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NFL teams in dire need of safety help should have addressed it in free agency. There is no Jamal Adams-level prospect among those who will be looking for their names to get called in the 2021 NFL Draft. In fact, there is only one that has a first-round grade across several mock drafts. Nevertheless, safety is still a position that is very much in-demand in the league, so much so that the Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints, and New York Jets used their franchise tags on safeties.
Safeties are so impactful in today's game, which is becoming more and more pass-heavy. At the same time, teams are rolling out more nickel packages or formations with five defensive backs to help counteract the passing boom. The downside to nickel packages is the susceptibility to the run and so safeties, who are capable in both coverage and the ground game are sought after.
With that said, the five safety prospects below would still provide a much-needed boost in NFL: secondaries.
1. Top-ranked 2021 NFL Draft safety: Trevon Moehrig, TCU
At 6'2, 202 pounds, Moehrig possesses ideal size and the physicality to play the position. He has great vision and route recognition, which helps him make plays on the ball. Moehrig recorded a lot of pass breakups with his instincts. He is a willing tackler in the box but still needs to work on his run support, as he can get lost at times from being too aggressive. This same overzealousness also causes him to miss tackles in passing downs.
Moehrig can match up against whoever is in the slot, be it a large tight end or a shifty receiver making tough catches over the middle. Moehrig would be an asset in both man and zone coverages and should be a day one starter for the team that would pick him in the 2021 NFL Draft.
2. 2021 NFL Draft safety: Jevon Holland, Oregon
Holland envelopes his matchups in pass coverage. He can even play some snaps at cornerback. Holland approaches the game with impressive anticipation and instincts. He sees how routes develop and responds accordingly. Holland can regularly be seen quarterbacking the defense by talking to his teammates about assignments. In short, he displays a high football IQ.
Holland is a steady force in stuffing the run and expertly uses his long arms to get rid of blockers and make a play on the ball. He should be able to play both free and strong safety. Like Moehrig, he can be used in a variety of roles.
Holland opted out of the 2020 season, due to the pandemic, so there is not as much tape on him compared to his contemporaries. It will be interesting to see which team takes him in the 2021 NFL Draft.
3. Richie Grant, UCF
Grant is the very definition of a versatile defender. He lined up as free safety, strong safety, and played in the slot. He gives tight ends and slot receivers a lot of trouble. Grant is a do-it-all defender and is willing to tackle anyone. Grant has a lot of range and covers more ground than one would expect. He is solid in run defense, but he probably should not be deployed in the box too often, just because of how versatile he is and how he could patrol deep.
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Grant is an intelligent player and easily recognizes and diagnoses plays, which helps compensate for his lack of blazing speed. He is a bit older than most prospects at age 23, but at the same time, he is more refined than most.
4. Andre Cisco, Syracuse
Cisco had a productive, collegiate career racking up interceptions and pass breakups. He spent time manning both free and strong safety spots. At 6'0, 209 pounds, he possesses good size and is a good, fast athlete. Cisco is a ballhawk and excels in zone coverage with his work in man coverage needing some improvement.
He is an exciting prospect and made several splash plays at the collegiate ranks. The downside to this is that he can be undisciplined at times because he is looking to make those big, game-changing plays instead of playing within the scheme.
Cisco is not the most fluid player out there and looks stiff at times and the ACL injury he sustained in college will cause his 2021 NFL Draft stock to dip.
5. Jamar Johnson, Indiana
Johnson introduced himself when he picked off Ohio State's Justin Fields twice. Fields' accuracy is one of his selling points. Of course, this was just one game, but Johnson is a solid defensive back. He is especially adept in zone coverage, plays with anticipation, and is a high-risk, high-reward prospect.
Johnson has an advanced understanding of the game, which helps offset his lack of elite athleticism. Another major downside is his tackling, as he missed 13 of his 49 attempts last year. This is a fixable flaw, as the coaching staff teaches him proper technique.
