6’0” – 204 lbs. – 4.60
Played wide receiver in high school. Was a three-game starter who rotated into the defense as a freshman, then started eight games the following season before sustaining a season-ending concussion. Spent the past two years as a full-time starter. Has pro bloodlines; brother Cedric was a fifth-round draft pick in 2015. Has a tall, long frame with what looks like a very thin build on tape, although his Combine measurements were commensurate with pro requirements; will probably be asked to add bulk and functional strength at the next level. Slightly aggressive safety who typically lines up well off the line as more of a traditional center-fielder or high-zone free safety. Fluid and plays fast on tape. Seems to have a pretty good feel for anticipating routes, driving on a spot, and undercutting passes to break them up or intercept them. Able to run a receiver’s routes for them at times. Has excellent ball skills, having intercepted seven passes and sixteen passes defensed this past season. Uses his length to his advantage when in-phase. More often in zone than man but has the physical tools to potentially cover receivers out of the slot; was capable of carrying slot receivers down the seams in the games reviewed. Has the range to patrol deep but can sometimes be baited into hesitating off of play action or being pulled down by high-low route combinations in an attempt to jump underneath throws. Had a poor combine which may have cast some doubt about his range and man-coverage skills. Willing to come up and support the run and will take some snaps close to the line of scrimmage, but doesn’t really have the strength or anchor to be a major factory in that capacity; takes circuitous routes to the ball and, while he uses wrap tackling technique and is a willing hitter, doesn’t have the bulk or power to serve as an enforcer or tone-setter defensively. Will fall off of some one-on-one attempts, or drag down others only after allowing a generous amount of yards after contact. Takes on blockers but can be washed past the spot because of his lack of strength. A relatively pro-ready free safety with an impressive combination of length, athleticism, anticipation, and ball skills, but who probably won’t be able to contribute much as a run defender and whose athletic testing may have hurt his stock. Nonetheless, has starting traits, which should cause him to come off the board in the third or fourth round.
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