2023 NFL Draft: Jordan Battle scouting report

2023 NFL draft scouting report on Alabama safety Jordan Battle

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A four year player on a Nick Saban defense, Alabama safety Jordan Battle will hope that experience in a pro style defense will translate into draft stock as he enters the 2023 NFL draft.

He is everything you need to know about the Crimsons Tide’s secondary leader:

2023 NFL Draft: Brian Branch scouting report

Scouting report on Alabama S Brian Branch in the 2023 NFL draft

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A merchant in the secondary who was one of the best players on a loaded Alabama defense, Brian Branch will look to bring his versatility and experience to a secondary at the next level as he enters the 2023 NFL draft.

2023 NFL Draft: Kelee Ringo scouting report

Here is everything you need to know about the Crimson Tide cover man:

2020 NFL draft: Khaleke Hudson scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Michigan safety/linebacker prospect Khaleke Hudson

Khaleke Hudson | S | Michigan

Elevator Pitch

Hudson is a bit small to play linebacker full-time in the NFL, likely a safety-backer hybrid role is what suits him best. He can tackle and rush the passer as needed. Hudson is a backup at the NFL level with a lot of focus on special teams with his propensity of blocked punts.

Vitals

Height | 5-11

Weight | 224

Class | Senior

College Stats

College Bio

Strengths

Hudson is quicker than fast, shows the short area quickness but not the long speed. Very good player on special teams where he might find his calling in the NFL. Ability to challenge punts will do wonders at the next level as teams look for any advantage they can get. Uses the same get off on punt blocks as he does as a pass rusher. Can get to the quarterback and be disruptive in the backfield. Teams will need to find a way to blitz him in certain packages.

Very solid tackler at Michigan and provides some pop when doing so. He isn’t afraid to mix it up with the bigger bodies when chasing down a ball carrier. Very much a high motor guy who doesn’t give up on a play. Really needs to play near the line of scrimmage as that is where he will get his best production. Solid in short and intermediate zone coverages.

Weaknesses

Hudson’s lack of length could be a detriment to what he can provide on defense. Not to mention his lack of top end speed will hurt him when coming down hill from a deeper safety spot. Needs to play around the line of scrimmage. Doesn’t show the ability to disengage from blocks in the run game. The tape against Army was putrid for Hudson as he was a non factor. Produced his second highest number of tackles but he struggled with how they ran the football.

His ball skills are very limited. Produced two interceptions during his four seasons in Ann Arbor. Needs to be better at creating turnover opportunities by way of interceptions and forced fumbles. Not a player who can play coverage downfield or play as a single high. Very limited as a fourth linebacker or box safety.

Projection: Day 3

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2020 NFL draft: Brandon Jones scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Texas safety prospect Brandon Jones

Brandon Jones | S | Texas

Elevator Pitch

Jones is solid in stopping the run near the line of scrimmage, can rush off the edge in blitzing opportunities and punish receivers with his powerful hits. He is ideal for a box safety role at the next level. His lack of ball skills will prevent him from playing as a deep safety in the NFL.

Vitals

Height | 6-0

Weight | 205

Class | Senior

College Stats

College Bio

Strengths

The best part of Jones’ game is the physicality that he plays with. He often had to lineup over wide receivers in spread looks so disengaging blocks from pass catchers wasn’t an issue for him. He was able to stand his ground and get to ball carriers with little problems. Another valuable skillset that Jones possesses is his ability to close on ball carriers coming downhill from his secondary position.

For Jones, speed is the name of his game. It shows on the field that he has track speed. He shows ability to get from sideline to sideline to clean up tackles. He definitely has range in the defensive backfield and with the high flying offenses in the NFL, that will be needed no matter where he ends up. Jones also returned a few punts during his time in Austin to show he some ability if needed.

Weaknesses

No question that the biggest concern for Brandon Jones is his lack of ball skills. He has secured four interceptions during his Longhorns career but he left many more opportunities on the table. He will need to work at the next level to become a better playmaker on the backend of the defense. Most NFL teams need both safeties on the field to have some ball skills in order to put pressure on offenses to be perfect in their execution.

Jones needs to work on tracking the ball in the air a little better as well. At times it seems as though Jones is looking for the big hit over creating turnovers for the defense. Working with NFL coaches at the Senior Bowl should do wonders for Jones as mostly these issues are coachable and could make him a better playmaker for defenses.

Projection: Day 2

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2020 NFL draft: K’Von Wallace scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Clemson safety K’Von Wallace

K’Von Wallace | S | Clemson

Elevator Pitch

Wallace is a big time striker from the safety position. He is at his best when he is in run support and blitzing from his safety spot. When he is around the line of scrimmage he can make plays one on one as he is a fearsome hitter. Don’t discount his ball skills, he can create interceptions as well.

Vitals

Height | 5-11

Weight | 206

Class | Senior

College Stats

College Bio

Strengths

Wallace is at his best when flying downhill. He provides some pass rush ability as a blitzer off the edge or right up the middle. Too quick for most offensive lineman to pick up. He is a striker when comes to attacking the ball carrier. Can really leave a pop on ball carriers.

Wallace can play coverage as well. Will click and close from his safety position very quickly. Does a better job in zone than man coverage due to his ability to read the quarterback. Does possess ball skills and has the athleticism to bring it all the way back.

He is a versatile defender who can play from several different positions. At Clemson played some nickel cornerback, free and strong safety. This allows a defense to confuse the quarterback with his ability to move from spot to spot. Shows a good football IQ.

Weaknesses

Wallace’s lack of size can be a detriment against more physical wide receivers and tight ends. Not a guy you want covering them especially in man coverage as he can get bodied and doesn’t possess ideal length and size to combat it. He is easily beat on quicker receivers without the speed or quickness to recover.

Inconsistent as a tackler, can come in too high which allows the ball carrier to fend him off with strength. Working deep coverage is also a problem for Wallace. He can be a bit aggressive and will bite on double moves in hopes of jumping the route. While he has some ball skills, he will miss some opportunities.

Projection: 3rd-4th Round

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2020 NFL draft: Kenny Robinson, Jr. scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about XFL safety prospect Kenny Robinson, Jr.

Kenny Robinson, Jr. | S | West Virginia/XFL

Elevator Pitch

Robinson’s unconventional route to the NFL draft is unproven and makes him somewhat of a risk, but the talent is there for him to blow everyone’s expectations of him out of the water. He’s a rangy, athletic and intelligent safety with the potential to be a steal later in the draft.

Vitals

Height | 6-1

Weight | 202

College Bio Page

Career Stats

XFL Stats

Strengths

If you like safeties who fit that centerfielder mold, then Robinson is a prospect you should get to know.

Robinson has crazy good range and has the lateral quickness and hip fluidity to be a reliable defender covering in single-high formations. He is a quick processor who is able to read the eyes of quarterbacks and diagnose the play before it comes to fruition. Once he makes that read, he is aggressive and quick in charging to close in on the ball and make a play. He can dominate in underneath coverage, as that allows him to accelerate downhill and jump a receiver’s route. The St. Louis Battlehawks star has very good ball skills too, as he can track down the ball and make difficult adjustments to it.

In addition to his athleticism, Robinson also possesses very good length for the safety position. His height and his long arms give him value if ever placed into man coverage or jump-ball situations. Regardless of the level he plays at, he is a rock-solid producer: he had 7 interceptions in his two seasons at West Virginia, and he had two picks in the five games he played in the XFL before the season shut down due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). In a league that’s pass-heavy, a ball-hawking safety like Robinson comes at a premium, so there will likely be a team who takes a chance on him due to his high ceiling. He also can lower the boom as a tackler and isn’t afraid to deliver a powerful hit to a ball-carrier.

Weaknesses

What makes Robinson a unique case is that nobody has ever followed his exact route to the NFL before. This version of the XFL is still brand-new, and he is the only player who has left the college ranks to play in the league. While other draft prospect were participating in the Combine and practicing for their Pro Days, Robinson was playing in games and intercepting former NFL players like Matt McGloin and Cardale Jones. He hasn’t had the benefit of having his 2019-20 tape out there for as long as college players have, which has made him a bit of a sleeper in this year’s class.

On the field, Robinson is still a work in progress as a tackler. The diagnosing abilities are there, but he’s inconsistent in his effort and the angles he takes in pursuit as a run defender. When he’s facing a ball-carrier head-on, he’s a bit of a catch tackler who waits for the ball-carriers to come to him, instead of him going to chase a defender down. From an angle, his form isn’t all that great, as he relies too much on his arms as a tackler, and he doesn’t always play at full speed. His underneath instincts are still developing, and the communication of duties between him and his teammates at cornerback is still a bit of a work in progress.

Projection: Day 3

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2020 NFL draft: Julian Blackmon scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Utah safety prospect Julian Blackmon

Julian Blackmon | S | Utah

Elevator Pitch

Blackmon is a versatile safety prospect with starting cornerback experience during his time at Utah. He is a hard hitting safety with some ball hawking skills. A three-year starter for the Utes, will likely compete for a starting role or a big rotational piece.

Vitals

Height | 6-0

Weight | 190

Class | Senior

College Stats

College Bio

Combine Profile

Strengths

What stands out immediately is his ability to play with physicality. He is a hard hitter that can separate ball carrier from the ball with his jarring hits. He can fly downhill quickly and will lay the wood when he gets theres. Not a shoulder tackle safety, Blackmon does well to wrap up and bring down his target.

Former cornerback who you can feel comfortable with in one on one situations. Physical at the line and can play press coverage with a good ability to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage. Shows the high football IQ to understand situational routes and uses those instincts to close on the ball.

Blackmon has tremendous ball skills with nine interceptions in three seasons as a starter. He is a long defensive back who will use that length to high point the ball. Has some long speed that will help him recover. A guy who isn’t a one spot in the secondary player, he can win from many different spots.

Weaknesses

Blackmon is a bit raw as a safety prospect in terms of moving over from cornerback. He will need work on better spacing and proper angles. Proper technique will be vital for his success at the position. Can lose track of receiver at times.

The health of Blackmon will need to be monitored. A knee injury late in the season forced him to miss the Alamo Bowl. Teams will need to make sure that he is fully healed up with no longstanding concerns. Non-contact knee injuries are ones to be fearful about.

Projection: Day 3

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2020 NFL draft: Terrell Burgess scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Utah safety prospect Terrell Burgess

Terrell Burgess | S | Utah

Elevator Pitch

Burgess is one of the lesser talked about safety prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft class. He didn’t become a starter until his final year for Utah but he is a good option later in the draft for rotational piece. He can play special teams, safety and some nickel corner at the next level.

Vitals

Height | 5-11

Weight | 202

Class | Senior

College Stats

College Bio

Combine Profile

Strengths

Burgess has done really well with the mental preparation in his game. Despite not having a huge number of interceptions for Utah, he shows off his instincts. During the Senior Bowl week, Burgess was able to make plays on the ball at a high rate. A great sign for where his mental processing is at.

You love the versatility that he will bring to the NFL level. He lined up at cornerback, nickel corner, box safety and free safety according to Pro Football Focus. He can be a chess piece for a defense that can provide a way to counteract matchups. In coverage he can be very sticky to receiver and that allows him to make plays on the ball.

He does well when coming downhill despite not being a thumper. Does well to recognize flow and can close on ball carriers. When factoring his ability to diagnose plays and his situational awareness, he is showing the play of a top six safety in this class.

Weaknesses

The biggest negative regarding his game is going to be the lack of size and length at the position. Competing at the catch point and in jump ball situations will be an issue for Burgess. He is under six foot and has 29″ arms that will be a detriment for him at the NFL level. Adding strength to his frame will also be key for his development and to become a starter later in his career most likely.

More physical tight ends will give him trouble in the NFL.The physical strength will be key for Burgess. Add muscle to his frame will help alleviate some of the weaknesses in his game. Needs to do a better job of wrapping up on tackles.

Projection: Day 3

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2020 NFL draft: Jeremy Chinn scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Southern Illinois safety prospect Jeremy Chinn

Jeremy Chinn | S | Southern Illinois

Elevator Pitch

Chinn is a small-school prospect that has been a fast riser ever since Senior Bowl week down in Mobile, Alabama. His performance in Mobile and the NFL Combine has given a buzz around Chinn. A highly productive player at SIU with 243 tackles, 13 interceptions, 31 passes defended and six forced fumbles.

Vitals

Height | 6-3

Weight | 221

Class | Senior

College Stats

College Bio

Combine Profile

Strengths

Chinn shows really good ball skills. His 13 career interceptions shows that he had a nose for the ball. Some of them were heads up plays on tip drills and others playing underneath coverage and using every bit of his 41″ vertical to climb the ladder. His catch radius very reminiscent to a big wide receiver. He uses his length well.

When it comes to tackling, Chinn brings physicality. It is rare that when he gets his arms on a ball carrier that they can break free. Shows good form when wrapping up. When unloading on a ball carrier, has the power to separate ball carrier from the ball.

His speed is on full display, can get through gaps with ease. Chinn also has speed to get upfield quickly, great on click and close. His relentless motor shows up in backside pursuit. Playing from deep, can get to sideline when attacking the ball in the air.

Weaknesses

Chinn is a bit behind in his mental processing, much better with reaction than with instincts. Working on film review and coaching will definitely be needed in terms of getting him up to speed. His focus should be on better understanding his keys.

He will need work on his technique in man coverage, although he showed flashes against Ole Miss’ A.J. Brown in 2018. Often times uses his athletic ability to make up for technique. With the rise in competition, Chinn won’t be able to rely on it and will need to focus on becoming a better man coverage piece at the next level.

Projection: 3rd-4th Round

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2020 NFL draft: Kyle Dugger scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans should know about Lenoir-Rhyne safety prospect Kyle Dugger

Kyle Dugger | S | Lenoir-Rhyne

Elevator Pitch

The Cliff Harris Award winner, which is given to the best defensive player in Division II. Dugger has size, athleticism and length to be an impactful. defender at the next level. The small school safety has been a riser since the Senior Bowl. He could find his way into the conversation for day two.

Vitals

Height | 6-1

Weight | 217

Class | Senior

College Stats

College Bio

Combine Profile

Strengths

With Dugger, there is some position flexibility. While he projects best as a strong safety, there could be opportunity to play nickel corner in sub packages. Has the physical profile to cover tight ends at the NFL level. Teams could move him around to maximize his potential.

The small school prospect can win with speed and athletic ability. Dugger can play from a single high position and he gets downhill fast in order to help in run support. He understands angles and uses his speed to get there, and he will explode through his tackles. Can be disruptive at the catch point.

One underrated aspect of his game is return ability. At Lenoir-Rhyne, Dugger was used on punt returns which makes him even more attractive at the next level. He averaged a touchdown return for every 10 attempts. Six total scores in four seasons as a return man on punt coverage. Only returned a handful of kickoffs but could be a way to get on the field early in his career.

Weaknesses

See the ball, chase the ball. It isn’t necessarily bad when you find a guy who can play with reactions. However, his instincts are not up to par with where you would expect a top tier safety to be. Dugger needs to get up to speed with the uptick in competition. Gets away with his mental processing due to the speed at which he plays.

Dugger will need to be coached up quite a bit with coverage. Since his instincts aren’t quite there, he will need some work when asked to drop into coverage, instead of playing for the run. He definitely has the traits that a good defensive coach can mold into a more well-rounded safety.

Projection: 3rd-4th Round

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