Safety

S

Position Analysis: JOHN DINSE

01 TREVON MOEHRIG, TCU

02 JEVON HOLLAND, Oregon

03 RICHIE GRANT, Central Florida

04 HAMSAH NASIRILDEEN, Florida State

05 TALANOA HUFANGA, USC

06 ANDRE CISCO JR, Syracuse

07 AR’DARIUS WASHINGTON, TCU

08 JAMES WIGGINS, Cincinnati

09 CADEN STERNS, Texas

10 DAMAR HAMLIN, Pitt

11 TARIQ THOMPSON, San Diego State

12 PARIS FORD, Pitt

13 CHRISTIAN UPHOFF, Illinois State

14 RICHARD LECOUNTE III, Georgia

15 JOSHUAH BLEDSOE, Missouri

16 BRADY BREEZE, Oregon

17 REED BLANKENSHIP, Middle Tennessee

18 TYREE GILLESPIE, Missouri

19 JACOBY STEVENS, LSU

20 JAMIEN SHERWOOD, Auburn

1

Height: 6’1” Weight: 202 lbs.

PRO DAY:

Bench: 33 reps 40-yard: 4.50 20 yd: 4.19

2020 STATS: (10 GAMES)

47 tackles 2 TFL 2 INT 11 PD

IN A NUTSHELL:

Moehrig stands out on the film not only for his prototypical size (6’2”, 202 lbs), speed, and overall athleticism but also his versatility within the TCU defensive scheme. His ability to be “interchangeable” for head coach Gary Patterson is a key characteristic that will translate well to the NFL as teams disguise and play more multiple coverages than Moehrig did in college. The junior is quick to diagnose run or pass and is explosive once he reacts.

vs. Run: Moehrig is physical at the point of attack, especially when defending on the perimeter. He uses his hands well to create space and get off blocks and is a consistent tackler. Overall, he is solid technically and fits well in the run game. The former Horned Frog is better in space than inserting into the box in the run game, where he can get lost at times and overwhelmed at the line of scrimmage.

vs. Pass: In the passing game, Moehrig’s positional and scheme versatility are on full display. While he can play in a single high position, he excels in split-field zone coverage as a high safety or overhang reading route concepts. Moehrig has elite ball skills at the catch point, with a career production of 28 passes defended and seven interceptions in 34 career games at TCU. His range and explosiveness stand out on film, where he is rarely out of position to make a play. Most of his man coverage reps come from the overhang position, and he can hold his own versus slot receivers. Moehrig excels with his eyes on the quarterback and has elite eye discipline; a heavy zone scheme would best maximize these skills.

BACKGROUND:

The Spring Branch, Texas, native arrived at TCU as a four-star recruit by 247Sports.com. The 19th-ranked cornerback picked the Horned Frogs over Baylor, Oklahoma State, Stanford, and Texas A&M. As a freshman, Moehrig transitioned to safety and saw the field immediately, playing in 12 games, starting in two. After his freshman season, Moehrig was voted by his teammates as TCU’s special teams Most Valuable Player. Moehrig ended his sophomore season as the highest-rated safety in his class by Pro Football Focus. He is the 2020 winner of the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back and was named to seven All-America teams as a junior in 2020. As a sophomore and junior, Moehrig was selected firstteam All-Big 12 by the conferences’ head coaches and Associated Press.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

On the surface, safety would not appear to be a significant position of need for Green Bay, which enters the draft with the starting tandem of Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage. However, positional depth is limited as key reserves Will Redmond and Raven Greene are free agents this offseason and appear unlikely to return in 2021. Even with an earlyround grade and the positional need being low, Moehrig is a player who can’t be overlooked on the Packers’ draft board. His athletic traits, positional skill set, and scheme versatility would make it hard to keep him off the field, even as a rookie. He could contribute early in his career in sub-packages as either a high safety or nickel defender and potentially replace Amos in the future.

2

Height: 6’0” Weight: 207 lbs.

PRO DAY:

Vertical: 35.5” Broad: 126” Bench: 19 reps 40-yard: 4.46 20 yd: 4.14

2019 STATS: (14 GAMES)

(2020 OPTED OUT) 55 tackles 4.5 TFL 4 PD

IN A NUTSHELL:

Holland is one of the most unique prospect evaluations not only in the safety group but in the entire draft, as he only has freshman and sophomore tape to evaluate after opting out of his junior season in 2020. The unique nature of the situation adds excitement and uncertainty to the evaluation, as Holland played in 27 games in two years—only seven less than Moehrig in three seasons—but the tape is from early in his career, and we didn’t get to see the trajectory continue in 2020. However, what Holland shows on tape as a freshman and sophomore is eye-opening, and teams will dream about his potential.

vs. Run: Holland is a willing defender in the run game regardless of alignment and has a natural feel for finding the ball as a tackler. The former Duck played primarily as a high safety as a freshman and as a slot defender as a sophomore, so schematically he has been put in a variety of positions to defend the run. Holland wins with his instincts and quick recognition of run or pass. He can play with physicality but gets overwhelmed and outmuscled too much.

vs. Pass: The early entry is a dynamic player who can cover in both man and zone. His talent stands out with the fluid nature of his movements. His lack of experience and the fact that he played basically two different roles in two years make him a natural candidate for mixed evaluations on his role at the next level. Holland has good ball skills and is best when he can see routes in front of him in space.

BACKGROUND:

Born in Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada, Holland finished his career at Oregon with a career production of 19 passes defended and nine interceptions in 27 career games. He was the first Duck to lead the team in interceptions back-to-back seasons since Jairus Byrd (2006 and 2007). As a sophomore, Holland was a Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist and was firstteam Pro Football Focus All-Pac-12 and second-team AP Pac-12. Prior to arriving on campus at Oregon, he was a standout wide receiver and safety at Bishop O’Dowd in Oakland, California. He was rated as a four-star prospect by ESPN, Rivals, and 247Sports and as the No. 2 athlete in California by ESPN. Holland chose Oregon over Arizona, Boise State, California, Colorado, Illinois, Louisville, Nebraska, Nevada, Notre Dame, Oregon State, Syracuse, UCLA, Utah, Utah State, Washington, and Washington State.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Holland’s talent makes him a player who could force the scout that evaluated him to pound the table for general manager Brian Gutenkunst to draft him on Day 2. While his evaluation is complicated, his talent is undeniable. With the starting safety tandem of Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage already in place, the former Oregon standout would add to the skill diversity the Packers want to have on defense and overall talent on the field. He would be an immediate candidate for the “Star” role that defensive coordinator Joe Barry will employ as part of his nickel package. Holland would also immediately add a legitimate punt and kick returner candidate for the team that drafts him, which was a glaring weakness for the Packers in 2020.

3

Height: 5’11” Weight: 197 lbs

PRO DAY:

Vertical: 35” Broad: 129” Bench: 12 reps 40-yard: 4.49 20 yd: 4.27 3-cone: 6.78

2020 STATS: (9 GAMES)

72 tackles 3.5 TFL 1 sack 3 INT 5 PD 2 FF

IN A NUTSHELL:

UCF safety Richie Grant enters this year’s draft as an ascending prospect following a solid collegiate career and a standout performance during his week at the Senior Bowl. The redshirt senior started 33 of the 48 games he played in for the Golden Knights and brings extensive experience to whomever drafts him. His ability to play all over the field, coupled with his strong performance in man coverage during the Senior Bowl week, will have scouts enamored of the potential options he would give a defensive coordinator.

vs. Run: Grant is a contributor in the run game, whether from space as a high safety or in the box as an overhang. The UCF product is technique sound and fits well in the run scheme, whether to the play or away from it. He excels playing in the box, and he is natural at sifting through blockers to find the ball. Grant is a solid tackler in the open field and uses his hands well to get off blocks on the perimeter. He plays with good effort overall and always pursues the ball.

vs. Pass: In the passing game, Grant shines at the line of scrimmage. A natural read-and-react player, he attacks routes in front of him and can be disruptive in man or zone as a slot defender. Grant can play in space as a true free safety in Cover 1 or in a split zone coverage. As a high safety, Grant sees route concepts well in zone coverage. When playing in space, Grant tends to let routes get on him and gets his cushion broken, and he is also susceptible to double moves.

BEST GAME:

Grant has been a fixture for the Golden Knights as a defensive contributor since he arrived on campus as a freshman. However, he arrived on the national scene for scouts throughout the NFL as a senior in 2020. Grant finished his senior season by leading the conference in solo tackles per game, with 5.4. During his senior season, Grant delivered a standout performance against the No. 7-ranked Cincinnati Bearcats. Grant was all over the field against the highpowered Bearcats offense led by future NFL prospect quarterback Desmond Ridder, totaling 16 tackles (10 solo) and two passes defensed. While UCF did not prevail, losing to Cincinnati 36–33, Grant stood out on a field that was filled with future NFL talent.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Grant is another safety within this year’s draft class who benefits in his projection because of his positional versatility on tape. Whether in the box, removed as an overhang, or playing a high safety, this Central Florida standout will provide Joe Barry with options if Grant earns his way onto the field in 2021. From what we know about what the Packers want to be on defense, Grant checks all the boxes because he is a consistent tackler, has positional versatility, and can play man or zone. His experience should lend itself well to his transition to the NFL and allow him to compete early in his career for playing time in the Packers’ subpackages, where clearly there are opportunities.

4 5

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’3” | Weight: 215 lbs. PRO DAY: Vertical: 32”, Bench: 17 reps, 40 yd: DNP (injury), 20 yd: 4.27, 3-cone: 7.05 2020 STATS: (2 Games) 13 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 1 INT MEASURABLES: Height: 6’0” | Weight: 199 lbs. PRO DAY: Vertical: 35.5”, Broad: 128, Bench: 12 reps, 40-yard: 4.64, 20 yd: 4.39, 3-cone: 6.96 2020 STATS: (6 Games) 62 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 3 sack, 4 INT, 5 PD, 2 FF

IN A NUTSHELL:

The four-star recruit started 17 games for the Seminoles over four years and missed all but the last two games of 2020 with an injury.

vs. Run: Nasirildeen’s measurable traits and physical gifts stand out on tape; he possesses a rare blend of size, speed, and overall athleticism. The former Florida State standout has a good feel for the game, and when he reads the concept run or pass, he is decisive. The senior covers a lot of ground and is an excellent tackler in space. Nasirildeen has a long and lean frame but is physical at the point of attack and can deliver a blow.

vs. Pass: Nasirildeen is fluid in his movements in pass coverage, whether in space or at the line of scrimmage. He can flip his hips and open up and run with wide receivers in space or in the slot. He is disciplined in coverage, but he waits to see things first instead of trusting his reads. Nasirildeen tore his ACL in 2019 and was limited to two games in 2020. If healthy, Nasirildeen’s best football is ahead of him; the potential exists for the team that drafts him to untap his gifts.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

If the Packers draft Nasirildeen, the benefit to both sides is that he doesn’t need to start from day one and can develop. While Nasirildeen does possess elite skills, his lack of game play in 2020 because of his injury slowed the upward trajectory of his development. With Darnell Savage ascending, Nasrildeen could enter the picture defensively as a subpackage safety and allow Joe Barry to move Savage to the “Star” position in nickel personnel. The combination of Savage, Amos, and Nasirildeen would take the Packers safety core to elite status.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Hufanga saw playing time as a true freshman and then became a two-year starter at strong safety for the Trojans.

vs. Run: Hufanga is a physical and talented athlete that plays with an edge in the run game. The diversity in how he was used as a box defender, removed as an overhang, and at the line of scrimmage put him in different positions to make plays, and he excelled in multiple areas in 2020. He uses his hands well and delivers a punch to get separation so he can get off blocks. He possesses the ability and size to hold up in the box as a hybrid linebacker.

vs. Pass: The evaluation of Hufanga in the pass game is a little more complicated because of the different positions he lined up at in the Trojans defense. Athletically, he checks the boxes but needs repetition to become more comfortable as a deep safety in the NFL. Hufanga’s strength is running with backs and tight ends, allowing a defensive coordinator to control the seam or flats with him schematically. He possesses the required mental makeup and athleticism to learn on the job as a rookie.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Hufanga is an interesting prospect at the safety position because of the diversity in which the Trojans used him in college and how that would translate positively to the Packers schemes. Hufanga lined up all over the field in 2020, including as an edge rusher in pressure packages, and he often was used in that role to pressure the offense in man or twist packages. The junior has the football IQ to play in multiple roles and would easily find his way on the field as a rookie in subpackages with the Packers defense.

6 7

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’0” | Weight: 216 lbs. PRO DAY: Bench: 17 reps, DNP (Injury Rehab) 2020 STATS: (2 Games) 11 tackles, 0.5 TFL

IN A NUTSHELL:

Cisco was a three-year starter for the Orange but suffered a season-ending injury after the second game of the 2020 season.

vs. Run: Cisco stands out within this class for his ability to force turnovers throughout his career with the Orange. As a run defender, he is fast and decisive when he finds the ball. Cisco needs to be more consistent in his pursuit angles so that he can arrive with better technique and miss fewer tackles. He can be physical when he wants to be but often tries to deliver a blow rather than secure a tackle. Cisco wins in the run game with his speed and instincts more than with technique at this point in his career.

vs. Pass: A true ballhawk, Cisco had 13 interceptions and 14 pass breakups in just 24 games. The junior not only finds the ball, he possesses ideal size and athleticism to translate to the NFL. While Cisco has desirable traits, his evaluation is complicated. His ability to make big plays is an obvious positive; however, he takes too many chances and gives up big plays as a result. He will have to improve his discipline and route recognition to find playing time.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Cisco is the type of player the Packers generally covet because of his positional versatility and his elite ball skills. If he can become more consistent, the Syracuse standout has a chance to not only provide impact as a subpackage player early in his career but become a starter. Cisco would become an immediate candidate as a rookie for the “Star” role within the Packers defense with the opportunity for more playing time with development. Cisco was hurt in pregame warmups and missed the remainder of the 2020 season with a lower body injury, limiting his season to two games.

MEASURABLES: Height: 5’8” | Weight: 176 lbs. PRO DAY: Vertical: 37.5”, Broad: 127”, Bench: 17 reps, 40-yard: 4.62, 20 yd: 4.10, 3-cone: 7.06 2020 STATS: (10 Games) 37 tackles, 1 TFL, 5 PD

IN A NUTSHELL:

After a redshirt season, Washington earned the starting job in-season as a freshman and started a total of 15 games for the Horned Frogs.

vs. Run: Washington stands out as a prospect immediately because of his size. The redshirt sophomore is listed at 5’8” and 178 lbs and has no real pro comparisons based on his body type. However, regardless of his measurables in the run game, Washington is a factor offenses can’t ignore. He has great instincts, is quick to react, and arrives with a physical presence. Washington does not stand down and plays with a tenacity. The obvious concern in the future is that Washington will have a hard time holding up physically given his size.

vs. Pass: Washington moves at an elite level in and out of his breaks while in pass coverage. He can change direction and handle man coverage in the slot or in space, and he possesses the technique to handle double moves as a high safety. Though he has man-to-man ability, his elite instincts are best on display route reading in space as a deep safety. The former Horned Frog lacks ball production in his career and, given his measurables, can be overmatched on coverage.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Washington is skilled in every phase of the game and would add to the makeup of the defensive back group. Washington stands out for his competitiveness and intangibles as a leader for the Horned Frogs. His ideal role is as a subpackage safety, where his solid open-field tackling and intelligence can allow the defensive coordinator freedom to attack the offense in front of him. If he can find playing time as a rookie for the Packers, he would give Joe Barry flexibility with his starters.

8 9

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’0” | Weight: 205 lbs. | 40 Time:: PRO DAY: N/A

2020 STATS: (9 Games) 32 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 1 INT, 7 PD, 1 FF MEASURABLES: Height: 6’0” | Weight: 202 lbs. PRO DAY: Vertical: 42”, Broad: 128”, Bench: 14 reps, 40-yard: 4.41, 20 yd: 4.13 2020 STATS: (7 Games) 52 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 0 sack, 1 INT, 4 PD, 0 FF

IN A NUTSHELL:

After redshirting, Wiggins became a starter his sophomore season, missed all of his junior year with an injury, and returned to action in 2020.

vs. Run: Wiggins is a physical specimen who jumps off the screen for his combination of size and speed. The former Bearcat primarily plays in a traditional deep safety role both in split zone coverages and as a single high safety. As an open-field tackler, he brings physicality to the middle of the field. Wiggins is a decent tackler but could learn to use his hands better to separate and shed in space. He wins primarily with physicality and instincts as opposed to his technique, which will need to improve at the next level.

vs. Pass: Wiggins is a solid prospect overall as a developmental player. In the pass game, he is more than adequate in coverage but can get his cushion broken, and he can get beat over the top. Wiggins will have to be more fluid in and out of his breaks in space. He is adroit in route recognition and decisive when he sees the ball. He possesses the ability to play in the box or as an overhang and cover man-to-man, although he was not often asked to do so at Cincinnati.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Wiggins is an interesting case study in past production versus future projection as a result of an injury-plagued career following his 2018 season. The redshirt senior tore his ACL in practice two days prior to the 2019 season opener and, as a result, missed the entire season for the Bearcats. After an offseason setback to his recovery, Wiggins returned in 2020 and helped lead the Bearcats to a 9–1 season. He is a prospect the Packers can dream about as a future starter because of his elite athleticism and full recovery from injury.

IN A NUTSHELL:

An All-American high school player, Sterns was an immediate starter for the Longhorns, logging 28 career starts and earning team captain honors as a junior.

vs. Run: Sterns is an experienced defender who is light at the point of contact but is adequate if he is a secondary run defender. He has limited experience outside of playing deep safety. As a result, Sterns is mostly a read-and-react player in the run game. He will need to be more physical at the point of attack and use his hands better at the next level. Sterns is a good open-field tackler who primarily plays from depth.

vs. Pass: Sterns showed the ability to play both man and zone in the Longhorns’ pro-style defense. Sterns excels as a high safety and has above-average route recognition skills, and he is good with the ball in the air. While the former Longhorn standout has some deficiencies, if used in a split safety defense, Sterns could develop into a starter in the future because of his athleticism and intelligence.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Sterns would fill the Will Redmond role within the Packers’ depth chart from day one in camp. He is a more than adequate backup with the ability to grow into more future playing time with development. With the growing trend of more defensive backs on the field defensively, teams can never have enough quality depth, and Sterns fits that bill. He has some explosive traits and could be a steal on Day 3 of the draft.

10 11

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’1” | Weight: 200 lbs. PRO DAY: Vertical: 35”, Broad: 118”, Bench: 18 reps, 40-yard: 4.59, 20 yde: 4.40, 3-cone: 6.93 2020 STATS: (10 Games) 67 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 2 INT, 9 PD MEASURABLES: Height: 5’11” | Weight: 204 lbs. PRO DAY: Vertical: 31”, Broad: 113, 20 yd: 4.73, 3-cone 7.75, Bench: 15 reps 2020 STATS: (8 Games) 41 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 1 INT, 4 PD, 1 FF

IN A NUTSHELL:

The top-rated Pennsylvania high school defensive prospect redshirted one year, and he eventually became a three-year starter for the Panthers.

vs. Run: Hamlin is a good tackler, especially in the open field. While he has played a variety of roles for the Panthers during his career, he stands out in the run game as a slot defender. Hamlin diagnoses plays well, and, whether at the point of attack, forcing the ball back inside, or pursuing away from the play, he is solid overall. He can play in the box but is often overwhelmed and outmatched at the point of attack. The senior uses his hands well but often wins with his instincts and reaction time more than technique and physicality.

vs. Pass: Hamlin is a smart player and just a solid player overall on tape. In the pass game, he can play in the box, from space, and defend the slot in man coverage, and he really doesn’t have any glaring weaknesses. However, Hamlin’s consistency on tape is also part of the negatives in his evaluation, as sometimes he doesn’t stand out in any one area on the field. Still, the former Panther standout has the required athleticism and positional traits to make it at the next level.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Hamlin paired with Paris Ford to form one of the best safety tandems in college football in 2020. The redshirt senior was a four-year starter for the Panthers, and he also played in a variety of roles in the secondary throughout his career. Hamlin projects as a backup safety in the future, but his background playing different positions will make him attractive to Green Bay. He could join the safety room immediately and replace free agents Raven Green and Will Redmond on the roster.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Thompson was a three-star recruit who started all four years for the Aztecs, with his best season by far coming in his freshman season.

vs. Run: Thompson is consistent as an open-field tackler. He doesn’t stand out in any specific way within the run game but is generally around the ball. The former Aztec does a good job in space triggering once he reads a run. He can disengage blocks and is physical at the point of attack. He is more of an edge player defensively, factoring into the screen game and outside runs best, but he is more than adequate overall.

vs. Pass: Thompson adds to the growing list of players in this class who have positional versatility. The senior can play slot corner in both man and zone coverage as well as in space as a high safety. Thompson could be an immediate contributor in subpackages early in his career, and his diversity of skills could allow him to develop into a starter in the future. He is more than adequate in his change of direction and can cover man-to-man in the slot. Thompson has a chance with repetition to be a good deep safety given his overall athleticism and coverage ability.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Joe Barry’s introductory press conference featured the now buzzword of “Star” defender within his scheme. This nickel defender, according to Barry, will be on the field 80 percent of the time based on what NFL offenses are doing schematically. A player like Thompson, with his man coverage ability and experience in the slot on top of his versatility to play high safety, makes him a logical target for Green Bay in the “Star” role. Overall, he projects best as a backup safety with the potential to grow into a starter.

12

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’2” | Weight: 209 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Uphoff is a small school standout who jumped onto the draft scene after a great 2019 campaign, helping lead the Redbirds to a deep playoff run. He recorded 50 tackles (5.5 for loss), two interceptions, and seven pass breakups in 15 games in 2019. Uphoff has ideal size for the position, and, while his transition to the NFL will take time, he possesses enough athleticism and coverage ability to be a factor in the future for the team that picks him. He is the type of developmental prospect that you want to see on the board on Day 3.

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’1” | Weight: 197 lbs. PRO DAY: Vertical: 28.5”, Broad: 110”, 40-yard: 4.85, 20 yd: 4.45, 3-cone: 7.44 2020 STATS: (7 Games) 45 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 3 INT, 3 PD

IN A NUTSHELL:

A high school All-State selection as both a wide receiver and a defensive back, Ford was a two-year starter for the Panthers.

vs. Run: Ford is an inconsistent tackler who frequently tries to make a big hit versus securing the tackle. While he is inconsistent, he is a willing tackler and wants to be a physical presence in the run game. He will need to improve with his technique and pursuit angles to the ball carrier to gain playing time in the future. The former Panther is always around the ball and reads and reacts with urgency. The redshirt junior has a thin frame for the position, raising concerns about whether he can hold up long-term based on his style of play.

vs. Pass: Ford aligns defensively all over the field, but he is better near the line of scrimmage in passing situations. As a high safety in zone coverage, Ford has average hips and routes can get on top of him. He takes chances and can be inconsistent with his eye discipline, resulting in big plays. Ford is aggressive when the ball is in front of him. His man technique needs development, but he is capable athletically.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Ford will excite evaluators with his versatility and passion for the game and frustrate with the inconsistency of his film. The redshirt junior is a vocal presence and stands out for the flair and emotion of his play. Ford is an ideal player to develop because of his traits as an athlete, intangibles as a leader, and passion for the game. Early in his career, he has the potential to be a subpackage player and eventually could become a starter.

14 Richard LeCounte III (SR) Georgia

MEASURABLES: Height: 5’11” | Weight: 196 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Georgia safety Richard LeCounte III is a prospect teams will view as primarily a high safety in the NFL. The senior plays almost exclusively from depth and has a good feel for controlling the middle of the field. LeCounte can play in man coverage but is best suited for a high zone scheme team where he can keep the ball in front of him. He is average in the run game overall and needs to be more consistent as a tackler. LeCounte is a willing and experienced player who, at a minimum, will help as a special teamer in your coverage units.

15 Joshuah Bledsoe (SR)

Missouri

MEASURABLES: Height: 5’11” | Weight: 204 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Bledsoe played in a hybrid role in college where he often played as an overhang covering the slot receiver and serving as a force player in the run game. Bledsoe played primarily in man-to-man coverage in the pass game as a result of his role within the Tigers defense. In the run game, he is an adequate tackler in space. Bledsoe projects more as a subpackage safety with slot ability then a pure slot corner. As a result, the team that takes him will have to be patient, as his safety reps were inconsistent at best.

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’0” | Weight: 204 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Breeze plays with good instincts and arrives at the point of attack with urgency that sometimes stands out on the film. As a run defender, he is always around the football and shows great effort. He is quick to diagnose and wins with his effort and technique. Breeze will have to be more consistent as a tackler at the next level. He is gifted enough athletically to find a role on a team as a Day 3 pick. The redshirt senior projects as a backup safety at the next level and should contribute on special teams on coverage units.

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’1” | Weight: 200 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Blankenship is a former two-time captain at Middle Tennessee who excels in space in a split safety scheme, but he also has experience in the overhang role. He is a solid and consistent tackler who is more than capable athletically to play at the next level. He can be taken advantage of in space with double moves and is not a great man cover guy. His limitations make him project as a backup safety in the NFL with limited positional and schematic versatility. Blankenship returned from injury in 2020 after he missed significant time in 2019 with a broken leg.

18 Tyree Gillespie (SR)

Missouri

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’0” | Weight: 207 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Gillespie provided the Tigers with a deep safety who could play in space and defend as a single high defender and also play with urgency in the run game. A physical player, Gillespie is decisive and attacks his reads both in the run and pass game. Overall, he is a willing tackler but does not stand out. Gillespie plays with passion and is a vocal leader on the field. Ultimately, Gillespie is limited as an athlete, but his desire gives him a chance to make a roster as a depth player and special teamer at the next level.

19 Jacoby Stevens (SR)

LSU

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’1” | Weight: 216 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Stevens is a prospect who checks a lot of boxes, including excellent size for the position and ability to play all over the field. He excels in the box and is a player defenses were forced to account for in the run game. In the pass game, Stevens is limited overall and looks overmatched in manto-man situations with a wide receiver. Stevens never lived up to the hype as a five-star high school recruit and most likely doesn’t have the change of direction and speed to play safety in the NFL. Stevens projects as a late Day 3 hybrid linebacker.

20 Jamien Sherwood (JR)

Auburn

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’2” | Weight: 220 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Sherwood was a surprising early entry into this year’s draft, leaving Auburn after his junior season. His tape is inconsistent, and he is a difficult player to evaluate based on where he projects at the next level. He has great size, plays with physicality, and is a force at the line of scrimmage. However, he is limited as a man defender and even more in space as a high safety. At safety, Sherwood projects as a development prospect, but he is probably best suited as a hybrid linebacker. He is most likely a late Day 3 pick. 21 DERRICK FOREST (SR)

22 SHAWN DAVIS (SR)

23 DIVINE DEABLO (SR)

24 JAMAR JOHNSON (JR)

25 AASHARI CROSSWELL (JR) Cincinnati

Florida

Virginia Tech

Indiana

Arizona State