Position preview
Depth chart
| No. Name | Ht. | Wt. | NFL |
| 26 Ken Hamlin | 6-2 | 209 | 2nd year |
| “ Always in search of high-speed contact | |||
| 34 Terreal Bierria | 6-3 | 211 | 3rd year |
| “ Could be opening-day starter at strong safety | |||
| 22 Damien Robinson | 6-2 | 223 | 8th year |
| “ Lone veteran at safety position | |||
| 28 Michael Boulware | 6-3 | 223 | 1st year |
| “ Should start, but how long will it take? | |||
| 27 Jordan Babineaux | 6-0 | 200 | 1st year |
| “ Division II standout at So. Arkansas | |||
| 31 Arnold Parker | 6-2 | 210 | 1st year |
| “ Made 35 career starts at Utah | |||
Lowdown
Ken Hamlin rang up 96 tackles, second to Anthony Simmons’ team high 100, en route to making Pro Football Weekly’s All-Rookie team. He’s already known around the NFL for his fierce hitting and he should do nothing but get better in his second season. Reggie Tongue’s departure opens a starting strong safety job that is Terreal Bierria’s at present. He missed last season with a shoulder injury and played on special teams in 14 games in 2002. Coach Holmgren has noted that Bierria is essentially a rookie but possesses good size and speed. Second-round draft pick Michael Boulware played linebacker at Florida State and he’s making the adjustment to strong safety. He’ll probably open the year as Bierria’s backup. Damien Robinson’s presence provides experience to an otherwise youthful group of safeties. He started four games last season.
Fast fact
Hamlin played a part in four Arizona turnovers. He forced a fumble, batted a ball that was intercepted by Reggie Tongue, hammered Anquan Boldin sending the football to Chad Brown and sealed the 38-0 win with an interception. His performance earned NFC defensive player of the week honors.
Quote
“Hamlin had some real highs and some difficult things last year, but he’s come in with a pretty good resolve. If we wind up playing Boulware at strong safety or Bierria _ Robinson is really the only guy with any experience back there — but to offset that is the fact they they’re really athletic, they’re working hard and they’re in really great shape.” — Coach Mike Holmgren
Coming Saturday: Cornerbacks