2022 NFL DRAFT PROSPECT REPORT
- Name: Dane Belton
- Position: Safety
- School: Iowa
- Height: 6'1"
- Weight: 205lbs
Film Watched: Iowa State 2021, Maryland 2021, Indiana 2021
Pro's:
- Squat, robust safety with a filled out frame that looks to have the durability required in the NFL
- Plays tough and physical; doesn’t blink when throwing himself into contact
- Possesses the lower body strength to compete against blocks and be a factor in the run game
- Plays with the eagerness downhill demeanour to be a box safety – impressive straight line speed
- Comfortable playing shallow zone coverage, combating short and intermediate routes
- Makes himself known at the catch point, and was a real disruptor his final year in Iowa
- Playmaker – five interceptions in 2021 as he finally found the right role for his skillset
- Looks to have the ideal mental and physical makeup for a big role on special teams
Dane Belton is a SS prospect in the 2022 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.07 RAS at the Combine out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 72 out of 765 SS from 1987 to 2022. https://t.co/ioGgs0D5Wi #RAS via @Mathbomb pic.twitter.com/WBfc88PMEr
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 7, 2022
Con's:
- Slightly undersized, although it doesn’t impede his game
- Limited range; buzzes around short areas, but doesn’t possess elite sideline to sideline agility
- Effectiveness diminishes in deeper zones compared to his proficiency in shallow ones
- Takes inefficient angles across bigger distances to the catch point
- Some stiffness when mirroring big slots or tight ends in man coverage
The Verdict:
“Dane Belton heads to the NFL as something of a niche safety; he has the frame and power in his tackling to live life near the line of scrimmage, but his best moments on tape came in his final year as a Hawkeye, where his proficiency in shallow zone coverage as something of a nickel safety really stood out. Belton doesn’t necessarily have a three down NFL skillset, but he is perfectly suited to operate in that hybrid linebacker/safety role that has become rather vogue at the next level. Belton limitations show up the more he has to move in any other fashion than linear, and keeping him close to the action is playing him to his strengths. If he can become a key special teamer, Belton will be a respected rotational roster piece and carve out a healthy pro career.”
Simon Carroll
Head Of NFL Draft Content
NFL COMPARISON: CLAYTON GEATHERS
PREDICTION: 5TH ROUND PICK
Rated 5 out of 5