Browns: Top 5 safety targets in the 2018 NFL Draft
5. DeShon Elliott, Texas
Texas’s DeShon Elliott might not be the best safety prospect in this class, but he is certainly one of the most interesting. With six interceptions, he had amazing production in 2017 with the Longhorns.
What immediately jumps out when looking at Elliott is his NFL size. At 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, Elliott is a menacing presence in the defensive backfield. He’s a physical tackler who is never afraid to make the big hit.
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Elliott was a unanimous All-Big XII and All-American safety in 2017, and he likely projects as a free safety at the next level. He does lack the supreme athletic ability of other safeties in this class, but his physicality is second to none.
Elliott is effective in both pass defense and run defense sets, as he has the size to cover any position on the field. The only worry with Elliott is that he may run slowly at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Right now, WalterFootball.com projects Elliott to run a 4.65-second 40-yard dash.
"“There are concerns in the scouting community about Elliott’s speed, and they think that he could run slow times in pre-draft workouts. If he does run slowly, he could slide into the mid-rounds.” — Charlie Campbell, Walter Football"
Nevertheless, Elliott has the upside and skillset to make it in the NFL. He currently projects as a second to fourth-round pick. However, he could fall down draft boards if he runs slower than scouts hope for him to.
The Browns may be looking to take a safety in the middle rounds of this year’s NFL Draft. Elliott might be just the guy they’re looking for, and a great value pick as well.