The Hog Sty's Draft Preview Series, Part 2: Safeties
by Adam Taraschke
This week I continue my Draft Preview series as I take a look at 5 safety prospects who would be the best fit in Washington. Safety is arguably the deepest position in this draft class so this week was both fun and challenging in finding only 5 guys to talk about. With all of the high-end talent this year, I wholeheartedly expect the Redskins to take a safety with either the 1st or 2nd pick.
Jabrill Peppers
College: Michigan
Height: 6’1
Weight: 205
Draft Projection: mid to late 1st
Strengths: Peppers is a versatile player with experience playing numerous positions in the defensive backfield including linebacker in sub packages. Top level explosion and movement skills make him a force in the run game. Aggressive attacking the ball. Outstanding blitzer with ability to shoot gaps for negative plays. Has the size to match up with tight ends. Rumors of him running a 4.3 40 this offseason give me hope he can excel as a FS. Offers big play ability as a return man and running back in some situations.
Weaknesses: He isn’t a true centerfielder. Average instincts cause him to be a step slow on some plays. Lack of production (i.e., interceptions) is troubling. Raw in deep coverage. His tackling form isn’t consistent, which he will need to fix to be successful at the next level. Has a tendency to be too physical at the top of routes. Will need to improve his pattern reading to become a true ball hawking safety.
Overall: Peppers is a dynamic athlete who will wow GM’s at the combine. His versatility is outstanding and can be used all over a defense. However, I think his constant change of positions slowed his progression. We’ll see him improve when he can focus on one position. I see him playing FS in Manusky’s defense and instantly upgrading team speed and playmaking abilities. A safety combo of Cravens and Peppers would be a sight for sore eyes.
Budda Baker
College: Washington
Height: 5’10
Weight: 180
Draft Projection: Late 1st to mid 2nd
Strengths: Baker is a joy to watch on film. He is constantly making a variety of plays. Another versatile safety who can play in the slot, two deep, or single high. At 180 lbs he is a force in the run game. Best man to man coverage ability of any safety in this class. His rare blend of closing speed and instincts make him a dangerous player in the deep third of the field. He has the ability to mirror opponents and transition smoothly from his back pedal. Fundamentally sound, especially in his tackling form.
Weaknesses: The obvious weakness that jumps of the screen is his size. Can he hold up against the physicality of the NFL? Has trouble disengaging from big wide receivers and tight ends. Can play out of control and over aggressive at times. He’s a proven tackler, but could struggle against NFL caliber running backs.
Overall: Baker is one of my favorite players in this draft. He finds the ball well and can make plays all over the field. The theme of adding team speed isn’t going anywhere and Baker has plenty of speed to go around. A dynamic play making safety is a hard to find. Regardless of size Baker is a flat out football player who would look great in the burgundy and gold. He would excel as a FS here in Washington. I wouldn’t be against drafting him at 17, but if he is still on the board at 49 you sprint the card to that table.
Justin Evans
College: Texas A&M
Height: 6’1
Weight: 195
Draft Projection: Late 1st to late 2nd
Strengths: Other than Hooker, Evans is the best true FS in this class. He has the range and ball skills to be the eraser Washington has lacked for years. Not afraid to fly downhill and make tackles. Rarely takes plays off. He is in constant hustle mode. Takes great angles to attack the ball on short routes. Great change of direction and acceleration. Solid pattern reader.
Weaknesses: His frame plus his aggressive style is his main weakness. He is an uber-aggressive tackler, but at 195 that may not be sustainable at the next level. Needs work on his eyes and diagnosing plays. Has troubling disengaging in the run game. Has a tendency to focus solely on receivers and let backs slip into the flat uncovered.
Overall: Evans is a passionate player who gives his all when he is on the field. He needs to bulk up to improve the chances he stays healthy. A true eraser is hard to come by and would make a world of difference on this Redskins defense. He has the versatility to do everything that Manusky asks of his safeties. He would be an excellent candidate to draft if the Redskins traded back a few picks in the 1st. I would love to draft a guy like Evans in the 20-25 range.
Marcus Maye
College: Florida
Height: 6’0
Weight: 215
Draft Projection: Mid 2nd to mid 3rd
Strengths: Maye flashes outstanding instincts with the ability to read the quarterback’s eyes. NFL-ready frame with long arms. Excellent production at Florida. Rangy tackler with great sideline to sideline speed. His movement skills give him an edge in the run and pass game. Strong ball skills. Great block shedder for a safety.
Weaknesses: Questionable hips and a tendency to lose track of his man down the field make him a question mark at FS. Has had moments where he has mental lapses and gets burnt for big plays. Somewhat of a tweener with a SS build and FS instincts. Slight injury concern.
Overall: Maye is one of my favorite day 2 prospects. I think the Redskins can draft him round 2 or 3 and have him start day 1 at FS. His physicality would pair nicely with Manusky’s aggressive style. Needs work on his deep coverage technique but the attitude and tools are there to be molded. His connection with new DB coach Torrian Gray should not be overlooked. Solid all around player with the ability to become a difference maker in the secondary.
Desmond King
College: Iowa
Height: 5’10
Weight: 205
Draft Projection: Late 2nd to late 3rd
Strengths: Top flight instincts mixed with big time production are enough to grab most scouts’ attention. King is constantly around the ball and has some of the best ball skills in this draft. Solid tackler, but not explosive. Stocky frame with the ability to bully smaller receivers. Reads quarterback’s eyes well and recognizes route patterns very well. Smart DB with physical limitations which may force a position change.
Weaknesses: He does not possess ideal height, length, or speed. Cannot mirror and run with speedy receivers down the field. He got exposed by receivers who beat him off the press. Needs to show more aggression when tackling. Does not possess true range to be an eraser down the field, but plus instincts make up for athletic challenges.
Overall: If you had asked me which player I’d be willing to bet that Scot McCloughan would draft this year it would be King. His game shouts “football player.” I project him as a safety due to his great instincts and ball skills. I think he’ll excel in the open field, whereas he struggled playing close to the line. He is constantly around the ball and always seems to make a play when the defense needs it. In terms of value he is as good as it gets. He is a guy who can get picked in the 3rd round and instantly improve your defense from day 1.