2022 NFL DRAFT PROSPECT REPORT
- Name: Sterling Weatherford
- Position: Safety
- School: Miami (OH)
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 225lbs
Film Watched: Minnesota 2021, Central Michigan 2021, Buffalo 2019
Pro's:
- BIG. Looks like a defensive end masquerading in the secondary
- Huge hitter. Takes all that size and play strength and plays right through ball carriers
- Loves to come downhill and shut down running backs breaking through the line of scrimmage
- Impressive straight line speed – will close on plays or hunt them down very quickly
- Never stops working – buzzes round the field trying to get involved in every play
- Good length to affect the catch point, and also stay off downblocks against the run
- Experienced leader of the RedHawk defense, with 39 games under his belt
- Productive. More than 200 tackles in his collegiate career
Sterling Weatherford is a SS prospect in the 2022 draft class. He scored a 8.78 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 96 out of 776 SS from 1987 to 2022. https://t.co/Hrt0YLJPGP #RAS via @Mathbomb pic.twitter.com/7ykBhj1zw3
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 12, 2022
Con's:
- High cut, big frame reduces his short-area movement – sluggish change of direction
- Lateral range is limited. Single high safety role is not in his wheelhouse
- Clunky backpedal, and doesn’t have the fluid hips to flip and chase in man coverage
- A little inconsiderate of angles when attacking the catch point
- Doesn’t show the burst to fire from his landmark and converge on the football
The Verdict:
“A real thumper of a safety, Sterling Weatherford enters the NFL with all the power and ferocity you hope for. Weatherford loves nothing more than watching the game play out in front of him and come hairing downhill to stop the offense in its tracks, but is maybe a little light on the agility required to get everywhere on the field to make those plays consistently. Whilst enjoying a varied role for Miami (OH), Weatherford is probably best utilised as a pseudo-linebacker at the next level, prowling behind the front seven and triggering to the football. He has the length to jump routes and disturb the short passing game, but is ill-suited to patrol the deep thirds of the field. Weatherford has a ceiling that might be a little lower than scouts hope for, but likely makes up for it by being a special teams contributor.”
Simon Carroll
Head Of NFL Draft Content
NFL COMPARISON: MORGAN BURNETT
PREDICTION: 6TH ROUND PICK
5/5