A Closer Look at the 2016 Safety Class
 

For the past couple of years I've focused my draft attention primarily on the Safety position.

Jay's recent comments ([url=http://espn.go.com/blog/washington-redskins/post/_/id/24215/redskins-coach-jay-gruden-concerned-about-safety-depth]Washington Redskins coach Jay Gruden concerned about safety depth - Washington Redskins Blog- ESPN[/url]) about our S group once again brings the spotlight onto the Safeties. There is good reason for concern with 3 of the top 4 S returning from injury and the 4th transitioning from CB. Although there is always Dash as a fall back option through FA.

Anyhow this thread will be a look at the 2016 S class through breaking down their available film on [url=http://draftbreakdown.com/]Draft Breakdown | NFL Draft Prospect Videos and More[/url] and [url=http://noonkick.com/]NOONKICK | FOOTBAWWW[/url]

Below is nfl.com draft profiles, which serves as a starting point list:

[B] Player Pos Ht Wt College Grade [/B]

Neal, Keanu SS 6'0" 211 Florida 5.8
Joseph, Karl S 5'10" 205 West Virginia 5.7
Bell, Vonn FS 5'11" 199 Ohio St. 5.6
Killebrew, Miles SS 6'2" 217 Southern Utah 5.6
Cash, Jeremy SS 6'0" 212 Duke 5.6
Houston-Carson, DeAndre FS 6'1" 201 William & Mary 5.5
Green, T.J. FS 6'2" 209 Clemson 5.5
Thompson, Darian S 6'2" 208 Boise St. 5.5
Kearse, Jayron S 6'4" 216 Clemson 5.3
Mills, Jalen FS 6'0" 191 LSU 5.3
Frazier, Kavon SS 6'0" 217 Central Michigan 5.3
Simmons, Justin FS 6'2" 202 Boston College 5.3
Powell, Tyvis FS 6'3" 211 Ohio St. 5.3
Byard, Kevin S 5'11" 216 Middle Tennessee St. 5.2
Bush, Deon S 6'0" 199 Miami 5.2
Dillon, K.J. S 6'0" 210 West Virginia 5.2
Lucas, Jordan SS 6'0" 201 Penn St. 5.1
Carter, Tevin SS 6'1" 218 Utah 5.1
Shumate, Elijah S 6'0" 216 Notre Dame 5.1
Kindred, Derrick FS 5'10" 207 TCU 5.1
Fejedelem, Clayton S 6'1" 200 Illinois 5.1
Lomax, Jordan FS 5'10" 202 Iowa 4.9
Elston, Trae S 5'11" 195 Mississippi 4.9
Middleton, Doug SS 6'0" 210 Appalachian St. 4.9
Brutus, Lamarcus SS 6'0" 206 Florida St. 4.9
Caputo, Michael SS 6'0" 200 Wisconsin 4.9
Stewart, Trevon S 5'10" 195 Houston 4.8
Stamps, A.J. FS 5'11" 193 Kentucky 4.8
Williamson, R.J. S 6'0" 216 Michigan St. 4.8
Golden, Jamal SS 6'0" 195 Georgia Tech 4.8
Simone, Jordan S 5'11" 190 Arizona State 4.6


cbs FS list: (ranking--player--position--measureables--round projection)

2 *Jalen Ramsey FS 1 Florida State Jr 6-1 209 1
67 Jalen Mills FS 2 LSU Sr 6-0 191 2-3
89 *T.J. Green FS 3 Clemson Jr 6-2 209 3
97 Darian Thompson FS 4 Boise State rSr 6-2 208 3
138 Sean Davis FS 5 Maryland Sr 6-1 201 4-5
172 DeAndre Houston-Carson FS 6 William & Mary rSr 6-1 201 5
184 Justin Simmons FS 7 Boston College Sr 6-2 202 5-6
204 *Tyvis Powell FS 8 Ohio State rJr 6-3 211 6
212 Kavon FrazierInjured FS 9 Central Michigan Sr 6-0 217 6
229 *Keanu Neal FS 10 Florida Jr 6-0 211 6-7

cbs SS list: (ranking--player--position--measureables--round projection)


47 *Vonn Bell SS 1 Ohio State Jr 5-11 199 2
53 Jeremy Cash SS 2 Duke rSr 6-0 212 2
80 Karl JosephInjured SS 3 West Virginia Sr 5-10 205 2-3
113 Miles Killebrew SS 4 Southern Utah Sr 6-2 217 3-4
152 *Jayron Kearse SS 5 Clemson Jr 6-4 216 4-5
169 KJ Dillon SS 6 West Virginia Sr 6-0 210 5
191 Kevin Byard SS 7 Middle Tennessee rSr 5-11 216 5-6
210 Jordan LucasInjured SS 8 Penn State Sr 6-0 201 6
225 Trae Elston SS 9 Ole Miss Sr 5-11 195 6-7

Re: A Closer Look at the 2016 Safety Class
 

Nm.................

Re: A Closer Look at the 2016 Safety Class
 

I'll start with Kevin Byard:

[YT]89gl-wc3ZRU[/YT]

23 Snaps

4 @ Center Field FS
2 in the Box
17 Half Field FS/Cover 2

Positives:
8 tackles
1 pile jump
1 TFL
1 Penalty

4 Coverage plays with solid coverage, that denied pass attempts
2 PD
1 INT

Negatives:
o 44s (proly not even his fault, my guess is the CB had outside and Byard had inside)
o final play ejection, personal foul targeting (I disagree with the call but waygd?)

Examples:
1:21 Audible/lining up (L) CB to play off coverage
2:14 change direction solo tackle on Henry
2:31 tight coverage on flag route, pass defense 1
3:09 fills lane, fights off block, gets on horse and chases down Drake to save a TD
3:42 tight coverage, pass defense 2, INT
5:15 good angle, TFL

[B][COLOR="DarkGreen"]+16/17[/COLOR][/B]

Re: A Closer Look at the 2016 Safety Class
 

The safety crop this year really bums me out because we need to fix this position so badly.
I dont see anyone that I would use our first pick on.
I wouldn't mind Miles Killebrew in the 4th though.

Re: A Closer Look at the 2016 Safety Class
 

[QUOTE=Alvin Walton;1141324]The safety crop this year really bums me out because we need to fix this position so badly.
I dont see anyone that I would use our first pick on.
I wouldn't mind Miles Killebrew in the 4th though.[/QUOTE]
Why are you bummed by this S draft class?

My questions about our S spot aren't about talent but health. I think Hall can lock down 1 spot but then comes health concerns. IF Bruton and Nacho return healthy then between the 2 of them they can lock down another spot and bring quality depth.

I recall talking about Killebrew around the combine. His reputation as a big hitter is missing from his tape (limited sample size tho) and his measureables were surprisingly average looking at his physique. For me I would peg him more as a late round guy.

While there proly isn't a 1st rounder i think there are some quality SAF in this class this class. And depending on Karl Joseph proday 40 he might sneak into 1st round.

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Re: A Closer Look at the 2016 Safety Class
 

I'm bummed because thats where I would have spent the first pick....on some kick ass safety that can shut down tight ends.

Re: A Closer Look at the 2016 Safety Class
 

[quote=Alvin Walton;1141332]I'm bummed because thats where I would have spent the first pick....on some kick ass safety that can shut down tight ends.[/quote]If the draft worked out exactly to have the 1st round pick line up with BPA at a position of need for me those position would be:

(1) My number 1 would always be pass rusher (2) CB (3) NT (4) DE (5) ILB

But, getting back to S. How much have you looked at them?

Re: A Closer Look at the 2016 Safety Class
 

[quote=30gut;1141340]If the draft worked out exactly to have the 1st round pick line up with BPA at a position of need for me those position would be:

(1) My number 1 would always be pass rusher (2) CB (3) NT (4) DE (5) ILB

But, getting back to S. How much have you looked at them?[/quote]

Enough....but my last name isnt Mayock.

Re: A Closer Look at the 2016 Safety Class
 

Two safeties who have caught my eyes...SS Miles Killbrew and FS Houston-Carson.

These seem like McC type players who will be there 4-6 rounds. I'm endorsing both these guys.

30gut, thoughts?

Re: A Closer Look at the 2016 Safety Class
 

[QUOTE=Chico23231;1141343]Two safeties who have caught my eyes...SS Miles Killbrew and FS Houston-Carson.

These seem like McC type players who will be there 4-6 rounds. I'm endorsing both these guys.

30gut, thoughts?[/QUOTE]
I haven't watched Houston-Carson yet so I don't have an opinion on him.

Unless draftbreakdown has new games on Killebrew the tape I saw left me underwhelmed.

I'm curious what you see that you like about them?

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Re: A Closer Look at the 2016 Safety Class
 

[quote=30gut;1141344]I haven't watched Houston-Carson yet so I don't have an opinion on him.

Unless draftbreakdown has new games on Killebrew the tape I saw left me underwhelmed.

I'm curious what you see that you like about them?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk[/quote]

Physical and size for killebrew. Hard httin. Houstone csrson, nice range and leader in the secondary.

Re: A Closer Look at the 2016 Safety Class
 

[QUOTE=Chico23231;1141345]Physical and size for killebrew. Hard httin. Houstone csrson, nice range and leader in the secondary.[/QUOTE]
I agree that Killebrew looks the part. But hard hitting? Didn't see it on film.

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Re: A Closer Look at the 2016 Safety Class
 

[quote=30gut;1141346]I agree that Killebrew looks the part. But hard hitting? Didn't see it on film.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk[/quote]

[url]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BGl0nYVDT2s[/url]

Re: A Closer Look at the 2016 Safety Class
 

[quote=Chico23231;1141347][url]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BGl0nYVDT2s[/url][/quote]

that Killebrew kid looks like a big play waiting to happen!

he can cover ground & he can certainly make an open field tackle and doesn't quit on a play.

Re: A Closer Look at the 2016 Safety Class
 

[QUOTE=Chico23231;1141347][url]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BGl0nYVDT2s[/url][/QUOTE]
Almost every prospect will look good in a highlight reel.

But, when you watchs his game film do you see a big hitter?

[YT]a6WX35xd08c[/YT]

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Re: A Closer Look at the 2016 Safety Class
 

don't ever judge a guy by his highlight reel alone. anyone can look good for 4 minutes of a 4 year career.

Re: A Closer Look at the 2016 Safety Class
 

[quote=That Guy;1141352]don't ever judge a guy by his highlight reel alone. anyone can look good for 4 minutes of a 4 year career.[/quote]

Lol, ya think?

[url=http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2016-nfl-mock-drafts-profiles-video-clips-highlights-steelers-analysis-breakdowns-news/2016/3/14/11215156/steelers-2016-draft-prospect-breakdown-southern-utah-safety-miles]Steelers 2016 Draft Prospect Breakdown: Southern Utah Safety Miles Killebrew - Behind the Steel Curtain[/url]

Physical safety, a little raw and big special teams contributor. Good size. Also yearly accolades as one of the top safeties...good production.

Re: A Closer Look at the 2016 Safety Class
 

Below is a convo from TMC about KBrew that we had from the combine after watching his game tape cutups:

[QUOTE=TheMalcolmConnection;1138451]In just my limited time watching the Killebrew film (about 6-7 minutes or so) he would take the hit more than deliver it. Seemed to have good play recognition, but too many times he was letting the velocity of the other team overtake him. Makes me scared for someone that size. Wouldn't say tentative, but he just didn't have his acceleration there. It's like he would break down for the tackle and just stop moving his feet. *shrugs*[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=30gut;1138459]Pretty much what I saw. It's only a 1 game sample size but I left that game feeling thatMiles lacked aggression and imho that is a trait a S must have all the time. Maybe he'll bring the wood at the Senior Bowl, but without that aggression for me personally I wouldn't pick him before the 4th round and that's only if he checks off everything else...speed, agility, coverage, range etc. The comparison's I've read about him to D. Buc and Kam Chancellor seem way, way off base.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=30gut;1138459]Pretty much what I saw. It's only a 1 game sample size but I left that game feeling thatMiles lacked aggression and imho that is a trait a S must have all the time. Maybe he'll bring the wood at the Senior Bowl, but without that aggression for me personally I wouldn't pick him before the 4th round and that's only if he checks off everything else...speed, agility, coverage, range etc. The comparison's I've read about him to D. Buc and Kam Chancellor seem way, way off base.[/QUOTE]



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Re: A Closer Look at the 2016 Safety Class
 

I watched a few more of the Draft Breakdown clips and saw more of what made me nervous initially. Imposing dude for sure, but really didn't seem aggressive at all. Was in the right place most of the time, but for someone that big, he was taking the hit versus delivering it.

Re: A Closer Look at the 2016 Safety Class
 

I was hoping he would make some noise at the Senior Bowl and have a good measurables to make bump him up. But I have a bunch of SAF graded out ahead of him.

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[YT]a6WX35xd08c[/YT]

I couldn't find my old chart of this game from before and didn't want to re-chart the whole game.....here's the first 5 minutes:

:03 Half Field--poor angle, slow to pursue, didn't gang tackle

:18 HF--gets frozen by juke and stops feet, gives 2 yards after contact to QB

:48 HF--fills hole, squares up but misses contact, drags RB down after 2 yards

1:08 HF--over runs sideline, misses contact, makes arm tackle

1:34 HF--ducks head, misses contact, tries to arm tackle/drag RB breaks away

2:20 HF--tries to grab tackle RB breaks free

3:08 HF--gets blocked and stays blocked by WR

3:35 HF--tentative to gang tackle

4:40 HF--makes drag tackle after giving up 1-2 yards at contact

Tyvis Powell
 

Tyvis Powell vs Michigan State

[YT]Am1yWv_3wlk[/YT]

~21 Snaps

1 @ Center Field FS
1 in the Box
Rest of plays were Half Field FS/Cover 2

Stats:
9 tackles
1 Tight coverage on TE 47s



Negatives:
o 3:01s over ran RB towards sideline, tried to reach back for arm tackle missed
o a couple plays where he couldn't get off blocks

Clips:
1:08 CF make up tackle on sideline after CB misses, brings arms to wrap
3:41 fills lane, fights through block from WR knocks RB back with contact uses arms to wrap


[B][COLOR="DarkGreen"]+15[/COLOR][/B]

Re: A Closer Look at the 2016 Safety Class
 

[quote=30gut;1141314]I'll start with Kevin Byard....[/quote]

[url]https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/04/04/draft-pff-scouting-report-kevin-byard-s-middle-tennessee/[/url]

Position fit:
Free safety in any scheme.

Stats to know:
Notched seven pass breakups and four interceptions, earning him the seventh-best coverage grade in the class.

What he does best:
• Looks to have the best range and ability in the deep middle of the field of any of the top safety prospects. Can be the elusive single-high free safety that many NFL defenses are looking for
• Has excellent ball skills and can pick the ball off, adjusting to it in flight. Has the school record with 19 interceptions, notching four of them this past season
• Takes good angles to the ball and the pass, and looks comfortable in space with more than enough athleticism to make plays
• Speed. Was able to run down Kenyan Drake in the open field to save a touchdown against Alabama

Biggest concern:
• Not a box safety. Came up quickly but would often take poor angles, miss tackles, or somehow conspire to avoid making the play. A sufficient tackler when he gets close enough to attempt one (only five misses in 2015), but can be beaten by a quick step easily.
• Questions about competition. Playing for Middle Tennessee State in Conference USA, there was a lack of high-level passing attacks on his schedule, and wasn’t a standout (either way) at the Senior Bowl
• More of a zone coverage player than one that can match up in man against receivers, even backs and tight ends. Will need to play off the line and cover space, not players

Player comparison: Reggie Nelson, free agent. Reggie Nelson has a similar size profile to Byard, though is giving up a significant amount of weight to the Middle Tennessee State product. Like Byard though, Nelson is at his best in coverage but has the ability to be solid against the run, and is not a player you want in man coverage against receivers down field. Byard has that kind of ability in a safety-starved league.

Bottom line: Kevin Byard might be one of the few players in this draft capable of playing the Earl Thomas role as a single-high deep-lying free safety. He may not have Earl Thomas range or ability, but neither does anybody else trying to occupy that space in NFL defenses right now. He does have a good nose for the ball and the ability to understand route concepts and passing threats from that alignment and influence the play in a way most can’t. In a league crying out for players to play in that position, Byard is one of the few in this draft class with the potential to pull it off.

Re: A Closer Look at the 2016 Safety Class
 

[url]https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/football-insider/wp/2016/04/06/a-closer-look-at-karl-joseph-an-nfl-draft-prospect-the-redskins-could-select/[/url]

this guy is good. Pretty good scouting report on Karl Joseph...looks solid if healthy

Re: A Closer Look at the 2016 Safety Class
 

[url]https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/football-insider/wp/2016/04/07/a-closer-look-at-keanu-neal-an-nfl-draft-prospect-the-redskins-could-select/[/url]

Another scouting report from WP on the safety position. This time with Keanu Neal from Florida

Re: A Closer Look at the 2016 Safety Class
 

[quote=30gut;1141314]I'll start with Kevin Byard:
[B][COLOR="DarkGreen"]+16/17[/COLOR][/B][/quote]

[I][COLOR="DarkOliveGreen"]He kept his recently improved time under wraps and on Thursday, Byard clocked a a [B]4.49 and 4.5[/B] in front of several NFL scouts.[/COLOR][/I]

[url=http://www.dnj.com/story/sports/college/mtsu/2016/03/31/mtsus-kevin-byard-quiets-critics-pro-day/82473152/]MTSU's Kevin Byard improves 40 time on pro day[/url]

I think Kev is going way earlier then people think

Re: A Closer Look at the 2016 Safety Class
 

Safety:

Karl Joseph
Kevin Byard
Justin Simmons
Tyvis Powell
KJ Dillon
TJ Green
Sean Davis
Darian Thompson
Vonn Bell
Keanu Neal
Jeremy Cash
Jayron Kearse
Killebrew