Darnell Savage‘s worst season to date in 2021 has left his future with the Packers uncertain. Adrian Amos is on the last year of his current contract. The Packers need help at the safety position. The huddled online masses seem to either be blind to this fact, or very one-track-minded in regards to a solution. There may be some overlooked safety prospects that the Packers can target. My esteemed colleague @Sam_davel appears to be the only person online who believes that there are options in this draft outside of Lewis Cine. Georgia isn’t the only school that produces draft-worthy talent. There are some great players out there that the Packers can look to for help. Here’s a list of some of the “overlooked” safety prospects that the Packers can target.
Daxton Hill – Michigan
Profile: 6’0” – 191 lbs – 32 1/4” Arms – 9 1/2” Hands – 4.38 40 Yard Dash – 33.5” Vert – 121” Broad – 6.57 3 Cone. 2021 Stats: 70 tackles – 4.5 TFL – 2 INT – 9 PBU
There are quite a few draft experts who think that Daxton Hill is the best safety in the draft. Kyle Hamilton is certain to be drafted ahead of Hill, but it’s understandable why some may think Daxton is the better player. Hill has great range, and can play any position in the defensive backfield. Daxton has proven to be more than capable in man coverage, while his vision and burst create opportunities in zone. Some scouts will point to a few plays on tape and say Hill “lacks aggression” in run support. However, after a closer look, this can be chalked up as simple mistakes from a young player. Overall Hill is an explosive player with great instincts and tremendous upside.
Jaquan Brisker – Penn State
Profile: 6’1” – 199 lbs – 31 3/4 Arms – 9 7/8” Hands – 4.49 40 Yard Dash – 34.5” Vert – 124” Broad. 2021 Stats: 64 Tackles – 6 TFL – 2 INT – 5 PBU
Brisker is perhaps the most intriguing prospect on this list. It truly seems that most are overlooking Jaquan among the bigger names at safety. Brisker has a lot of experience, and is the best tackler/run defender out of the bunch. I am reminded a lot of Micah Hyde when I watch Jaquan’s tape, but not the Micah Hyde that exists today. I see what Dom Capers was trying to force Micah Hyde to be (if that makes sense). In Jaquan I see the hybrid safety/linebacker/slot prospect that Capers always wanted. That said, Brisker could use a little coaching up in route recognition and pursuit angles.
Jalen Pitre – Baylor
Profile: 5’11” – 198 lbs – 30 5/8” Arms – 9” Hands – 4.44 40 Yard Dash – 35” Vert – 6.74 3 Cone. 2021 Stats: 76 Tackles – 18 TFL – 3 Sacks – 2 INT – 7 PBU – 2 FF – 3 FR
Jalen Pitre making back to back plays against Oklahoma. 2nd highlight shows his ability to drop in coverage, but also adapt as the play progresses.https://t.co/jM7CxOlBhu
— Dan Edwards (@PackerEddy_FF) April 15, 2022
First and foremost I must apologize to my colleague Dan Edwards. Pitre is one of Dan’s “guys” and he provided a great in-depth analysis of Jalen that can be found here. Forgot about that Dan, Pitre certainly has not been overlooked by you. Anyway, Jalen has excellent instincts in the slot, and he is great at making open field tackles. Pitre certainly won’t be a liability in run support either. Jalen has a high football IQ and has a nose for the ball. What else can I say? Jalen Pitre might end up being the biggest steal in the draft for whichever team that decides to take a chance on him.
J.T. Woods – Baylor
Profile: 6’2” – 195 lbs – 32 3/8” Arms – 8 1/2” Hands – 4.36 40 Yard Dash – 39.5” Vert – 128” Broad. 2021 Stats: 44 Tackles – 6 INT – 1 TD
The Baylor Bears may be on to something by recruiting track stars to play football. They have found a good amount of players that have a rare combination of size and speed. J.T. Woods is one of those players. As if the blazing speed weren’t enough, Woods also has fluidity in his hips. This fluidity allows for J.T. to cover A LOT of ground. Woods has good instincts and reliable hands that combine to create turnovers. The only deficiencies I can see are that he is not necessarily the most reliable tackler, and he can lose track of the deep ball on occasion.
Tycen Anderson – Toledo
Profile: 6’2” – 209 lbs – 33” Arms – 10 1/8” Hands – 4.36 40 Yard Dash – 35.5” Vert – 123” Broad – 6.64 3 Cone. 2021 Stats: 44 Tackles – 2 TFL – 2 PBU
Tycen Anderson is the biggest wildcard out of this group. He appears to check all of the boxes with his size, speed, effectiveness in the slot, and success covering tight ends. If you watch his tape against Eastern Michigan however, you will witness Tycen getting beaten like a drum. Some scouts may look at this and just see a bad day. Although, a combination of this and Anderson’s struggles to identify patterns in man coverage may lead scouts to determine a lack of versatility.
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