When evaluating the Jacksonville Jaguars’ roster, for the first time in a long time, the defensive talent has seemed to take a back seat to the offense. In large part, the pieces on offense are there or about to be there (welcome to Duval in advance Trevor), while the defense is much more of a mystery headed into 2021.
Safety is a position the Jags took a risk at last season, trading away up and coming safety, Ronnie Harrison Jr. to the Cleveland Browns for a Day 3 pick. That proved to be a blunder for the team’s front office as Harrison would go on to have a really solid season, while the Jags were left with an injury-riddled rotation at the position with no real true playmakers to be found.
At the safety position, free agency is loaded assuming the majority will not be franchise tagged. Starting March 17th, the team will have to potential to go after a number of high-quality safeties including Denver’s Justin Simmons, New York’s Marcus Maye, and New Orleans’ Marcus Williams among others.
If the team decides to look elsewhere in March, they could turn to the draft to find a top-notch safety. In this class, there’s none better than Texas Christian University’s Trevon Moehrig.
#TCU safety Trevon Moehrig (6-2, 202, Jr.) is arguably the most versatile safety in the country.
Has shown that he can roam as a centerfielder on the roof, dependable in man coverage and a reliable tackler coming downhill. Also a constant turnover creator. pic.twitter.com/M5M6c2baxS
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) December 11, 2020
Moehrig (6-foot-2, 202 pounds) is the draft’s most versatile safety, displaying the ability to fly from sideline to sideline, line up in man, and is a reliable tackler. In a generally weak safety class, Moehrig is the biggest bright spot. He surely was that for the Horned Frogs, and more, as No. 7 notched seven interceptions and 21 pass deflections in his three years in Fort Worth. He was all over the field.
Man, this is a fantastic play on the ball from Trevon Moehrig pic.twitter.com/OwLMn9M4rV
— Zach (All-22 Addict) Gartin (@All22_Addict) January 21, 2021
In the clip above, Moehrig’s versatility and athleticism are on display as he lined up with the slot receiver. The receiver runs a corner route and Moehrig blankets him step-for-step into the endzone. In this class, he’s the best at man coverage I have seen thus far.
It’s his ability to play centerfield, however, that makes him the top safety in the class. Just take a peek at the range below!
I raved about his teammate earlier but Trevon Moehrig (TCU, SAF) is a good player in his own right. He’s got great range on the backend. pic.twitter.com/vG4osG6wow
— Dante Collinelli (@DanteCollinelli) August 4, 2020
This is the reason why NFL decision-makers might envision Moehrig as a legit game-changer on the backend of their defense.
Jacksonville doesn’t have a long-term answer at either safety position on the roster in my opinion and should address both this offseason. With over $70 million in cap space available and 11 draft picks, the team has a chance to really turn this franchise around and fast.
If I were to make the decision for the 25th selection, Moehrig would be under heavy consideration. The chance to pair him with C.J. Henderson in the secondary is an opportunity that is hard to pass up. If the team looks for a starting safety in the draft, Moehrig has my vote.