ball carrier. He reads the QB/Pass well from deep coverage alignment, breaks towards sideline fast and has the speed to get out to the sideline in time to help the cornerback with over-the-top coverage. While he does not make plays on the ball, he does flash a quick close on passes in front of him and can make hard hit right as the ball arrives to break up pass. He has the athleticism to cover tight end well in man coverage when he lines up close to LOS and does not have to flip hips. Although not consistent, he flashes the ability to come up the field quickly in run support and on passes in front of him to make strong tackles.
WEAKNESSES - Stafford is an upright and stiff safety who lacks good athleticism. His backpedal is choppy and awkward, which hinders his ability to plant, drive and close quickly on passes. When he lines up in "off" alignment he allows receiver to get to close to him before trying to turn and run and ends up losing step and cannot recover. While he can make good, blow up hits/tackles, too often he slows up beofre contact, ducks head and lunges and ends up making low, grab tackles - Important to note that he usually gets man down despite bad technique.
SUMMARY - Entering the 2012 season Stafford was considered one of the best senior safeties after receiving a high grade from the NFL combines. However, after evaluating one game it was clear that Stafford is not a good NFL prospect and lacks the talent to be a productive starter in the NFL. He is a "tweener" who looks like an NFL safety, but lacks the athleticism to be effective in coverage at the NFL level. He is best lining up close to the LOS like a linebacker, but lacks the size, strength and consistent tackling ability to be effective playing there in the NFL. Overall, I would not draft Stafford as I do not believe he can become a starter or impact backup in the NFL. However, I would sign him as a free agent to see if he can improve his footwork and technique to be an effective backup safety or add some weight to try and covert him to outside linebacker.