During our 2011 NFL Draft prospect profile series one of my constant points has been that teams need to draft players who fit the system that they run. As I have said, this has been my issue with the New York Giants selections of players like Travis Beckum and Clint Sintim. Despite whatever talents those players have, and I believe they have plenty, they don't seem to fit the systems that the Giants utilize.
That is what makes the subject of today's profile, Temple safety Jaiquawn Jarrett, intriguing. I have to be honest here. I knew zilch about him until I read Sunday in the National Football Post that Jarrett will be visiting with the Giants. Of course, that meant I had to find out about him, and from the perspective of the way the Giants play defense I like what I read.
Think about the way the Giants play defense under the direction of Perry Fewell, using three safeties much of the time with the third guy "in the box" as a linebacker. Then watch the video below, listen to the commentary and tell me you can't envision Jarrett playing the role of that third safety. I know I can.
Jarrett seems like a player tailor-made for the three-safety, Cover 2 dependent system that Fewell likes. The fact that most reports rave about his special teams ability is also a plus. Scouting reports after the jump.
Jaiquawn JarrettS, Temple
6-foot-2, 202 pounds
Projection: 3rd - 5th round
Scouting Reports
From National Football Post:
Possesses a nice-sized frame for the position and looks a little thicker on tape than his measurables would suggest. Is a smooth, balanced defensive back who does a great job keeping his feet under him in his drop. Lacks ideal top-end speed and looks more like a 4.5 guy on tape. However, plays faster than his timed speed would indicate because of his impressive change of directions skills.
Has improved as a tackler this season and seems to be more comfortable attacking the line of scrimmage, dropping his pad level and striking what he sees on contact. But overall he's a long-armed guy who does have the balance to break down, take good angles toward the football and wrap up consistently in space. Also, has improved his overall feel in zone coverage, feeling routes develop around him, getting earlier jumps on the football and giving himself more opportunities to make plays on the pass.
Impression: His ability to cleanly open up his hips when getting after the football is as good as any safety in the class. Also has improved his instincts and physicality as a tackler this season and looks like a guy who can make a roster and fight for playing time down the line.
From CBS Sports:
Read & React: Intelligent player with the football instincts necessary to start at the next level.
Man Coverage: Not asked to play a lot of man coverage, but owns the speed, change-of-direction agility and physicality to handle tight ends and running backs man-up and trail receivers over the middle.
Zone Coverage: Plays the part of a versatile cover-two safety well. Reacts quickly and lays big hits on receivers sitting down in front of him, rarely misses the tackle.
From Draft Countdown:
Strengths:
- Naturally athletic and outperforms workout numbers
- Is a dependable tacklef who will wrap up and secure
- Outstanding instincts, awareness and anticipation
- Tough, strong, physical and extremely competitive
- More than willing to tackle and support the run
- A playmaker with soft hands and decent ball skills
- Also offers quite a bit of special teams potential
- Fantastic work ethic and is a demonstrative leader
Weaknesses:
- Does not have the ideal height or bulk you'd prefer
- Average speed, lacking explosiveness and a burst
- Doesn't have fluid hips to turn and run in coverage
- Best in short areas and range is relatively limited
- Too aggressive and plays out of control at times
Overall:
Excelled on special teams throughout entire college career --- Doesn't have the size / speed that you look for but compensates with top-notch intangibles --- Profiles as an in-the-box strong safety at the next level --- Could compete for a starting spot in the right situation but will at least be a quality backup.