The Felger and Mazz Big Board is officially back for the 2024 NFL Draft! With the New England Patriots slated to draft at 3rd overall in this year’s draft, the Big Board will be more important than ever before! Here are the safeties that were hit on the Big Board!
But before this year’s selections of safeties on the Big Board, here’s a look at who the Big Board has hit on in the past!
Jake Bequette – Defensive End – Arkansas – 2012 NFL Draft – 3rd round 90th overall
Aaron Dobson – Wide Receiver – Marshall – 2013 NFL Draft – 2nd round 59th overall
Jimmy Garoppolo – Quarterback – Eastern Illinois – 2014 NFL Draft- 2nd round 62nd overall
Trey Flowers – Defensive End – Arkansas – 2014 NFL Draft – 4th round 101st overall
CHARLOTTE, NC – AUGUST 26: Cyrus Jones of the New England Patriots during their game at Bank of America Stadium on August 26, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Cyrus Jones – Cornerback & Special Teams – Alabama – 2016 NFL Draft – 2nd round 60th overall (shown above)
Jacoby Brissett – Quarterback – North Carolina State – 2016 NFL Draft – 3rd round 91st overall
Isaiah Wynn – Offensive Lineman – Alabama – 2018 NFL Draft – 1st round 23rd overall
N’Keal Harry – Wide Receiver – Arizona State University – 2019 NFL Draft – 1st round 32nd overall
JoeJuan Williams – Cornerback – Vanderbilt – 2019 NFL Draft – 2nd round 45th overall (shown below)
Aug 11, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Joejuan Williams (33) walks onto the field before a preseason game against the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Christian Barmore – Defensive Tackle – Alabama – 2021 NFL Draft – 2nd round 38th overall
Cameron McGrone – Linebacker – Michigan – 2021 NFL Draft – 5th round 177th overall
Cole Strange – Offensive Lineman – Chattanooga – 2022 NFL Draft – 1st round 29th overall
Pierre Strong Jr. – Running Back – South Dakota State University – 2022 NFL Draft – 4th round 127th overall
Keion White – Defensive End – Georgia Tech – 2023 NFL Draft – 2nd round 46th overall
Jaden Hicks – Washington State
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 25: Jaden Hicks #25 of the Washington State Cougars intercepts a pass intended for Ja’Lynn Polk #2 of the Washington Huskies during the third quarter at Husky Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Here are some strengths and weaknesses courtesy of NFL.com
Strengths
- Angular and long, with the size NFL teams are looking for.
- Good closing burst to play the ball and tackle in the alley.
- Takes playmaking angles on throws, leading to on-ball production.
Weaknesses
- Gets pads turned when taking on blocks.
- Below-average short-area agility as open-field tacker.
- Leggy and slow when gathering and changing directions in space.
Calen Bullock – USC
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 01: Calen Bullock #DB48 of Southern California participates in a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 01, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Here are some strengths and weaknesses courtesy of NFL.com
Strengths
- Quick burst and smooth strides to cover ground over the top.
- Very fluid swerving and swiveling from deep pedal.
- Triggers hard downhill looking to jar catches loose.
Weaknesses
- Can be manipulated due to route-jumping desires.
- Inconsistent eye balance to recognize play design as it unfolds.
- Fails to diagnose run plays at an adequate pace.
Daijhan Anthony – Ole Miss
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 01: Daijahn Anthony #DB43 of Mississippi participates in the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 01, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Here are some strengths and weaknesses courtesy of NFL.com
Strengths
- Good size and length with the ability to line up and cover the slot.
- Adequate top-end speed to carry receivers up the seam.
- Above-average ball skills when it comes time to make a play.
Weaknesses
- Upright in off-man with average plant-and-go from his pedal.
- Doesn’t turn to locate and gets beaten with back to the football.
- Lacks fluidity in change of direction as deep zone defender.
