NFL Draft: Top 15 DB prospects
Along with offensive linemen, defensive backs are plentiful in this draft class. What's amazing more so than in years past is that, there is little separation in talent and skill level between the players. Teams that need defensive backs will be able to focus on other needs first, without truly missing out on filling their secondary needs later. Which one of these talented defenders will be available when your team picks?
SIZE:
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 208 lbs
UPSIDE:
Surtain's measurables (6-2, 208 lbs) present an ideal foil to teams continuing to attack via the pass. His speed and length are difficult to escape from and his bullish tenacity frustrates receivers, as he defends passes or strips receptions causing fumbles. Although he doesn't have blistering speed like some lockdown corners, Surtain's football IQ is without peer and his game preparation is already at a NFL level. He is the most pro ready defensive back available in this draft and will start from day one.
DOWNSIDE:
Surtain will over play receivers at times and allow them to beat him underneath his coverage. Although his size is a physical asset, smaller wideouts ironically leverage his height against him and are able to slip past him downfield. He needs to become more of a playmaker and force more turnovers as a primary corner. Surtain's technique is so refined, he moves a bit robotically and doesn't react fluidly enough on double moves by elite receivers.
LIKELY SCENARIO:
Surtain is a top 10 talent, but the run on quarterbacks in this draft may see him fall between the tenth and fifteenth slot. He'll most likely be chosen by ...Denver, Dallas or Philadelphia.
COMPARISON:
Stephon Gilmore
SIZE:
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 205 lbs
UPSIDE:
Horn's size (6'1", 205 lbs) enables him to impose his will in press coverage and narrow passing windows for completions to wideouts. Horn is a press/cover corner, whose size, length and tenacity make him extremely difficult to separate from at the line of scrimmage. He's a versatile defensive back who has played in slot coverage as well as outside the hashmarks. Displaying an adept ability to sink his hips and turn fluidly, Horn is able to shadow and maintain a "stickiness" to his tactile coverage skills.
DOWNSIDE:
Horn is a complete corner back, however, his aggressiveness lends itself to focusing more on the receiver and less on playing the ball in flight. There are moments, too, when Horn gets caught looking into the offensive backfield and allows receivers to get behind his coverage. Horn hasn't reached his potential and is steadily improving, but his eagerness to impact plays requires a balanced approach at the next level.
LIKELY SCENARIO:
Horn, like a few other defensive backs in this draft class, possesses the NFL bloodlines and pedigree to succeed as professionals. A sure-fire first round talent, Horn might be taken by...the Eagles, Cardinals or BEARS.
COMPARISON:
Jalen Ramsey
SIZE:
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 202 lbs
UPSIDE:
Moehrig is a catalyst type of playmaker who seemingly instigates field position change, by causing turnovers or recovering them. He is always around the "action" due in part to his ability to diagnose plays and position himself accordingly. A secure tackler in space, Moehrig erases missed tackles by teammates and leads by example. A true ballhawk, he dispels the notion that defensive backs are "failed" receivers that can't catch. Moehrig may very well be the best overall safety in the 2021 draft class. He isn't the fastest or biggest safety entering the draft, but he might be the most impactful.
DOWNSIDE:
Moehrig, like many young defensive backs, gets beaten in coverage when he focuses too much on the offensive backfield. He is a quality athlete, but not so elite, that he can compensate when receivers get behind him. It's not that he gambles in coverage, but, his inclination to go for interceptions, results in some overplay and potential big gains by the offense. The NFL will challenge his ability to balance routine execution and impactful gameplay as a defender.
LIKELY SCENARIO:
Moehrig may be the first safety taken in the draft, but will that happen in the first round? Well, that remains to be seen, but these teams might want first dibs...Jacksonville, Cleveland or New Orleans.
COMPARISON:
Minkah Fitzpatrick
SIZE:
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 197 lbs
UPSIDE:
Farley moves like a gazelle with speed and a twitchy quickness, that makes him nearly impossible to shake in coverage. Excellent size (6'2", 197 lbs) and agility enhance his ability to mirror wideouts with natural ease and suffocating attachment. He's sudden in press coverage and fluid enough to shadow receivers downfield, which has led to six career interceptions and 19 passes defended. Farley's ceiling is high, and he's just beginning to take the necessary steps toward attaining a level of dominance fans may eventually appreciate.
DOWNSIDE:
Injuries. Farley's biggest red flag for organizations is his history of significant injuries. Farley suffered an ACL injury in 2017, dealt with recurring back spasms and just recently endured a microdiscectomy. The latter is a surgical procedure that removes portions of a herniated disc, in order to relieve pressure on the spinal nerve column. Convincing teams he's not a long term health risk may drop him considerably on many draft boards.
LIKELY SCENARIO:
Farley is a first round talent with high end injury questions and concerns. Teams presenting the most intriguing options could be...the Titans, Steelers or Saints.
COMPARISON:
Patrick Peterson
SIZE:
Height: 6-foot-0
Weight: 192 lbs
UPSIDE:
Newsome is another good sized corner in this draft with NFL caliber talent to play either man or zone coverage effectively. His speed ( 4.38 seconds in the 40 yard dash) helps him enforce tight hip-to-hip, man coverage on opponents. Newsome's length and sound technique are instrumental tools he uses when deflecting or intercepting passes. He operates with great anticipation and stays within himself when breaking on a thrown pass. Newsome defends with some heft, but is more finesse than physical during coverage. His highlight one-handed interception against Ohio State (Big Ten Championship game) was amazing and vaulted Newsome up many draft boards.
DOWNSIDE:
During man coverage, Newsome tends to become "grabby" and has been flagged several times for pass interference penalties. He isn't a physically dominating presence like Surtain or Horn, so, increasing his overall core strength is something Newsome needs to implement before the start of the NFL season. His lack of physicality also shows up when he tries to disengage from downfield blocks. He's a decent tackler in space, but must learn how to navigate through bodies on screen plays and sweeps run in his direction.
LIKELY SCENARIO:
Newsome has some untapped upside, but will teams wait to take him in the second round, or be inspired to draft him on day one? Regardless, these teams may show initial interest...CHICAGO, the Jets or Pittsburgh.
COMPARISON:
Byron Murphy
SIZE:
Height: 6-foot-0
Weight: 192 lbs
UPSIDE:
Physical at the catch point of a pass, Stokes unhinges receivers with dogged persistence on routine routes. Unafraid in man coverage, Stokes' length helps him adhere to receivers and frustrate their ability to concentrate on passes. This past season he became more of a playmaker, recording four interceptions and returning two of them for touchdowns. Stokes has been clocked in the 40 yard dash under four point three seconds, that plus his physicality, makes uncovering from him an extremely difficult task for receivers. Given his size and speed, Stokes already matches up athletically with most NFL pass catchers.
DOWNSIDE:
Stokes' eye discipline needs improvement and maintaining focus on shorter routes is a must at the NFL level. One short well run slant in the pros could result in a quick score. Although his technique is adequate for college, his reliance on winning with athleticism won't happen frequently against seasoned veterans. Confidence and consistency are keys to Stokes becoming a pro-bowl fixture, and these areas are correctable through coaching and dedication.
LIKELY SCENARIO:
Given his athletic gifts, Stokes possesses a higher ceiling than even he may recognize. However, several general managers and scouts from teams like ... Tennessee, Pittsburgh and Green Bay, may have already bought into his potential.
COMPARISON:
Denzel Ward
SIZE:
Height: 6-foot-0
Weight: 205 lbs
UPSIDE:
Johnson performs with a physicality that can't be taught. He blitzes with precision and will blow up blocks from running backs trying to prevent him from sacking the quarterback (2020 game versus Ohio State). He is athletic enough to cover from a single-high safety position, and then move rapidly downhill to support the run. Johnson does an excellent job anticipating when and where the quarterback will release the ball, and has a knack for being in position to affect the play. His versatility allows him to cover in the slot, against tight ends and far downfield versus deep threat receivers.
DOWNSIDE:
Johnson is a very aggressive tackler, unfortunately, he tends to leave his feet at times when tackling in the open field. These mid-air collisions are dangerous and could induce an untimely penalty in a close contest. Johnson's size is adequate for a NFL free safety, but he must be mindful his frame isn't that of a linebacker when attempting his bone jarring tackles. Increased strength in order to better disengage from downfield blocking is another growth area he needs to address.
LIKELY SCENARIO:
Johnson is underrated nationally, but may find the perfect team to become a more prominent football player. In the second round, these teams may look to add his playmaking skills as part of their defensive culture...Miami, Carolina or Detroit.
COMPARISON:
Micah Hyde
SIZE:
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 193 lbs
UPSIDE:
Campbell is athletic, extremely fast and uses his length to frustrate receivers all over the field. A tenacious defender who closes quickly on passes and is a committed tackler against the run. Campbell is aggressive and will compete step for step with any receiver, and uses his agility to adjust when wideouts try to shake him using double moves. Campbell is still a bit unrefined with his technique, but his athletic upside is enormous and could benefit the team that chooses him, sooner than later.
DOWNSIDE:
Consistency is the most glaring element that Campbell must incorporate into his overall game. There are times when he can completely shut down a receiver and affect the opposing offense's gameplan. Then there are games where he seemingly disappears and statistically is irrelevant. Campbell will require attentive coaching early in his career to help develop consistent and productive habits, plus refine his tackling technique for the NFL.
LIKELY SCENARIO:
Campbell is one of several Georgia Bulldogs with oozing talent that needs some refinement. Teams interested in developing him for NFL competition may be...,the Jets, 49ers and the Chargers.
COMPARISON:
A.J. Terrell
SIZE:
Height: 6-foot-0
Weight: 197lbs
UPSIDE:
Grant makes "wow" plays all over the field, utilizing great instincts and excellent range to create disharmony in teams' offensive schemes. Demonstrating an elite ability to recognize patterns and diagnose plays, Grant routinely takes away route options for receivers and quarterbacks, alike. A very intelligent player, Grant operates with controlled tenacity in a very economical way, rarely if ever, overextending himself in coverage. He can definitely play as a single-high safety, because of his above average anticipatory skills and solid speed. Grant is tough versus the run and will deliver a good pop to remind the offense of his presence.
DOWNSIDE:
Grant is average in height for a safety and doesn't possess an elite level vertical jump. These measurables may become impediments in coverage when defending tight ends or larger wide outs in the NFL. Grant's hands are a bit inconsistent and losing out on missed opportunities to create turnovers, could be the game altering difference in key contests. Grant's ceiling is limited and his age (24 years old) may be aspects that drop him behind younger less skilled safeties.
LIKELY SCENARIO:
Grant has a good combination of safety traits (coverage skills/ tackling acumen) and should make any defense improved from his addition to the team. Some likely suspects that may select Grant are...Las Vegas, Washington and Seattle.
COMPARISON:
Budda Baker
SIZE:
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 216 lbs
UPSIDE:
More of a ballhawk than a run defender, Cisco willing maximizes his size and strength when securing tackles. A natural fit at safety, Cisco plays with impeccable instincts (13 career interceptions) and demonstrates a professional leadership beyond his collegiate years. He is a physical game changer, who will emphatically detach receivers from the ball with hard hits that force incompletions. Showcasing excellent range, Cisco can effortlessly flip his hips and backpedal in coverage, or plant and explode toward his target.
DOWNSIDE:
Cisco went down with an ACL injury this past October and convincing teams that he's healthy will be complicated. During his pro day, all Cisco participated in was weightlifting (17 rep at 225 lbs), declining to run being only six months removed from surgery. Aside from his health concerns, there are other areas of Cisco's game that require improvement. Taking better angles of pursuit, especially in run support and becoming more proficient in defeating blocks are examples of strengthening his skill set.
LIKELY SCENARIO:
Cisco is an astute back end defender with first round talent, that may not be taken until the final draft day (May 1st). Prudent teams willing to take a chance on him might be...the Chargers, Texans or Rams.
COMPARISON:
Jamal Adams
SIZE:
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 215 lbs
UPSIDE:
Hamsah Nasirildeen's size (6-3, 215 lbs) and length create an intimidating presence in pass coverage. He's a hybrid defender who can blitz, pursue ball carriers and cover any type of receiver in space. Despite his exceptional size for a defensive back, he's a natural athlete with loose hips to shadow opponents and discourage deep passes. Nasirildeen hits opponents like an unlicensed truck driver, generating enough impact to force turnovers. An athlete with burst and swagger, Nasirildeen is a tempo setter that teams gravitate toward.
DOWNSIDE:
Nasirildeen is another defensive back recovering from a season ending injury (ACL), which casts doubts concerning his viability going forward. He returned in time to participate in two games, and eventually the Senior Bowl, but the uncertainty regarding his health will drop Nasirildeen in the draft. Regaining his effectiveness and acclimating to the pros are huge challenges facing Nasirildeen and the team that selects him.
LIKELY SCENARIO:
The upside of having a multifaceted talent like Nasirildeen healthy are tantalizing and may provide franchise changing effects. Selecting him early on day three may be where he's targeted by teams like...Houston, Cincinnati and Detroit.
COMPARISON:
Derwin James
SIZE:
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 216 lbs
UPSIDE:
Holland is a cerebral player, who can orchestrate a secondary and play chess with the craftiest of signal callers. Rarely out of position, his versatility and hybrid skill set afford him an indispensability teams won't want to do without. An adept kick returner and special teams player who operates efficiently wherever he lines up, Holland rarely misses tackles or assignments. He's valuable in the slot, as well as back end coverage throughout the secondary, demonstrating above average athleticism to mirror receivers of varied sizes. Holland is a natural leader whose Swiss Knife skill set will have him playing on Sundays sooner than later.
DOWNSIDE:
Holland opted out of the 2020 season and like most players, will have to demonstrate that he's skills haven't eroded from lack of activity. He is extremely good in coverage and contributes in run support, however, he may need to increase his level of physicality to compete in the NFL. Holland is a finesse player who may struggle against run oriented squads like Tennessee or Baltimore.
LIKELY SCENARIO:
One of the more versatile safeties in this draft class, Holland's ball hawking and innate leadership skills will attract general managers looking for solid contributions. These teams may already be convinced...Dallas, Minnesota and Seattle.
COMPARISON:
Devin McCourty
SIZE:
Height: 6-foot-0
Weight: 203 lbs
UPSIDE:
Rochell's explosiveness shows up on video and his career 10 interceptions exemplify his effectiveness on the field. He plays fast with solid balance and an insane vertical (41 inches) that allows him to shadow receivers all across the gridiron. He does a good job closing space between himself and receivers to limit gains, or in order to break up passes. Rochell is an aware defender who isn't fooled twice the same way and generally is in position to make plays. His instincts are good and he moves with confidence and fluidity on every level of coverage.
DOWNSIDE:
Rochell isn't particularly physical with receivers, relying more on his athleticism to beat opponents. At times he lunges in press coverage, placing himself in an imbalanced position, allowing experienced wideouts to embarrass him short and torch him deep. He's a willing tackler who needs to get stronger in order to maintain his leverage in tight coverage. Rochell also needs to refine his press technique, and lessen the panicky grabbing that has led to several interference calls against him.
LIKELY SCENARIO:
Rochell measurables scream first rounder, but his competition level in college warns later round selection. There are teams that like his promise however, and a few of them might be...Miami, CHICAGO or Pittsburgh.
COMPARISON:
Darius Slay
SIZE:
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 213 lbs
UPSIDE:
Melifonwu, like several other defensive backs in this class, has NFL bloodlines (brother, Obi plays for the 49ers). He is a rangy, athletic player that can pursue receivers anywhere on the field and be disruptive in the offensive backfield. His size and agility make it very difficult for opponents to get by him, or effectively see around his elongated arms (80 inch wingspan). Melifonwu does an excellent job of keeping plays in front of him and uses his closing speed to shrink the potential gains from the offense. A versatile player, Melifonwu can contribute immediately at various positions without having to start at any one of them.
DOWNSIDE:
Overall, his size benefits him, yet because of it, his backpedal is a bit labored and isn't pro caliber. Aside from improving his footwork and increasing his coverage awareness, Melifonwu needs to refine his use of angles when pursuing downfield. He is still a bit raw, so experience and quality coaching are required for him to reach his full potential.
LIKELY SCENARIO:
Melifonwu physically looks like a superstar, he just needs to perform like one consistently to become a NFL headliner. Teams that see his vast potential and want to nurture it could be...Atlanta, Minnesota or New England.
COMPARISON:
Tre Flowers
SIZE:
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 197 lbs
UPSIDE:
Joseph plays well in phase and exhibits an ability to lean and locate the ball in flight. A smooth athlete with fluid hips, Joseph is able to turn and flow with wideouts without breaking stride. He possesses good vision and is able to keep track of both his coverage assignment and assess what the quarterback is doing. Joseph displays above average read and react ability, and wins more with quickness than physicality over his opponent. He can compete as a boundary corner, but may have more success as a slot corner in the NFL.
DOWNSIDE:
Joseph is definitely not an enthusiastic tackler, and is far from physical at the point of contact. He gets entangled in a wash of players when he fills the wrong gap. Tight ends and larger receivers are able to move him out of the way on running plays, or create separation in passing situations. He needs to concentrate on improving his core strength and flexibility to handle bigger pass catchers.
LIKELY SCENARIO:
Joseph has some playmaking ability, but needs to become more consistently disruptive as a professional. A productive, athletic player like Joseph will likely get the attention of teams like...Carolina, Detroit and Arizona.
COMPARISON:
Kendall Fuller
