This is the fourth installment of a multi-part series previewing the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine. The event will be broadcast over four days on the NFL Network, Thursday, March 3 through Sunday, March 6. Today, we’ll look at the safeties.
Lions’ pre-free agency needs
At this stage in the offseason, safety is a huge need for the Lions. Tracy Walker, the team’s best back-end option, is set to be an unrestricted free agent. Dean Marlowe, and his 700 defensive snaps, also is headed for the open market. That leaves Will Harris as the most experienced returning piece and no one should confuse his extensive playing time with quality production. The former third-round pick has yet to come close to delivering on his immense potential through the first three years of his career.
More: Ranking the Lions’ impending unrestricted free agents
It’s reasonable to believe the Lions will push to either retain Walker or swing big in free agency, potentially even making a run at Marcus Williams, the playmaker out of New Orleans who was developed under the tutelage of Detroit defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. It’s not even a wild suggestion to say the Lions should make a run at signing two higher-end options in free agency, given the importance of the position within the scheme.
If they don’t go that route, it would be risky to count on Harris as a starter in 2022. That opens the door to address the position in draft, with one prospect meriting serious consideration with the team’s No. 2 pick.
Metrics to monitor
► 40-yard dash, 20-yard shuttle, 3-cone drill, vertical jump
Few positions cover more ground on Sunday than a safety. Often required to patrol deep, from the middle of the field to the sideline, having the raw speed to get from point A to point B is incredibly valuable.
The longer shuttle highlights the capacity to efficiently switch assignments in deeper zones, while the 3-cone demonstrates the quickness to handle short-area change of direction crucial to covering tight ends and slot receivers man-to-man. As for the vertical jump, it never hurts to have the leaping ability to go up and contest a deep ball.
Top prospects
► Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame
It’s been a dozen years since a team drafted a safety in the first five picks, but Hamilton has an excellent chance to snap that streak. Freakishly large for the position at 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, he showed the ability to line up all over the field for the Irish. Big enough to play in the box or cover a tight end man-to-man, plus possessing elite range to patrol the deep parts of the field, Hamilton racked up eight interceptions in 31 games across three seasons.
► Jaquan Brisker, Penn State
A thumper who spent much of his time closer to the line of scrimmage at Penn State, there’s enough on film to suggest Brisker has the range to handle deep coverage responsibilities in a Cover-2 or Cover-3 setup. At 6-foot-1, 200 pounds, he also has the size to handle a variety of man-coverage responsibilities in the slot.
► Dax Hill, Michigan
Hill’s film points to a player who could post impressive metrics at the combine, particularly in the speed and explosion drills. His experience at Michigan, where he was used in a variety of alignments, should carry appeal to NFL decision-makers looking for a versatile piece for the back end of their defense. At 6-foot, 190 pounds, he’s probably best suited for a deep safety role, either Cover-1 or Cover-2, where he can put his speed and range to good use.
► Lewis Cine, Georgia
A ball carrier-seeking missile, Cine plays aggressively downhill, helping him rack up 73 tackles for the Bulldogs last season. He’s also quick to read and react in the pass game, which allowed him to break up nine throws and snag an interception in 2021. At 6-foot-1, 200 pounds, he possesses good size for the position.
Sleepers to watch
► Kerby Joseph, Illinois
Given his performance in 2021, it’s surprising Joseph couldn’t lock down a starting job for the Illini until his senior season. He flashed some real playmaking potential in 2021, intercepting five passes in 12 games, while also proving to be an excellent tackler in the open field. His overall lack of experience could mean it will take some time to develop a meaningful defensive role in the pros, but he has the makings of an impact special teamer early in his career.
► Markquese Bell, Florida A&M
After being suspended at Maryland for a violation of team rules in 2017, Bell ended up transferring to Florida A&M. That’s more on the fringes of the scouting landscape, but they’ll find you when you’re a 6-foot-3, 205-pound safety who racked up 95 tackles and forced five fumbles as a senior. Better in run support than coverage at this stage in his development, a good 40 time will have teams excited about his potential as a project with the ability to contribute on special teams.
jdrogers@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @Justin_Rogers