Walt Aikens transitioning to Safety position

Written by Matthew Cannata | Twitter: @PhinManiacs
Walt Aikens was drafted in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft as a cornerback but upon arriving to camp this summer, the coaching staff had other plans for him and have moved him to the safety position. Aikens, who hasn't played this position since his freshman year at Illinois, says that he is enjoying the switch.

“It’s pretty nice,” Aikens said. “Going from corner, you kind of have a respect for the safeties making all of the calls and everything. I see why it’s really important to communicate with the rest of your teammates. I’m enjoying it. It’s a better view. I’m way back, so I can see everything happening and break on some balls.” 

Head Coach Joe Philbin said that while nothing is set in stone with the position change, it's something where they have seen enough improvement to keep the experiment going.

“You look at him and say, ‘Hmm, kind of looks like a safety,’” Philbin said. “Again, it’s not wholesale. He’s gotten some work, he’s going to continue to get work at both spots. That’s one of those things where this is the time of year to look and explore and find out if he’s capable of doing some of those things.” 

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