The Arizona Cardinals seem to like the defensive backs that come out of the University of Washington. Each of the last three years, a former Huskies defensive back made the team either as a draft pick or undrafted rookie.
In 2017, the drafted Pro Bowl safety Budda Baker in the second round. In 2018, Ezekiel Turner made the team as an undrafted rookie. A safety in college, he converted to linebacker and is a core special teams player. Last year, they drafted cornerback Byron Murphy in the second round.
Could they add another Washington defensive back in the 2020 draft?
They could in Miles Bryant, who offers quite a bit of versatility.
As he told Draft Wire’s Justin Melo, he played basically all positions in the secondary.
“I think I bring a lot of value in the sense that I can play anywhere,” he said. “In 2017, I played half of the season outside at cornerback. I played the other half of 2017 at nickel. I spent the entire 2018 season at nickel. I played free safety in 2019 just like you said. I think that makes me a valuable guy. You can play me anywhere really. I was able to make plays and help the team win games no matter where I lined up.”
Bryant is undersized, measuring in at the combine at 5-foot-8 and 183 pounds. He ran the 40 in 4.62 seconds, which isn’t fast for a defensive back, but his 6.81-second three-cone is very good.
He doesn’t worry about his size, though.
“I would just tell them to put on the film,” he said. “I don’t think I’ve ever had a situation during my time at Washington where my size had a negative outcome on a play. I’ve yet to run into that problem. I feel like I’ve made plays against taller and bigger guys.”
He loves football, plays physically and is a great teammate. Considering the Cardinals’ history with Washington defensive backs, keep an eye on him on Day 3 of the draft.
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Ep. 262
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Ep. 261
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