Damontae Kazee was a two-time Mountain West defensive player of the year at San Diego State but he wasn’t a highly touted player entering the 2017 NFL Draft. He was seen as a mid- round player who had the ability to develop into a future starter. Kazee accomplished that feat after only one NFL season.
One knock on Kazee during the draft process was his lack of size and how it would limit his on-field ability. When the Atlanta Falcons selected him in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, they put him in centerfield to make use of his best quality, his ball skills and ability to use his eyes and instincts to force turnovers on the back end.
The switch from nickel corner to free safety helped Kazee put together one of the more productive seasons at safety for a second-year player. In 2018 Kazee tied for the league lead with seven interceptions. He added 82 tackles, 10 passes defended, and a forced fumble.
Kazee is a Cowboy now and some of the shine has wore off, mostly due to the fact he tore his Achilles tendon on October 6. However, he is healthy now and has been for all of the off-season work, which is impressive in and of itself. He is reunited with the coach who drafted him in Dan Quinn and has put himself in position to be a starter when the seasons kicks off. If he plays well it will go along way towards him earning a second contract with the Dallas Cowboys.
Our 2021 player profile countdown series continues with No. 35 Damontae Kazee.