2025 Draft: Safeties

[manxman2601]

I'm going to do some work on safeties tomorrow because this looks like it could be really good class this year. I would appreciate some thoughts on our safeties and how the Patriots were using them. I know Dugger had a bad year but how was Peppers used? is he really a free safety? What are our needs at the position? Your expertise would be appreciated.

 

[JerseyShore99]

I would say Dugger is more of a FS than Peppers, but neither is as much of a FS as DMac was....Granted, the position around the league has changed greatly...I would like more of a rangy FS

 

[DaBruinz]

Pats need someone in the defensive backfield who can recognize and diagnose plays the way that DMac did. Neither Dugger nor Peppers can do that and it's shows In fact, I think that Peppers is one of the guys that Judon called out for free-lancing.

That kid Pettus showed he could be a viable depth player. He's excellent on Special Teams. He needs more time playing the position, but he might have a future as a starter.

 

[manxman2601]

Then Andrew Mukuba of Texas should be given serious consideration.

He's a little undersized at 6-0, 190 and maybe smaller than that on the eye test so he's not someone you want in the box getting blocked but he's fearless in run support and shows very good play recognition but he's best as a free safety/nickel (he's played both extensively at Texas and Clemson. Excellent athleticism and range and some of the best ball skills in this draft. 6 forced incompletions and five INTs this past season whilst only allowing a 12.1% passer rating. He's listed as running a 4.33 and watching him, his VJ is going to be strong come combine time.



From Draft Buzz

Blazing speed and athleticism translate well to covering ground quickly in the defensive backfield
Versatile defender capable of playing multiple positions in the secondary, including both safety spots and cornerback
Strong coverage skills in both man and zone schemes, showcasing fluid hip movement and quick change of direction
Exceptional ball skills, with a knack for breaking up passes and creating turnovers in crucial moments
High football IQ and instincts, evident in his ability to diagnose plays quickly and react appropriately
Solid tackler in space, demonstrating good form and consistency when wrapping up ball carriers
Proven performance against top competition in the ACC and SEC, showcasing ability to compete at the highest level
Durable player who has shown the ability to stay on the field and contribute consistently

 

[WaterfallJumper]

Then Andrew Mukuba of Texas should be given serious consideration.

He's a little undersized at 6-0, 190 and maybe smaller than that on the eye test so he's not someone you want in the box getting blocked but he's fearless in run support and shows very good play recognition but he's best as a free safety/nickel (he's played both extensively at Texas and Clemson. Excellent athleticism and range and some of the best ball skills in this draft. 6 forced incompletions and five INTs this past season whilst only allowing a 12.1% passer rating. He's listed as running a 4.33 and watching him, his VJ is going to be strong come combine time.



From Draft Buzz

That write up sounds perfect. Nice find!

Good to have you back around.

 

[manxman2601]

That write up sounds perfect. Nice find!

Good to have you back around.

Thank you

 

[manxman2601]

Interestingly, looking at Mukuba's PFF grades, his highest rated games were the two games against Georgia, against Michigan and the rivalry game against A&M. Clearly enjoys being challenged by the big games.

 

[bakes781]

Mukuba is who I have my eyes on in the 3rd round if he's there. Love watching him attack the ball.

I also like Kevin Winston Jr and Xavier Watts but those are 2nd rounders most likely.



Peppers ran into some domestic legal trouble but he apparently was cleared of any wrong doing. I think they overpaid for Dugger but if he can stay healthy obviously he's a big part of this D.

 

[manxman2601]

Mukuba is who I have my eyes on in the 3rd round if he's there. Love watching him attack the ball.

I also like Kevin Winston Jr and Xavier Watts but those are 2nd rounders most likely.



Peppers ran into some domestic legal trouble but he apparently was cleared of any wrong doing. I think they overpaid for Dugger but if he can stay healthy obviously he's a big part of this D.

Presumably Dugger is the box safety. would that be fair?

 

[bakes781]

Presumably Dugger is the box safety. would that be fair?

Yes although Mayo never really sent him on any blitz packages that I recall this year. But then again that's just 1 of many reasons why he no longer has a job lol

Technically they had Peppers in the box more in fact. That's when he was available anyway. There were several short yardage situations where you'd see his special head gear come flying over the line. Lol

 

[Steve102]

Then Andrew Mukuba of Texas should be given serious consideration.

He's a little undersized at 6-0, 190 and maybe smaller than that on the eye test so he's not someone you want in the box getting blocked but he's fearless in run support and shows very good play recognition but he's best as a free safety/nickel (he's played both extensively at Texas and Clemson. Excellent athleticism and range and some of the best ball skills in this draft. 6 forced incompletions and five INTs this past season whilst only allowing a 12.1% passer rating. He's listed as running a 4.33 and watching him, his VJ is going to be strong come combine time.



From Draft Buzz

Thanks for this. I watched a lot of Texas football this year, so I appreciate the unbiased look. I'd be taking a Longhorn every other pick if were up to me. (kidding)

 

[manxman2601]

Nick Emmanwori, S Carolina 6'3, 227lbs

Freak. allegedly did a 42"vert in spring practices along with benching 24 reps. And is listed as running a 4.38. Obviously numbers like those need to be tested at the combine but blimey! The Eagles or Ravens will get him at the end of the 1st won't they?

NFL Draft Buzz have him ranked as their no1 safety above Starks.

Probably too similar to Dugger for us and if he puts up those numbers in the combine, could well slip into the first. I think 38 is too rich for a safety so I think I'd pass on Emmanwori but I really like this safety class.

 

[manxman2601]

Thanks for this. I watched a lot of Texas football this year, so I appreciate the unbiased look. I'd be taking a Longhorn every other pick if were up to me. (kidding)

Is he as good as I think he is?

 

[bakes781]

Thanks for this. I watched a lot of Texas football this year, so I appreciate the unbiased look. I'd be taking a Longhorn every other pick if were up to me. (kidding)

Off topic but yes they have several exciting players. But the most exciting is a true freshman EDGE, Colin Simmons. OMG!

 

[Steve102]

Is he as good as I think he is?

I think he's pretty good. I am a little concerned about his size, but Ed Reed is 5'11" and 205, so it's probably not a big deal. Dev McCourty is 5'10" 195. The games I watched I thought he looked like an NFL player.

 

[Steve102]

Off topic but yes they have several exciting players. But the most exciting is a true freshman EDGE, Colin Simmons. OMG!

I like Taaffe in their secondary as well. Real hard nosed player.

EDIT: Taaffe is not coming out this year.

 

[manxman2601]

I think he's pretty good. I am a little concerned about his size, but Ed Reed is 5'11" and 205, so it's probably not a big deal. Dev McCourty is 5'10" 195. The games I watched I thought he looked like an NFL player.

The size is my only real concern but as you say as with McCourty I'm less concerned if he's a single high. But the NFL wants more versatile hybrid players today.

 

[bakes781]

I like Taaffe in their secondary as well. Real hard nosed player.

EDIT: Taaffe is not coming out this year.

Yeah although I do still think he got away with an obvious targeting hit on ASU. Lol

 

[Steve102]

Yeah although I do still think he got away with an obvious targeting hit on ASU. Lol

Live, I didn't think it was. When you super slow mo it, then ya. I think in the end the NCAA didn't want a flag to decide the game, and/or knew Texas was the bigger draw the following week.

Great game tho. all-time classic.

 

[bakes781]

Live, I didn't think it was. When you super slow mo it, then ya. I think in the end the NCAA didn't want a flag to decide the game, and/or knew Texas was the bigger draw the following week.

Great game tho. all-time classic.

That's why I think had the teams been reversed they definitely call it the other way.