Baltimore Ravens: Three Safeties to Ponder in the NFL Draft

Nov 21, 2015; Clemson, SC, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons wide receiver K.J. Brent (80) gets tackled by Clemson Tigers safety Jayron Kearse (1) after a catch during the third quarter at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Clemson defeated Wake Forest 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Jayron Kearse became a full-time starter in 2014 after only starting three games in 2013. He was a highly-touted high school athlete and was actually an outside linebacker who has been converted into one of the NCAA’s top safeties.

The item that immediately jumps off the tape for Jayron Kearse is his height. He is listed on Clemson Football’s official site as 6’5″ and it certainly shows up on film. His height should definitely help him, especially if he is tasked with man coverage on a tall receiver or a tight end.

What I really liked on his film was his range as a free safety. He has very solid quickness for his size and was able to get to one side of the field if needed at a very fast pace. Also, besides one missed tackle in the five games I watched, he seemed to be a very solid tackler and is a guy I would trust as the last resort.

Clemson ran an array of coverage types, and he showed the capability to cover in both. Along with Cash and Ramsey he was also solid in run support. One thing that he is better at than Cash and Ramsey is ball skills; he shows the ability to find the ball and convert the interception.

More from The Baltimore Wire

• What other Baltimore Orioles Offseason Storylines will you be interested in seeing?
• Baltimore Orioles to Face Numerous Playoff Contenders Down the Stretch
• Baltimore Orioles Showing Encouraging Signs During Recent Wins
• The Baltimore Orioles and the Expanded September Roster
• Maryland Football: Terps honor Jordan McNair, beat Longhorns 34-29

Kearse did have a few weaknesses to his game that were noticeable on film. He presents a lower level of instincts than Ramsey and Cash, which led him to a few lapses in coverage. While he shows range across the field, his immediate change of direction needs work.

I really did like the range Kearse displayed on film. Safeties need to show some kind of range if they want to last in today’s pass-happy NFL.

Overall, I would rank Jalen Ramsey as my top safety, then Jeremy Cash, and Jayron Kearse as a very close third. I wouldn’t mind seeing one of these three in purple and black next season.