Felger & Mazz Analysis: Breaking down their 2020 Big Board picks at safety
The Felger & Mazz Big Board has been pegging the Patriots’ picks for the 2020 NFL Draft all week – by chucking markers at magazines. And this year it’s bigger than ever.
However, the guys have always looked at both cornerback and safety when they go through the draft prospects. They already tossed their markers at the cornerbacks on Wednesday. On Thursday, they turned to safety.
It’s a position that has added uncertainty in 2020. Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung remain on the roster, but they traded Duron Harmon to the Lions in March. So there’s an open spot for the second deep safety with McCourty.
Will the Pats go big at safety in the 2020 NFL Draft? They’ve been linked to certain top prospects at the position. Here’s some … analysis … from the guys they literally hit on the Big Board.
Ashtyn Davis, California
PASADENA, CA – NOVEMBER 24: Jordan Lasley #2 of the UCLA Bruins runs after his catch against Ashtyn Davis #27 of the California Golden Bears during the second quarter at Rose Bowl on November 24, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
From his NFL.com Draft Profile: “His instincts are just average right now, but he appears to have decent recognition skills. He just needs to trust what he sees. Learning to play under control in coverage and as a tackler will be the difference between being considered a good football player instead of an explosive athlete. The elite traits should get him drafted inside the first two days, but there are some boom/bust elements to his game right now. He should become a future starter at safety, but his size, length and speed could create interest in him as a potential cornerback conversion.”
ANALYSIS
Felger: “‘A maniacal free safety’ – I like that very much.”
Mazz: “Love it.”
J.R. Reed, Georgia
ATHENS, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 21: J.R. Reed #20 of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates a 23-17 win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Sanford Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
From his NFL.com Draft Profile: “Productive, football-savvy prospect with unremarkable traits and explosiveness, but an elevated football IQ to make up for it. He needs to prove he can hit the baseline speed and athleticism numbers as a split-safety who can drop into the box or cover tight ends despite his slender frame. His instinctive brand of football allows him to play chess against quarterbacks, but he could struggle if the offensive scheme is able to isolate him against a vertical target. The size, length and speed won’t impress and he’s not a rangy player, but toughness and smarts could push him beyond the measurables.”
ANALYSIS
Felger: “‘Well-defined, V-shaped musculature’. Who gives a rat’s ass what letter shape his musculature is?! Like that’s just a thing that Bill [Belichick] looks at and goes “Ahh, feh. Can he play football?'”
Mazz: “He’s a little gawky or lanky in the backpedal. You gotta tighten him up a bit.”
DeMarkus Acy, Missouri
Nov 17, 2018; Knoxville, TN, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive back DeMarkus Acy (2) returns an interception against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Missouri won 50 to 17. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
(Draft profile not available.)
ANALYSIS
Felger: “‘The versatility will serve him well at the next level’. So they like that.”
Mazz: “Oh boy.”
LISTEN: Felger & Mazz Big Board 2020 – Safeties in the NFL Draft
BIG BOARD 2020: Guard | Center | Tackle | Defensive Tackle | Defensive End | Inside Linebacker | Outside Linebacker | Cornerback
The Felger & Mazz Big Board continues Friday, April 17.
