2027 Draft: Safety

[mayoclinic]

I remember a post from last year, posted by @mayoclinic , that talked about how the Patriots use the safeties in the run game. Namely that they are used as force players to make the tackle on outside runs. Essentially, the Edges crash inside so that the run is forced outside, the CBs set the edge so that the run doesn't get bounced to the very outside and the safeties come up and make the tackle in between the EDGEs and the CBs.

I've been thinking about that and what it would mean for the type of safeties we draft.

1. Obviously good tacklers. 10% or better MTR.
2. Big enough to take on a blocking FB or TE
3. No specialists. You really need the same type of safety on both sides to cover runs to either side. So no FS/SS split.
4. Need to be well graded run defenders.
5. Still need to be good in coverage, they just shouldn't be a FS only.

And the safeties that fit?

Based upon grades this is a list of safeties that best fit the criteria above. These are ranked by tackling grade but need 70 in both run defense and coverage and a 10% or better MTR:

1. Jelani Mcdonald, Texas
2. Tae Johnson, ND
3. KJ Bolden, Georgia
4. Jaylen McLain, Ohio State
5. Faletau Satuala, BYU
6. Alex McLaughlin, Washington
7. Dashawn Spears, LSU
8. Bray Hubbard, Alabama
9. Ty Bryant, Kentucky ( a little undersized but don't sleep on this one)*
10. Keon Sabb, Alabama
11. Corey Myrick, Clemson (nor this one)*

* Bryant and Myrick were just a little over the 10% MTR

I think this will my starting point for a safety watchlist.

Nb. 2024 Xavier Scott of illinois would have made this list but is a little undersized. 2024 Terry Moore misses out with a 16% MTR but scores well in the other areas. Zach Lutmer misses out on MTR too.

Funny, but those top 4 are my top 4 safeties at this point, possibly in that order.

 

[manxman2601]

PFF have the Patriots' secondary as no 1 in the game. I really liked this line from the article which reinforces why I put so much emphasis on tackling for a safety or CB.

"New England was the only unit to log four games without a missed tackle last season"

 

[manxman2601]

Scouting intel on Jelani Mcdonald

S Jelani McDonald​

Aside from Colin Simmons, there might not be a player who was talked about at a higher level than McDonald.

Some scouts I’ve spoken to believe he has a chance to be the first safety off the board in the 2027 NFL Draft. I got a tip on McDonald last offseason before he had even become a full-time starter for the Longhorns about just how athletic, rangey, and how high of an upside this player has at the next level.

He’s a great open-field tackler with smooth hips to play in deep coverage. According to a scouting source, his character is also off the charts.

McDonald is probably going to show up in most second-round mock drafts to begin the year, but don’t be surprised if he starts getting first-round love as the 2026 season goes on.

Early scouting intel on Texas Longhorns' 2027 NFL Draft prospects reveals mixed feelings on Arch Manning, rave reviews for Colin Simmons

The Texas Longhorns have a long list of impressive 2027 NFL Draft prospects to know. Here are the headliners of that deep group.

atozsports.com

 

[mayoclinic]

I got a tip on McDonald last offseason before he had even become a full-time starter for the Longhorns about just how athletic, rangey, and how high of an upside this player has at the next level.

It wasn't me, I swear.

 

[manxman2601]

Another reason to like Jaylen McClain. I'm almost fully on board with him as a potential Patriot. Good job Mayo.

 

[mayoclinic]

Texas DB Jelani McDonald Generating Massive Preseason Hype

Jelani McDonald is expected to lead the Longhorns during the 2026 season after being named to the Jim Thorpe Award watchlist.

www.si.com

 

[manxman2601]

Yet another reason to like Jaylen McClain

 

[manxman2601]