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2014 NFL Draft Profile: Tre Boston, S, North Carolina

With Will Hill once again facing suspension, the Giants could find themselves in the market for a safety during the NFL Draft.

Tre Boston forces a turnover in the endzone against Georgia Tech.
Tre Boston forces a turnover in the endzone against Georgia Tech.
Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

With the news that Will Hill has failed yet another drug test, the safety position must once again be under consideration by the New York Giants in the 2014 draft. There are several safeties who are perfectly deserving of being selected in the first or second round of this year's draft. However, between Quintin Demps and a (hopefully) healthy Stevie Brown, it would seem that the Giants have quality starters on hand. So, the Giants could look to take a high-upside developmental safety later in the draft.

North Carolina's Tre Boston could be the player they're looking for.

Pros

- Excellent size for an well-rounded safety (6-foot, 207 pounds)

- Good athlete, with quick feet and fluid hips

- Powerful upper body to deal with blockers

- Versatile player. Has played cornerback and safety, is solid in coverage and fearless in the run game

- Ballhawk (13 career interceptions)

- Plays aggressively, with energy and swagger.

- Very hard hitter

Cons

- Takes false steps, and doesn't always trust what he sees.

- Needs to work on his awareness in coverage. He can get locked on the quarterback and sometimes loses receivers in his zone

- Can play too high, limiting his ability to change too high

- Occasionally takes poor angles.

Does He Fit With The Giants?

If they decide they have room for him on their roster, absolutely. Boston reminds me of an unpolished Will Hill. The Giants like to mix up how they use their safeties, and Boston can do it all. He can play close to the line of scrimmage, he can play deep halves, he can blitz, or he can play center field as a single high safety.

He needs to get coached up on his technique and develop (and learn to act on) his instincts, but he has the tools to be a good starting safety.

Personally, I think the Giants could also use the energy and vocal leadership he brings to the field. Boston is the one shouting and communicating with the rest of the defense on the field.

Prospect Video

Big Board Rankings

Big Blue View - Not Ranked

Mocking The Draft - 129

CBS Sports - 202

Draft Countdown - Not Ranked

Draft Tek - 265

Final Thoughts

Tre Boston certainly qualifies as an "Under The Radar" prospect. He basically isn't getting any press whatsoever, but I really like watching him on tape. His game is quick, aggressive, and hard-hitting. CBS currently has him listed as a sixth-round prospect. If a team can get Tre Boston that late in the draft, it could set up to be a tremendous steal. Boston has some learning to do, and might spend his rookie year as a special teamer or rotational player, but I think he has the ability to be a solid, even good, starter.