DeAndre

McDaniel

Undrafted out of Clemson due to a lack of foot speed and severe off-field concerns, McDaniel has now been cut by the Saints, Colts, and Bolts.

A sixth-round pick of the Packers last year, Elmore was cut following a disappointing training camp. An undrafted free agent, McDaniel was waived by the Saints before final cuts.

McDaniel should be able to sign next week. A playmaking strong safety, McDaniel racked up 15 picks at Clemson but struggled in coverage. Boise State S Jeron Johnson is Nawrocki’s top undrafted rookie. They are followed, in order, by Central Michigan LB Nick Bellore, Rutgers S Joe Lefeged, and Auburn WR Darvin Adams. Mark Herzlich and Dane Sanzenbacher are further down the list.

“I would not trust him on the back end,” observed NFL Network’s Mike Mayock. “I like his ball skills, but I don’t like his back-end instincts.” McDaniel racked up 15 interceptions at Clemson, but there are concerns about his cover ability. He’ll have to play strong safety at the very best in the NFL.

McDaniel racked up 15 interceptions at Clemson, but he was undrafted due to questionable coverage skills. Also waived by the Saints: DB Mark Parson, WR John Chiles, WR Jarred Fayson, OG Roger Allen, LB Ezra Butler, OT Dan Gay, FB Kolby Hurt, and C Ryan Taylor.

It’s a nice fit. McDaniel struggles are primarily in coverage, and the Saints are good about keeping their strong safeties from having to roam around the back end too often. McDaniel plays the run reasonably well and has an obvious nose for the ball with 15 interceptions in his college career. He may have to excel on special teams early to avoid the practice squad, though.