We have come to the final position in our first round player profiles. Unfortunately for the safety class, it is bottom of the class in the 2021 NFL Draft. Do not take anything away from some of these guys, as there is some great safety talent up for grabs. It just isn’t at the same level as other positions in this draft class.

I would be very surprised to see any safeties selected on Day One of the 2021 NFL Draft. However, we still have a couple of guys below who would be possible picks if that were to happen.

Trevon Moehrig, TCU
Height: 6’ 1”
Weight: 208 lbs

Moehrig has made a name for himself as a ball hawk in the secondary for TCU. He has played the majority of his football at free safety. Moehrig regularly made plays for the ball, coming away with 7 interceptions in his TCU career. He commands the middle of the field, looking for a pass to break up.

Moehrig has made a habit of always being around the ball. He looks to be able to make a play at any time and from any position. This kid balls out in the backfield and that is not something that can be taught.

Where Moehrig can improve is in his run defence. He is aggressive in the tackle. Sometimes, he is too aggressive and misses plays by going for the big stick hit. Timing and patience will be key for Moehrig at the next level when he comes up against top calibre NFL receivers and quarterbacks. He does have the quickness and speed to recover mistakes at the college level, but will it be enough after the step up?

Moehrig has the potential to be a late first rounder in the 2021 NFL Draft. We will likely be hearing Moehrig’s name early on Day Two.

Jevon Holland
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 196 lbs

Jevon Holland can do it all in the back field. For Oregon, he has played at both strong and free safety. He has also dropped into the nickel position when needed. He is also a leader on the field, regularly giving orders to his colleagues in the secondary. Holland is a solid overall athlete with good speed and power.

The problem with Holland is where does he play? His versatility is both a pro and a con in the NFL. He hasn’t been dominant in any one position. He either needs to commit to one position, or be embraced as a swiss army knife on defence.

His speed can get him out of trouble, but at the next level more explosive wide receivers will take advantage of this. Holland will need to get smarter in his position and engagement against these sort of players.

Holland opted out of the 2020 season so the NFL combine is going to be a key factor in his final draft stock. If he can perform to his best abilities and also run a fast 40 time(rumoured low 4.4 speed), he should secure himself an early day 2 pick and potential ahead of Moehrig if a franchise wants someone with more versatility. As I said Holland’s main pro & con is the versatility he offers in a number of positions.

Other names to look out for:

Andre Cisco
Paris Ford
Talanoa Hufanga

Cisco can feel unlucky not to be higher up 2021 NFL Draft boards after suffering a devastating lower leg injury which required surgery. He is a potential steal if he can come back from this injury.

@5yardcollege – Saturdays are for rushing, too!