2027 Draft: Safety

[mayoclinic]

I would not go 1-2-3 in round 1 unless other options at DT, LB, EDGE and CB are all not available, which is unlikely.

Strong "yes!" to option 3 2nd round or later.

Why I'm less concerned:

1. Unless Kevin Byard has nothing left in the tank, a 1 year deal for 2027 is a distinct possibility.

2. Not listed: Dashawn Spears, Xavier Scott, Jaylen McClain, Terry Moore, Tao Johnson.

 

[manxman2601]

1. Unless Kevin Byard has nothing left in the tank, a 1 year deal for 2027 is a distinct possibility.

I've been thinking this is a possibility.

 

[manxman2601]

Alex McLaughlin, Washington
6-2, 204

Have I found this year's Craig Woodson? His is a name I haven't seen talked about before, I've only just noticed him on the CBB at 109. I swear he's a very recent addition.

Why Craig Woodson? Check out his consistent grades.

2025 (first season at UW).

Run Defense - 76.2
Coverage - 71.3
Missed tackle rate - 8.5%

The run defense and coverage grades are good but not amazing but that's a very good missed tackle rate. However, bear in mind that this was his first season after stepping up from Northern Arizona.

Now check out his grades from his final season at Northern Arizona

Total Defense - 88.5
Run defense - 82.3
Pass rush - 89.8
Coverage - 84.8
Missed tackle rate - 7.9%

Sign me up for someone capable of 80+ grades across the board and a sub 10% missed tackle rate. Just like Craig Woodson. It will be interesting to see if he improves in his second year in the Big 10.

Excellent size for the position? - Check.
Consistent grades against both run and pass? - Check.
Low missed tackle rate? - Check
Intriguing tape? - Check (see below).

My kind of safety.

 

[mayoclinic]

Saw him come up, haven't had a chance to study him. Good find.

 

[Clonamery]

Alex McLaughlin, Washington
6-2, 204

Have I found this year's Craig Woodson? His is a name I haven't seen talked about before, I've only just noticed him on the CBB at 109. I swear he's a very recent addition.

Why Craig Woodson? Check out his consistent grades.

2025 (first season at UW).

Run Defense - 76.2
Coverage - 71.3
Missed tackle rate - 8.5%

The run defense and coverage grades are good but not amazing but that's a very good missed tackle rate. However, bear in mind that this was his first season after stepping up from Northern Arizona.

Now check out his grades from his final season at Northern Arizona

Total Defense - 88.5
Run defense - 82.3
Pass rush - 89.8
Coverage - 84.8
Missed tackle rate - 7.9%

Sign me up for someone capable of 80+ grades across the board and a sub 10% missed tackle rate. Just like Craig Woodson. It will be interesting to see if he improves in his second year in the Big 10.

Excellent size for the position? - Check.
Consistent grades against both run and pass? - Check.
Low missed tackle rate? - Check
Intriguing tape? - Check (see below).

My kind of safety.

d%#*!@t. PFSN has him at 5' 10" so I automatically dismissed him.

 

[manxman2601]

Article on McLaughlin featuring Connor Rogers

"According to Pro Football Focus, McLaughlin has been a jack of all trades for defensive coordinator Ryan Walters this fall. He's taken snaps at outside linebacker, outside cornerback, free safety, box safety, and everywhere in between"


"That performance also put him on some NFL draft radars, as Pro Football Focus draft analyst Connor Rogers highlighted McLaughlin's hot start to the season.

"This guy has ball skills and really puts himself in position to make plays in coverage," Rogers said. "He already has three forced incompletions; he had the two picks, at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, he's a very physical player in coverage. He's constantly trying to bump guys through their routes, bump guys at the catch point. He's someone who has stepped in seamlessly as a starter as a transfer."

"He doesn't look out of place for a defense that has a lot of talent on the back end...you can't miss him on tape. I've been so impressed with the coverage ability. He does have two tackles for a loss and will play up towards the line of scrimmage, but this is somebody who's a true free safety on the back end."

Washington football safety Alex McLaughlin's stock is rising quickly in the Big Ten

Northern Arizona transfer safety Alex McLaughlin is quicky developing into an impact player in the Big Ten.

uwhuskieswire-eu.usatoday.com

 

[Clonamery]

Alex McLaughlin, Washington
6-2, 204

Have I found this year's Craig Woodson? His is a name I haven't seen talked about before, I've only just noticed him on the CBB at 109. I swear he's a very recent addition.

Why Craig Woodson? Check out his consistent grades.

2025 (first season at UW).

Run Defense - 76.2
Coverage - 71.3
Missed tackle rate - 8.5%

The run defense and coverage grades are good but not amazing but that's a very good missed tackle rate. However, bear in mind that this was his first season after stepping up from Northern Arizona.

Now check out his grades from his final season at Northern Arizona

Total Defense - 88.5
Run defense - 82.3
Pass rush - 89.8
Coverage - 84.8
Missed tackle rate - 7.9%

Sign me up for someone capable of 80+ grades across the board and a sub 10% missed tackle rate. Just like Craig Woodson. It will be interesting to see if he improves in his second year in the Big 10.

Excellent size for the position? - Check.
Consistent grades against both run and pass? - Check.
Low missed tackle rate? - Check
Intriguing tape? - Check (see below).

My kind of safety.

 

[Clonamery]

d%#*!@t. PFSN has him at 5' 10" so I automatically dismissed him.

The interns have him confused with this long snapper from KY:

Alex McLaughlin

ukathletics.com

 

[manxman2601]

He does feel like a Vrabel kind of guy.