2021 NFL DRAFT PROSPECTS - SAFETY

Click on the names of the prospects below to see their draft profiles:

S #1: TREVON MOEHRIG, TCU HORNED FROGS

Height: 6’1”.   Weight: 208lbs

PRO’S Ultimate athlete for the position. Impressive range with sideline to sideline speed that helps him dominate as a single-high safety. Quick-twitch and plays on his toes, ready to spring into action. Good fluidity with oily hips and can play man coverage and lose no ground in transition. Very competitive; lays the wood when tackling and is extremely aggressive at the catch point. Likes to come downhill in run support, and when lining up nearer the line is able to get himself off blocks and to the football. Excellent ball skills; seven interceptions and 21 PBU’s during his time at TCU. Considered a team leader amongst his peers, and is an excellent communicator, pointing out protections, disseminating play diagnosis and identifying teammates lining up incorrectly.

CON’S: Over-aggressive. Shows good anticipation but can be manipulated by double moves where QB’s and WR’s take advantage of his eagerness. Some issues when tackling in space - ball carriers can size him up and juke him when he over-commits. Would like to see a touch more instincts and patience in man coverage; gets nervous with his back to the ball when it is in the air and wants to see it too early.

SIMON CARROLL: “Moehrig is the consensus top safety in this draft class. He can pretty much play any role in any scheme as a safety, and played a lot of split during his time in Fort Worth. Ideally you want him as your single-high center fielder where he can unleash his freakish athleticism and break on the ball. He’s susceptible to giving up a big play and learning to add some controlled aggression will polish his game immensely. Safeties have a habit of falling into day two, and Moehrig might be on the board longer than his talent warrants, but he’s got pro bowl potential written all over him.”

S #2: JEVON HOLLAND, OREGON DUCKS

Height: 6’1”.   Weight: 196lbs

PRO’S: A safety who knows where the ball is. 9 interceptions and 10 pass break ups in just 27 games (16 starts) at Oregon. Excellent timing; meets the receiver at the catch point and picks his pocket for the football. Quick mental processing makes sure he reaches his destination in good time. Good size and long arms enable him to high point the football and make a play, but also gives him an advantage in the box against downhill blockers. Loves to tackle, particularly ball carriers where he can come downhill and fit the run. Smooth hips and good fluidity when changing direction give him a chance in every play.

CON’S: Long speed doesn’t match his short area athleticism, and his football IQ definitely covers for it. This is more pronounced when Holland is unable to anticipate a play and can’t cover as much field. Stays competitive in man coverage early where his hips keep him competitive, but again gives separation on deeper routes. Enjoys contact but doesn’t bring much functional strength to it, leaving question marks over a box safety role. Not much tape to go off after just two years in Eugene before opting out of 2020.

SIMON CARROLL: “I really like Holland. He showcases the instincts required at the next level, and when you watch his college tape you think he’s pro ready. His long speed deficiencies are well disguised by his mind being one step ahead, and that is borne out in the ball production at Oregon. I think he can be a box safety in a pinch, but to me free safety, either as a single high or better yet a 2-deep cover with half field responsibility is where he will shine. You’ll also get some special team bonus out of him as he works his way up the depth chart - but that won’t take long. Holland is going to be a star.”

NFL COMPARISON: KEVIN BYARD

PROJECTION: 2ND ROUND PICK

S #3: HAMSAH NASIRILDEEN, FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES

Height: 6’3”.   Weight: 213lbs

PRO’S: Movable chess piece with the ability to take out a particular offensive threat. Has all the measurables you could ask for; elite size for the position, arms like vines, impressive core strength and the fluidity and speed to get to every corner of the field. Has an all-round game and thrived in every role at Florida State - size encourages a role closer to the line of scrimmage, where he fits the run very well. Keys onto the play, finds the hole, and comes through the wash and meet the ball carrier. When he gets there, he hits hard, and has shown those strong long arms can wrap up opponents outside of his frame. Has the smooth hips and range to operate as a single high free safety; he’s difficult to attack in one and a problem to shake in man.

CON’S: A non-contact torn ACL right at the end of his junior year meant Nasirildeen missed The Seminoles’ bowl game and most of the 2020 season. A devastating injury and, whilst he returned to play two games in his final season in Tallahassee, medical teams will definitely need to clear him before he’s on draft boards. The one thing missing from his game is playmaking skills; as a free safety he can get to where he needs to be to make the tackle, but his four picks in 35 games is a bit disappointing. For a big safety there are moments where imposing running backs beat him with strength.

SIMON CARROLL: “Hamsah Nasirildeen is not far off being the complete safety. A team leader and much loved member of a disappointing Florida State team, he worked under three different head coaches and excelled on the field when a lot of people around him did not. His size will have teams thinking box safety, or pseudo linebacker, or RB/TE man coverage, but he has all the athleticism you need to play zone on the back end too. If it wasn’t for the injury - which is significant and could play a huge role in his draft stock - Nasirildeen would be a borderline first round pick for me. The comp is an easy one - Nasirildeen can do it all.”

NFL COMPARISON: JEREMY CHINN

PROJECTION: 2ND ROUND PICK

S #4: RICHIE GRANT, UCF KNIGHTS

Height, 6’0”.   Weight: 194lbs

PRO’S: Highly experienced safety with 46 games under his belt and almost 300 tackles at college. Impressive ball skills - drives from center field to the receiver with good timing and meets man and football at the point of catch. Isn’t satisfied playing the man - goes after the football with 10 interceptions and seventeen pass break ups whilst at UCF. Has good range as a single high safety and can fly between the numbers as he patrols the back end. Something of a film junkie that shows on tape - you see him sliding before the ball is snapped. Play recognition and anticipation allow him to cheat a little. Very willing tackler with plenty of snaps as a box safety, and likes to hit with force - had five forced fumbles in Orlando, four of which were recovered.

CON’S: His ability to cover the deep field stem from his high football IQ and preparation - actual foot speed is slightly below NFL standards. Somewhat stiff-hipped, and fluidity in short spaces & change of direction speed aren’t assets he is blessed with. Not got the longest arms and relies on timing to be as productive at the catch point as he is. Confidence in play diagnosis as a strong safety clearly less than that as a free safety, with blown assignments and whiffed tackles showing up on tape.

SIMON CARROLL: “Quite a similar prospect to Jevon Holland, Richie Grant has the playmaking skills that can turn a game. He’s full of energy and effort with a desire to make a play on the ball or stop a ball carrier dead in his tracks. Not particularly a smooth mover, Grant’s lack of twitch and burst can leave him in a hole his long speed won’t get him out of, and he’ll need to maintain his impressive pre-snap anticipation in order to be as productive in the NFL as he was at UCF. He’s shown proficiency as a box safety and offers scheme & positional versatility, but a role as a single-high free safety would be optimal for his profile.”

NFL COMPARISON: PJ WILLIAMS

PROJECTION: 3RD ROUND PICK

S #5: AR'DARIUS WASHINGTON, TCU HORNED FROGS

Height: 5’8”.   Weight: 179lbs

PRO’S: Human dynamo on the back end of a defense. Washington buzzes round the field as if his pants are on fire. Quick twitch with impressive read and react speed; and once he sees it, he commits to it. Does half his work pre-snap, and has a mental picture of every element of an offense and what they’re likely to be doing. Love his short-area athleticism; can mirror and transition like a slot cornerback when playing man coverage. Attacks the ball carrier or the catch point with a venom not suitable for a man his size. Ridiculous vertical leap allows him to compete for the football with receivers 8 inches taller than he is. Everything clicked for Washington in 2019, with 5 interceptions as he and Trevon Moerhig established themselves as one of the best safety duos in the nation.

CON’S: Tiny. Playing safety at his height and weight is unprecedented in the NFL. Some teams simply won’t consider him, and those that do will have to be prepared for durability issues as he goes up against bigger opponents week in, week out. Long speed isn’t quite as good as his fluidity in short areas would suggest, making coverage as a single high safety tougher despite his click and close mindset. High intensity attitude has led to plenty of gambles, not all of which have paid off. 2020 saw a regression in his tackling success, particularly when steaming down into the box to meet ball carriers.

SIMON CARROLL: “If people turn on the Ar’Darius Washington tape (Iowa State ‘19, SMU ‘19, Oklahoma ‘19) and tell me they don’t enjoy watching it then as far as I’m concerned they must hate football. His excitement and intensity is infectious, and you can’t help but admire the way he takes on dudes twice his high and matches them with effort and aggression. That being said, the laws of physics won’t be able to be avoided when he steps up to the next level. I think a move to slot corner, just looking at his fluidity in man coverage even before you consider his size, makes a whole lot of sense. He’s a day two pick for me.”

NFL COMPARISON: TYRANN MATHIEU

PROJECTION: 3RD ROUND PICK

S #6: ANDRE CISCO, SYRACUSE ORANGE

Height: 6’0”.   Weight: 203lbs

PRO’S: So talented. Cisco has playmaking skills that NFL coaches die for. In 24 games at Syracuse he recorded 136 tackles, 13 interceptions (one returned for a score), 14 pass breakups and two forced fumbles. He’s like a hound dog sniffing out an opportunity to steal the football, and when he finds one he descends rapidly to the catch point and attacks the ball aggressively. Ideal size and length for the position; those long arms proving invaluable when snagging the ball. Ridiculous burst; when he sees it, he hits the gas immediately - reaches top speed immediately and doesn’t gear down one bit when contact is there to be made. Can cover turf in the blink of an eye and make a play on the opposite sideline. Showed some nice fluidity in man coverage and is always eager to come down and defend the run.

CON’S: Reckless. Boom or bust attitude to every play as he throws caution to the wind and goes seeking the big hit or game-defining moment. He can be easily exposed in these moments; consistently bites on double moves and quarterbacks can move him with their eyes and pump fakes. INconsistent tackler and needs to use those long arms much better in wrapping up tackles outside of his body. Takes more of an ‘ad lib’ approach to coverage rather than being disciplined, relying on his speed and tenacity to overcome poor pursuit angles or missteps. Suffered a torn ACL in his final year in the Carrier Dome, playing just two games in 2020.

SIMON CARROLL: “No safety in this draft class has as many jaw dropping plays as Andre Cisco does. The perfect size, freakishly athletic and hungry for the football, he would run over ten of his own teammates without breaking stride if it meant he had a shot at an interception. This comes at a cost though, and no NFL team is going to put up with the volume of mistakes that he makes. I think he can be hounded by a defensive coordinator into appreciating the subtle nuances of the game, the need to study an opponent, and how to tell when to trust your instincts and when to think before you act. If he can rein it in without losing any of the explosion that makes him who he is, you have an elite safety who can perform numerous roles. Someone will bank on the upside on day two.”

NFL COMPARISON: QUANDRE DIGGS

PROJECTION: 3RD ROUND PICK

S #7: PARIS FORD, PITTSBURGH PANTHERS

Height: 6’0”.   Weight: 190lbs

PRO’S: Physical, aggressive safety with plenty of athleticism to match. Ford bullies receivers and ball carriers from start to finish, hunting them down and punishing them for trying to get upfield. 100% motor - just doesn’t stop coming for the football, and will get involved even if a teammate is already there. Excellent fluidity, particularly in short areas where he can change direction instantly and match receiver’s breaks or running back’s cuts. Impressive range - able to cover the area between the numbers very quickly. Has some positional versatility too after lining up as a cornerback for the Panthers as a freshman.

CON’S: Moves before he thinks. Ford is so desperate to get to throw himself into a tackle he makes countless mistakes doing so. His best year (2019) was littered with missed tackles - 21 according to PFF. He loses track of his receiver early in routes as he can’t help but get caught peeking into the backfield, forcing him to play catchup. when coming down or across from the other side of the field he doesn’t calculate angles properly and gets burned for it. More comfortable in close quarters than he is in open space. Slight frame and kamikaze brand of football raise durability concerns. 

SIMON CARROLL: From an athletic standpoint, Ford ticks all the boxes, and he marries it with an aggressive attitude that screams NFL box safety that will excel in man and zone. The problems with him are predominantly mental; he frequently compromises his play speed by setting off in the wrong direction or taking poor angles of pursuit that make his life harder. Some good coaching and dedication in the film room should help improve this, and his anticipation too, making him a three-down safety at the next level. He’s flying under the radar a little, but with a little bit of polish could be excellent value as a late pick on day two.”

NFL COMPARISON: JOHNATHAN ABRAM

PROJECTION: 3RD ROUND PICK

S #8: TALANOA HUFANGA, USC TROJANS

Height: 6’1”.   Weight: 215lbs

PRO’S: Tough guy box safety who will destroy what is set out in front of him on every snap. Never fails to bring aggression and play strength to each snap, and loves to tackle with pop and healthy form. Angles of pursuit behind the line of scrimmage and flow to the football is elite - has a sixth sense of how to avoid the clutter and meet the ball carrier in the hole. Offenses need to know where he is on every run play, accounting for him as an extra linebacker. A physical, seek and destroy torpedo that can be utilised in blitz packages to get into the backfield. Game took a massive jump in 2020 with improved playmaking skills across the board; 62 tackles, 3 sacks, four interceptions and two forced fumbles in just six games for Southern Cal.

CON’S: Athletic profile not at an NFL safety standard, and likely confined to a box role at the next level. Significant lack of long speed, with coverage over long distances an issue - you can see the separation grow on tape when he’s in man, and sometimes isn’t able to meet the receiver at the catch point as a single high safety. Significant injury history at USC, with a dislocated shoulder, twice broken clavicle and also a history of concussions going back to high school.

SIMON CARROLL: “If it wasn’t for the litany of injuries Hufanga has suffered in his career to date, his draft stock would be much higher. He’s a dominant box safety who rules against the run and - despite athletic limitations - has enough short area movement to cover shallow zones and anything near the line of scrimmage. His portfolio is perfectly suited to a role as a hybrid linebacker/safety that a lot of teams employ in the NFL today. But his ultra-physical style of play has taken its toll, and whether he has the durability to have a long pro career is in jeopardy. If he can stay healthy this humble assassin is going to be a fan favourite.”

NFL COMPARISON: KEANU NEAL

PROJECTION: LATE 3RD ROUND PICK

S #9: RICHARD LECOUNTE, GEORGIA BULLDOGS

Height: 5’11”.   Weight: 190lbs

PRO’S: Instinctive playmaker. Has shown an innate understanding of every safety role he’s lined up in. Brain just works faster than most people’s - his diagnosis of what the offense is showing pre snap gives him a head start on the play, and as the play develops you can see him naturally migrating towards where the ball is going to end up. Instincts give him the ability to cover the field and make plays that his foot speed alone might not allow. Has no concept of size, and will plough right through big tight ends or receivers without blinking. Has playmaking skills; in his junior year, LeCounte had four interceptions,three pass breakups, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Straddles the fine line between aggressive and patient very well, and plays with a sense of control on every snap.

CON’S: Doesn’t possess elite athleticism. Speed is okay, long speed slightly subpar, held up only by his superior reading of the game. Short area-quickness stands up in man coverage, but there is a bit of stiffness in the hips and he can leave separation as a slot safety when nimble receivers sell him hard on breaks. He’s also slightly undersized and you can sometimes see it at the point of contact, particularly from down blockers stopping him from helping against the run. Was involved in a road traffic accident after his unlicensed dirt bike with no lights hit two cars. LeCounte missed most of his senior season with a concussion and bruised rib from the incident, yet it will be the poor off-field decision making that may give NFL scouts cause for concern.

SIMON CARROLL: “A savvy safety who has got plenty of games under his belt and seen it all in four years in the SEC, LeCounte leaves Georgia as something of a hero. The phrase ‘ he’s a football player’ is as obvious as it is a compliment to those that know that there are football players and then THERE ARE FOOTBALL PLAYERS, and LeCounte definitely falls into the latter category. Instincts and playmaking skills have made him a star and that will translate to the next level, but deficiencies in size and athleticism will similarly be exposed. His ability to play any safety scheme and coverage will make him an excellent player to have on the sidelines ready to step in wherever and whenever is needed, but I think that’s his ceiling in the NFL.”

NFL COMPARISON: ADRIAN PHILLIPS

PROJECTION: 4TH ROUND PICK

S #10: JAMES WIGGINS, CINCINNATI BEARCATS

Height: 6’0”.   Weight: 205lbs

PRO’S: Explosive linebacker who wraps up burst and strength with a nice bow and delivers it in the form of punishing tackles. Good tackling form, wrapping up well and churning his legs through contact. Exceptionally quick, he can patrol across the back end as a free safety or play downhill towards the line of scrimmage. Incredibly smart pre-snap; seems to know what’s coming his way and prepares accordingly. Displays good positioning in coverage and excellent movement and angles to intersect at the catch point. A true team leader and dedicated to perfecting his craft, Wiggins has experience of playing in every safety role imaginable during his time in Cincinnati. Four interceptions as a sophomore alludes to his playmaking skills.

CON’S: There’s an injury history. Wiggins missed the entirety of his junior year with a torn ACL. He remarkably recovered in six months, but an unfortunate accident saw him tear the meniscus in the same knee. Upon return to the field in 2020, Wiggins looked rusty; tackling form had fallen apart, his short-area quickness didn’t quite pop on screen like it used to, and the splash plays from two years earlier had dried up. Athleticism coming downhill to the football not matched when playing man coverage closer to the line of scrimmage; sharp cuts expose a little stiffness in his hips.

SIMON CARROLL: “Wiggins is an exciting blend of anticipation and instinct married to impressive athleticism and tone-setting physicality. Or at least he was until his ACL tear, and whilst I think 2020 only offered enough opportunity for him to work off the rust of a season without football, it won’t fill teams with confidence that he’s the same player as he was as a sophomore. In 2018 he could do it all; single high covering the back end, slot safety taking away a receiver or tight end, or down in the box showcasing his power and aggression. If he’s lost a step - and only medical teams will be able to tell that - I still think he has a role in the NFL, although it will likely be closer to the line of scrimmage with a heavy focus on fitting the run. He’ll go later than he should, but if he gets back to pre-2019 James Wiggins then someone is getting a hell of a football player on day three.”

NFL COMPARISON: VONN BELL

PROJECTION: 4TH ROUND PICK.

S #11: JAMAR JOHNSON, INDIANA HOOSIERS

Height: 6’1”.   Weight: 197lbs

PRO’S: Ultra-versatile defensive back who balled out in Indiana’s short but exciting 2020 season. Has a true natural feel for the position - lines up anywhere in any coverage and knows what he is doing. Graceful, almost ghost-like across the turf, and is sneaky quick to the point of catch. Love his processing speed and ability to hit top speed the nanosecond he sees it. Shows patience, composure and short area agility to match up in man coverage, hips fluid enough to transition with limited loss of efficiency. Playmaker - came up with huge plays at big moments for the Hoosiers, and had four picks and four pass breakups in just 8 games as a junior. Showcased his ball hawking skills against the best the Big 10 had to offer, picking off Justin Fields twice.

CON’S: Reticent tackler. Not a big hitter by any stretch, and seems to gear down upon impact. Poor pad level causes leverage problems when squaring up with ball carriers in space, and there are too many incidents of being run over on his tape. Slides down bodies when tackling receivers outside of the numbers. Cut tackles too often, throwing his shoulder at the legs of a ball carrier instead of his arms. Quite an emotional player and likes to jaw with opponents, but sometimes can lose sight of the bigger picture. Let his team down with an ejection against Michigan last year for throwing a punch at Ronnie Bell.

SIMON CARROLL: “Jamar Johnson is an ascending draft prospect whose game changing ability will appeal to NFL teams looking for value at the top of day three. He might not have elite athleticism but he has more than enough to allow his superior instincts and anticipation to get him where he needs to be. Play strength and tackling are the main concerns, but I imagine coaches will feel confident they can improve that. Best utilised as a free safety either single high or in cover-2 deep, Johnson’s knack for descending onto the catchpoint and taking things that don’t belong to him will see him become an eventual starter at the next level.

NFL COMPARISON: JAYLINN HAWKINS

PROJECTION: 4TH ROUND PICK

S #12: JOSHUA BLEDSOE, MISSOURI TIGERS

Height: 5’11”.   Weight:201lbs

PRO’S: Workhorse safety with a 100% motor and no comprehension of fear. Ultra-strong; stocky powerful frame with long arms and strong hands make him a real asset against the run, where he can shuck downblocks and get to the ball carrier. Has perfected the tackling art, his strong arms allowing him to bring down running backs outside of his frame, and he’s not afraid to stick his head in or tackle bigger opponents low to win leverage. Has good short-area quickness, and is an asset in man coverage; his hips are fluid enough to be able to mirror slot receivers and transition into pursuit. Stepped up in the biggest of moments with big plays and is well regarded by his teammates. A team leader and not shy to hold himself and his peers accountable.

CON’S: Long speed does not stand up to the test against quicker receivers. Rarely played a free safety role at Missouri, masking a lack of range and lateral quickness to Bledsoe’s repertoire. This is somewhat inhibited by his lack of comfort in space, and there are moments of confusion and blown assignments on tape. Like his man coverage but can sometimes let his eyes linger in the backfield a little too long, and will give his receiver a glimpse of daylight to work with. Despite 43 games at Missouri the stat columns look rather bare, with just 130 tackles, one sack, one pick and two forced fumbles in his Tiger career - even if some of them did come at key moments.

SIMON CARROLL: “Bledsoe brings a rather uniform game to the table; he excels as a slot safety, or hybrid safety/linebacker, where he can fit the run all day long or be utilised against an interior weapon in man coverage. In this role he was dominant for Mizzou, and there’s no reason to think it won’t be the same in the NFL. the problem? Despite it being a role that is currently in vogue on Sundays, it doesn’t give a defense much versatility to work with. His instincts in space are alarming and there are no flashes to suggest this will improve with experience. I think he’s a day three pick with a future as a role player on an NFL defense.”

NFL COMPARISON: TERRELL EDMUNDS

PROJECTION: 5TH ROUND PICK

S #13: TARIQ THOMPSON, SAN DIEGO STATE AZTECS

Height: 6’0”.   Weight: 200lbs

*note: only 2018 tape of San Diego State found.

PRO’S: Smart, cerebral safety who totally understands the nuances and requirements of the position, so much so that his instincts almost let his body take over on the field. Has an innate feel for where he needs to be, and he has a nose for ‘tells’ the offense throws his way - you see him sliding pre-snap to give himself an opportunity to make a play on the football. Reads the QB’s eyes well but doesn’t get caught peeking or bite on misdirection; very disciplined style of football. Good size and a torso that looks like it can take some punishment. Hard hitter when he gets the opportunity, and loves to throw himself into the catch point. Good ball playing production in his four years at SDSU. Team captain and true leader of the defense.

CON’S: Subpar athleticism. Controlling short zones is fairly reasonable although he does gear down to change direction. But man coverage where he is tasked with sitting on the hip of a receiver is problematic; shifty slot corners will lose him on sharp cuts or double moves, and if they take him for a stroll deep downfield his long speed will struggle to hold up. By all accounts his stickiness and transitions improved in 2019 and 2020, but I cannot confirm this due to lack of tape. Thompson has the natural instincts to play single-high safety but not the range/

SIMON CARROLL: “A difficult projection for me as I only have tape that is two years old, but even back then there was a lot to like about Thompson’s game. He might not have the numbers but he’s got good size and a host of traits that usually equate to success at the safety position in the NFL. Teams might take a look at his broad stature and think box safety or hybrid linebacker thumper, but I think that does him a disservice. His ball skills and instincts make him an asset against the pass and I would argue he could play man coverage from the slot or as a two-deep cover safety. A diverse portfolio will make him a coaches dream, and, scouts will bang the table for this kid if he falls to day three.”

PROJECTION: 5TH ROUND PICK

S #14: SHAWN DAVIS, FLORIDA GATORS

Height: 5’11”.   Weight: 199lbs

PRO’S: Wind up and go, heat seeking missile safety who keys on to his target and runs right through it. Ultra aggressive with unparalleled effort levels that wear offenses down. Demonstrates very good athleticism across the board; Explosive click and close speed - once he sees it, he’s gone. Love his ability to turn on a dime in short zones, with little stiffness or gearing down. Has enough long speed to hold his own on deep routes in man, but also good range to cover the back end between the numbers. Dominates against the run - like an extra linebacker, taking on blocks and squeezing gaps, or shooting them and meeting running backs in the hole. Understanding of the game got better as his career went on, and was rewarded with 5 interceptions in his last two years in Gainesville. An excellent Senior Bowl week was capped with a hail mary interception in the game itself. 

CON’S: Still behind the curve when it comes to the mental side of the game. Anticipation is modest; unless he’s seen it before, he’s getting no advantage pre-snap. Play diagnosis is a tick slow, and only his speed and urgency allow him to make up ground other safeties will have already covered. ‘Hell for leather’ approach makes his body control erratic - if he gets shunted to the side of his frame at full speed he’ll hit the turf. Willing to risk it all for the big hit, and sometimes will pay the price for his over-exuberance. Tackling technique needs dedication, and leverage would benefit from a lower pad level on contact.

SIMON CARROLL: “Davis is going to be a favourite of certain teams in this draft class, and I think that makes him go a little earlier than maybe his preconceived draft stock suggests. Teams looking for a true dominator on the back end who has no concern coming down to fit the run or rampaging laterally to meet receivers will fall in love with him. He’s basically a cheaper version of Paris Ford, and if i’m honest I don’t see enough difference in production or upside to use a day two pick on Ford when you can get Davis on day three instead. He’s got some versatility but maybe capped in the room for growth, but if he can rein in the boom or bust factor to his play style he’ll outplay his draft position.”

PROJECTION: 5TH ROUND PICK

S #15: CADEN STERNS, TEXAS LONGHORNS

Height: 6’0”.   Weight: 210lbs

PRO’S: Playmaking deep safety that burst onto the field as a freshman. Excellent ball skills; thrives in a cover role where he is able to use his suddenness and length to get to the catch point and deny the reception. Aggressive brand of football; not afraid to go for the big play, and explodes into tackles with an unnerving ferocity. Excellent build for the position with good play strength. Impressive athleticism; ghosts across the turf, and has plenty of fluidity to operate in short zones. Positional versatility is a bonus - aligned predominantly as a free safety for the Longhorns but also experienced significant saps in the box and as a slot safety. Has the size, speed and tenacity to be a significant contributor to an NFL special teams unit.

CON’S: Never lived up to the hype at Texas. Five star recruit with an excellent freshman year, Sterns never produced the same numbers again in a burnt orange jersey. Prone to errors; moves after the first thing he sees and is susceptible to being manipulated by the quarterback. Engages body before brain, and needs to clean up angles of pursuit. Tackling can be erratic, particularly against the run - he relishes coming downhill and into the box, but his body control and tackling form has been exposed with simple jukes. Plays with good leverage but needs to keep his head up upon contact. Man coverage never seemed as natural as zone. 

SIMON CARROLL: “Caden Sterns seems to be the forgotten man of college football the last two seasons. I’ll put down his declining stats and ball skills as a product of his environment; the playcalling in Texas during the Tom Herman era can be called underwhelming to say the least. From a measurables standpoint, he’s an ideal prospect - just take a look at his pro day numbers and you’ll see what kind of athlete he is. What seems to be missing can probably be repaired with good coaching and an injection in confidence - there are moments on tape where Sterns just doesn’t believe in himself, particularly at the point of contact. We know what he can do when playing as a free safety, so it’s hard to say there’s a ton of upside, but as a late round selection he’s without doubt a value pick who can earn half his keep on special teams.”

PROJECTION: 5TH ROUND PICK

S #16: DARRICK FORREST, CINCINNATI BEARCATS

Height: 6’0”.   Weight: 198lbs

PRO’S: Polished, reliable, versatile safety with a healthy body of work in the secondary of one of the best Group of Five defenses in college football. Demonstrates good on-field intelligence, with good body positioning pre-snap, understanding of offenses and knows where to be and the most efficient way to get there. Has a thick, muscular frame that looks durable and showcases very good core strength in his tackling. All out effort, high character prospect who will give everything to every snap, and plays with a team-first mentality. 2019 was a breakout season, and the final two years in Cincinnati saw his ball production improve immensely.

CON’S: Average length see tackles outside of his body broken. Average athleticism across the board makes him adequate in most roles, but doesn’t particularly excel at any. NFL teams might struggle to identify his best role; his lack of range playing single high cover safety is masked by excellent instincts and anticipation, and his change of direction speed countered by his superior understanding of route concepts and feel for breaks when lined up as a slot man safety.

SIMON CARROLL: “Saying someone has ‘average’ athleticism isn’t an insult, particularly when you blend it with a football IQ as high as Darrick Forrest’s. Yet for the inability to point to many weaknesses in his game, his tape doesn’t blow you away either. If I had to project his best role at the next level it would be that as a nickel and dime slot safety who can come on the field and take away a big interior receiving threat in man coverage. He might not crack a starting job, but he’s an excellent rotational piece to have on the roster who could dominate on special teams at the same time.”

PROJECTION: 5TH ROUND PICK

S #17: CHRISTIAN UPHOFF, ILLINOIS STATE REDBIRDS

Height: 6’2”.   Weight: 209 lbs.

PRO'S: Uphoff’s projected path as a pro could follow a similar pattern to his college career. Prior to a breakout 2019 season, the Redbirds DB took time to develop and incrementally increase his impact on the field. Initially a backup, he stood out as a special teams contributor before impressing in his solo season as a starter. Uphoff offers developmental traits with the potential to eventually become a starter. He helped his cause at the Senior Bowl, also receiving a Combine invite.

The safety prospect has an appealing combination of size and athletic tools that reflect a well-rounded skillset for the position. Arm length is modest at just over 30”, but otherwise features a strong, muscular frame. While still refining his footwork and technique, the burst and range are clearly evident on film. Uphoff has the required movement and agility to handle coverage duties. The playmaking flashes and area of influence he can affect factors into the moldable attributes. 

Uphoff has proven himself as a versatile defender, contributing on all levels. His production versus the pass has included 13 breakups and 3 interceptions the past two seasons. Totalling 70 tackles in 2019, he is capable of closing quickly downhill in run support. Some highlights include crunching physical tackles in meeting ball carriers on the second level. Frequently lining up off the edge and used in blitzes, his burst into the backfield added to his contributions.

CON'S: While Uphoff has the size, strength and speed profile desired, he does not yet apply those abilities consistently. Inefficient footwork includes some wasted motion as he navigates toward the action. A proneness to false step alongside some late or incorrect reads can leave him a step behind. Much of the inconsistencies against the run center around some poor angles taken to the ball carrier. Finally, he has his share of missed opportunities as a tackler due to some careless tackling technique.

Without context, Uphoff’s pro day athletic testing numbers do not read as overly impressive. It is important to keep in mind the conditions, however. Cold and wet weather were significantly detrimental to testing relative to standard Combine settings. Despite that, Uphoff still put together a solid workout that reflected his fundamental athleticism. It would have been useful to have gotten more reflective numbers, but the film suggests good football speed and agility.

REBECCA RENNIE: “The terms inconsistent and raw are applicable to Uphoff. He has positive instincts but needs to sharpen his reads and his overall technique. Footwork and tackling technique stand out in particular as areas to improve. That said, Uphoff offers an appealing blend of physicality, range and frame that contribute to the desirable developmental upside. As with his time at Illinois State, an early special teams and rotational role could be the precursor to an eventual starting position down the road. He likely hears his name called during Day 3 of the draft.”

PROJECTION: 5TH ROUND PICK

S #18: DAMAR HAMLIN, PITTSBURGH PANTHERS

Height: 6’1”.   Weight: 201lbs

PRO’S: Good weight and length for an NFL safety. Respect his ability to use his length to stay off downblocks and pinball off contact & remain in plays. Plays with good aggression and a high level of effort on a snap by snap basis. Shifty - can move well in short areas with loose hips and good change of direction speed. Eyes are always working and help him to process adjustments or changes and allows him to adapt quickly on the fly. Very good range as a free-safety and can play between the numbers with confidence in his ability to get to the ball. Has been played all over the field in Pittsburgh and is familiar with all alignments and coverages. Good production during his four years as a Panther with 275 tackles, 6 interceptions and 21 pass breakups.

CON’S: Jack of all trades, master of none? Hamlin is a reliable, capable safety comfortable with any role you give him, but doesn’t particularly excel at any one spot. Despite the healthy weight, Hamlin is a rather lean, sinewy safety with more upper body power than lower and his play strength - particularly against the run - doesn’t compare to the effort and aggression he supplies. For someone with playmaking skills he has multiple examples of losing track of the football, particularly with his back to the ball. Gets impatient with his eyes in pursuit on deep routes and turns for the football too quickly on occasion. When beaten can get grabby, and flags will fly in the NFL. Some niggling injuries throughout his college career that forced him to miss time in multiple seasons.

SIMON CARROLL: “After putting on a show at the Senior Bowl, Damar Hamlin is a buzz name on NFL Draft Twitter. Those that deign to put on his game tape will find a very accomplished, all-round safety who doesn’t seem out of his depth with any responsibility given to him at Pitt. He’s currently considered a day three pick, and that to me screams value; grabbing a rotational piece for your secondary who is capable of stepping into a number of roles is a valuable tool to have as a defensive coordinator, and when you couple that with his work ethic Hamlin will not let you down. Finding a home that utilises split zone coverage will be ideal for his skillset.”

PROJECTION: 6TH ROUND PICK

S #19: TYREE GILLESPIE, MISSOURI TIGERS

Height: 6’0”.   Weight: 207lbs

PRO’S: Looks and moves like the prototypical NFL safety. Solid, dense torso that looks to withstand some punishment, and with an aggressive playstyle to match. Excellent tackler with good form - particularly when squared up to a ball carrier in space. Short area athleticism is good; has some nice fluidity when flipping his hips from backpedal to transition, and showed efficient change of direction when operating in a single-high alignment. Shows good football smarts an instincts; understands route concepts, was happy with dangers entering and exit his zones, and when it’s time to move he takes good angles to the point of contact, minimising yardage and big plays. Competitive, shining against the better teams and in difficult one-on-one assignments.

CON’S: Something of an enigma - it’s very difficult to determine where his home will be at the next level. Seems comfortable operating as the last man in zone coverage, but doesn’t have the range to get where he needs to be. Demonstrates good understanding of offenses yet seems to get confused as a slot corner with a lot of bodies in a small area. Showcases good power in his hitting but not necessarily able to shed downblocks or maintain one to hold his gap responsibility. Knows where the football is going but very little production to show for it.

SIMON CARROLL: “Tyree Gillespie is a dude you know won’t be hiding when times get tough. I like his effort, intensity and dedication to his role on every snap, and for the most part his eyes are reading the game quick enough for NFL standards. What I don’t like is the lack of a pre-defined role for him at the next level. Sometimes I watch him and think he’s a strong safety, but he gets locked up and I doubt myself. Other times he holds complete control of a backfield but not the long speed or ball production to play single-high. I think his best bet is to be a valuable asset on special teams and be used in very defined man coverage roles against big interior receivers/tight ends who are taking liberties with slot corners - ask Kyle Pitts who gave him the most issues when lining up in-line and he’ll likely mention Gillespie.” 

PROJECTION: 6TH ROUND PICK

S #20: JAMIEN SHERWOOD, AUBURN TIGERS

Height: 6’2”.   Weight, 220lbs

PRO’S: Huge safety with an uncommon frame and strength for the position. Huge length - arms like vines that show good power in maintaining leverage against down blocks and wrapping up ball carriers outside of his frame. Excellent fundamentals; wrap up tackler who doesn’t need to compromise impressive hit power in order to make a safe play. Love his aggression on short zone coverage; meets and greets receivers working the middle as they enter his postcode, and delivers huge blows at the point of catch. Disciplined play style that doesn’t bite on misdirection, and is switched on when it comes to swing passes and screens - anticipation allows him to get outside the tackle box to make the play.

CON’S: Quite naturally doesn’t have the levels of athleticism others possess in this draft class - his play weight prohibits it. Won’t be going far from the line of scrimmage at the next level - range won’t stand up to the average NFL receiver’s speed, let alone a fast one. Acceleration when coming downhill is a tad sluggish, unless he’s able to diagnose the play pre-snap. Long strider in pursuit, and that inhibits his movement in shorter areas - a problem for a box safety. Minimal ball production in his three years at Auburn. Something of a ‘tweener when his size and his skillset are put together, and could be set for a position change.

SIMON CARROLL: “Just because you stand where a safety stands doesn’t make you a safety. For all intents and purposes, Jamien Sherwood is a linebacker at the next level. Not only does his body weight suggest it - his attributes suggest it too. It will be a lot easier for Sherwood to add ten pounds to his frame than it would for him to lose twenty; I think you stick him at SAM and let his length, strength and tackling prowess shine. His athleticism as a linebacker would be more than acceptable, and he’d still be able to showcase his aggression and instincts when dropping into coverage. A position change means a learning curve, and any team taking Sherwood with the intention of moving him to LB will need to consider this. Let him see the field on special teams as he finds his feet.”

PROJECTION: 6TH ROUND PICK

S #21: DIVINE DIABLO, VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES

Height: 6’3”.   Weight: 226lbs

PRO’S: Hefty, physical safety with the play strength to match. Torso like a carved tree trunk with strong arms that can bring down ball carriers outside of his frame. Has no issue lining up across from tight ends or bigger receivers, sometimes given press duties to make full use of his length and strength. Has linebacker qualities fitting the run; able to clog gaps or ride out blocks and shed to the football. Former receiver mentality on display and he can anticipate route combinations and break points well in man coverage. Reads the backfield well and can get a jump start on a play. Remarkable jump in performance and turnover production in 2020, with four interceptions, four pass breakups and a forced fumble in just nine games of a COVID affected senior year.

CON’S: Raw as they come. Came to Blacksburg as a receiver, and essentially took 2017 off redshirting as he made the transition to safety. As a result, instincts are not there yet; he can read what’s in front of him but is yet to routinely process and move instantly. Overly keen to bring aggression to every snap and can be manipulated by clever QB’s with pump fakes and misdirection. Size prohibits his athleticism - smarts shown in man coverage are often let down by his sluggishness in transition and laboured change of direction speed. Still learning the subtle nuances of the new role; positioning, timing and technique all a work in progress.

SIMON CARROLL: “You want some late round upside? Deablo is your man. As someone who showed remarkable improvement from year 2 to year 3 in his new position, there’s the potential for him to continue his development and get better as he enters the league. That’s not something you often find on day three. The downside? He has very clear limitations, and might need a further transition to linebacker to truly find his home on a football field. Patience is notoriously shorter for those drafted later, and Deablo will have to work his socks off and throw himself about on special teams to stick long enough in the league to get better. But in a group of low ceiling prospects he might just offer something that scouts are willing to go to bat for.”

PROJECTION: 6TH ROUND PICK

S #22: AASHARI CROSSWELL, ARIZONA STATE SUN DEVILS

Height: 6’0”.   Weight: 196lbs

PRO’S: Playmaker. Six interceptions, 19 pass breakups and three forced fumbles in two years in Tempe. Shows good anticipation to help his coverage across the field, and plays with heightened instincts for the position. Quick to diagnose the play, identify the threat, and close to the catch point. Lined up in every alignment and coverage combination imaginable at Arizona State, and played well in every situation. Outplays his average size and strength against the run and is willing to take on downblocks if they roll his way. shows good ability to stay clean when guarding short zones and meet the receiver without getting caught up in the wash.

CON’S: Sometimes has too heavy a focus on making the big play and lacks consistency doing the dirty work; tackling form is shoddy and results can be inconsistent. Will sacrifice his responsibilities to make a splash play every opportunity he gets. Some stiffness demonstrated in man coverage and zone is likely his only fit.  Effort levels are up and down, and he can get emotionally undisciplined on the field - trash talking always seems to escalate and opponents can get under his skin and make him a non-factor for the rest of the contest. Suspended for the entirety of the 2020 season for team conduct reasons, believed to be breaches of COVID regulations and a subsequent fight with teammate and fellow defensive back Jack Jones.

SIMON CARROLL: “There is no doubt that Aashari Crosswell represents a high risk, high reward prospect with the ability to win games but throw it all away in a number of different ways. He blatantly has discipline issues, and whilst he wouldn’t be the first college kid to enter the NFL with that tag it will, like many before him, affect his draft stock. For some guys maturity comes late, and for Crosswell you need to see that mental growth on and off the field. But those playmaking skills will lure a team to take the plunge. If Crosswell lands on a roster with a strong locker room that can handle personalities, he could shine in the NFL. Schematically, i’d say a cover 2 deep safety role that maximises his ball skills but limits the range he is compelled to play with would give him the best chance to thrive.”

PROJECTION: 6TH ROUND PICK

S #23: ERIC BURRELL, WISCONSIN BADGERS

Height: 6’0”.   Weight: 185lbs

PRO’S: Ultra-smart safety. Was tasked with diagnosing offenses and disseminating information to his teammates and revelled in the role. Predominantly deployed as a hybrid ‘slot’ safety, whose job would change based on the formation the offense would line up in. Excellent instincts and play recognition helped him get a head start to the football. Intelligence matched with intensity; Burrell wouldn’t only tell teammates what to do, he’d lead by example too. Full-blooded contact on every tackle he makes, and shows intimidating aggression at the catch point. Always seems to be around the football, and if he’s not making the tackle he’s there to scoop up forced fumbles or catch tipped balls. Burrell makes teammates smarter and better just by being on the same field as him.

CON’S: Has adequate athleticism for the most part, but if it wasn’t for his high football IQ he wouldn’t be making half the plays he does. Undersized for box safety duties where his aggression won’t be backed by core strength against downblocks in the run game. Most of his ball production has come off the back of teammate’s big plays, and his main concern at the point of contact seems to be hitting the target rather than taking the ball away. No real tangible growth of his game on a year by year basis, pointing to a potential ‘maxed out’ skillset.

SIMON CARROLL: “Eric Burrell is so underrated he might go undrafted, but his mind is so quick he plays on a different level to most safeties, and he marries that with a toughness that makes him an extremely effective weapon for a defense. Where he disappoints scouts with his lack of lower body power and average athleticism, he’ll please coaches for his mental acumen, reliability and willingness to do anything to get the job done. His bread and butter in the NFL will likely be on special teams, but I can see him being a captain of that unit for a lucky franchise. Watch someone like Bill Belichick pick Burrell up on day three and in ten years time we’ll all be talking about him in the same way we talk about Matthew Slater now.”

PROJECTION: 7TH ROUND PICK

S #24: JACOBY STEVENS, LSU TIGERS

Height: 6’1”.   Weight: 216lbs

PRO’S: A big dude. Stevens is a ball of power prowling the secondary, with a nose to come down into the box and mark his territory. Thumping tackler; when the ball carrier is lined up he shows good knee bend and coil and can explode into contact. Has comfort embracing blockers and likes to operate in close quarters where his size and strength can be maximised. Having said that, displays good knowledge of all safety roles after being aligned almost everywhere during his time at LSU. His physical style and apparent durability will help him be a factor on special teams at the next level.

CON’S: Predictably limited at his size and weight. Lack of fluidity jumps off the screen; transition is sluggish and man coverage is not going to be his forte at the next level. Turning circle of a HGV truck makes covering short zones a problem, and his disappointing range will preclude him from duties as a single-high safety. Alarming inconsistency in play effort; will sometimes look disinterested and lt his teammates do the heavy lifting. Only had one year of strong production in Baton Rouge, on an extremely talented team that won the National Championship.

SIMON CARROLL: “Stevens’ collegiate career has been something of a disappointment considering his lauded five star status coming out of high school, but he does possess some intriguing assets to his game that will translate to the next level. A slimmed down version of Stevens at the Senior Bowl produced mixed results - he looked a little lighter on his feet but the inconsistent physicality was also on display, and maybe NFL teams will want him back up to 230lbs to hold the hybrid linebacker role that is being more incorporated into pro defenses. Despite arriving at LSU as a receiver he has little in the way of playmaking skills, he’s essentially a box defender at this point. His portfolio is somewhat one-dimensional, and with other options out there it’s a coin toss as to where he ends up coming off the board on day three.”

PROJECTION: 7TH ROUND PICK

S #25: BRADY BREEZE, OREGON DUCKS

Height: 6’1”.   Weight: 200lbs

PRO’S: Always active. Hares around the football field like a man possessed, desperate to get in on the action. Excellent instincts; knows where the ball is going, aware of dangers, and can sniff out misdirection. Impressive click and lose speed; from balls of his feet to instant pursuit with a flick of the switch. Loves to attack downfield in the run game, relishes taking on downblockers, and shows good core strength and pad level at the point of contact. Attacks the point of catch with unbridled aggression and is determined to impose himself on every contest. Some impressive ballplaying skills demonstrated in his one year as a starter, and had some gamechanging plays in 2019, including one interception and two fumbles returned for touchdowns.

CON’S: Inexperienced with just thirteen games as a starter before opting out of the 2020 season. Certain athletic limitations; man coverage hindered by stiff hips, reflected in transition and separation through cuts and at the top of the route. Long speed deficiency means playing in man versus go routes - inside or outside - will leave him struggling in pursuit. Range to play as a single high free safety is only just acceptable thanks to his elite instincts and diagnosis of what is going to happen in front of him. Better in tighter areas where he can touch an opponent, but tackling form goes out the window when he decides to put a little extra mustard on the hit.

SIMON CARROLL: “Breeze flashes some traits that aren’t easily coachable in the NFL, but there are big areas of concern that have alarm bells ringing for me. His movement and speed are capped at just below average, making him a tricky sell in anything other than an interior box safety who can dominate run duties and just about hold up on shallow zones across the middle. He’s had one good season in Eugene, and little else to put on his resume, making him a risk. But those highlight reel, game-changing plays along with a tenacity that will shine on special teams should at least see him come off the board before draft weekend is done.”

PROJECTION: 7TH ROUND PICK

S #26: SHEMAR JEAN-CHARLES, APPALACHIAN STATE MOUNTAINEERS

Height: 5’11”.   Weight: 180lbs

PRO’S: Jacked defensive back who played the majority of his snaps as a cornerback for App State, but also had a healthy number of reps as a slot corner/safety too. Revels in man coverage where he can sit on the hip of an opponent and blow up the reception when the ball arrives. Upper body strength is impressive and he imposes himself positionally at the point of catch and refuses to be bullied off the route line by the receiver. Route recognition and understanding of combinations has improved throughout his college career and he knows where the markers are on any given play and adjusts his technique and decision making accordingly. Brings good aggression to contact both against the pass and run, and demonstrates good burst on his click and close to the football.

CON’S: Undersized for outside cornerback duties, and a life on the inside awaits him if he is to have a shot at an NFL career. Most comfortable role is as a man slot corner - it feels intuitive but he has some physical deficiencies which restrict his success. Poor length can see him tied up on downblocks or losing in press at the line of scrimmage, and I think a permanent move to safety is needed to mitigate this. Some hip stiffness gives cause for concern about his ability to play tight, further encouraging the migration upfield. Good aggression but very little paid to technique when tackling, and there are too many whiffs and big plays given up on tape. Significant college career yielded little in the way of big plays, with just two picks and one forced fumble during his time in Boone.

SIMON CARROLL: “Most people would call Jean-Charles a slot corner, but I think his true calling is more of a slot safety role with half depth responsibility. He just doesn’t have the athleticism to own a third of a field in man coverage against the quicker slot receivers, and Tight Ends are going to swat him aside near the line of scrimmage. It’s a delicate balancing act carving out a role for him, and i’m not sure his talent level warrants a team doing it for him.  I think he can play something of a robber role with deep middle zone responsibilities, but for someone at the bottom of a depth chart a bespoke position is not a luxury he’ll be afforded.”

PROJECTION: UDFA

Mock Draft

SIMON CARROLL

HEAD OF CFB/NFL DRAFT CONTENT

PREVIOUSLY THE FOUNDER OF NFL DRAFT UK, SIMON HAS BEEN SCOUTING DRAFT PROSPECTS FOR MORE THAN A DECADE.  HE FULLY MIGRATED TO THE TOUCHDOWN AS HEAD OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND NFL DRAFT CONTENT IN JULY 2019. ALL THE RANKINGS ABOVE ARE HIS OWN, AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE OPINIONS OF ALL THE WRITERS AT THE TOUCHDOWN. FOR DISCUSSION OF ANY OF THE DRAFT PROSPECTS ABOVE, HIT HIM UP ON TWITTER @NFLDRAFTSI.

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