Longhorns Wire will create a draft profile for each former Texas player transitioning to the NFL in 2021.
Each profile will be updated according to where the player is eventually selected in the 2021 NFL draft and/or where they choose to sign as undrafted free agents. Safety Caden Sterns, a mid-season opt-out, is an interesting prospect.
Class: Junior
Height: 6-1
Weight: 210
Pros
Shows the ability to play well in zone or man coverage. His versatility ranges from lining up in the slot in man coverage, or staying deep at the free safety position. Keeps eyes focused on the quarterback and is able to adjust to either side of the field on deep passes.
Good ball skills. Has the instincts to dissect the passer and make a play on the ball. Creates contested deep passes.
Has the athleticism to play across the field in deep zone from the left all the way across to the right side of the field.
Cons
Not the best tackler. While he has the ability to tackle, he’s more comfortable when the balls in the air, rather than in the hands of the ball carrier. Especially when asked to blitz, he has the tendency to run into the blocks and is unable to escape.
People marveled at how far ahead he was in pass coverage as a freshman but despite being able to play both sides of the field, he often can get tricked by where the receiver is in relation to the quarterback and is forced to make a play.
Despite his impressive frame, he lacks the physicality you would want from a safety, especially when tackling running backs. He has a tendency to arm tackle against bigger, more physical runners.
Analysis
If Sterns had excelled every year from his outstanding freshman season, he would probably be positioned as one of the best safeties in the class.
Injuries and a drop in play has hurt his development, but he’s got ideal size and athleticism that teams will work with.
His tackling ability will hurt him most in the draft process but his playmaking ability is what will have one team take a chance on him.
Projection
Fourth to sixth round