Early NFL Draft Scouting: Jeremy Cash, FS, Duke
By Jonah Tuls
Sep 27, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Joseph Yearby (2) runs past Duke Blue Devils safety Jeremy Cash (16) during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
When talking about the 2016 NFL Draft and it’s deep crop of safeties this year, you cannot forget to mention one of the best if not the best safety of them all in Jeremy Cash as he undoubtedly shows the uncanny ability to make plays at all levels on the defense. There is no question that he is the driving force behind the Duke defense, and there is no reason to believe that he can’t have the same impact on an NFL team.
Let alone defensive backs, Jeremy Cash showed to me on the tape I’ve seen that he is one of the most under-appreciated players in all of the 2016 NFL Draft. The talent is evident, but what got me sold was the heart and determination he plays with each down in the game. Players like that stick around in the NFL and make an impact. As a scout, competitive toughness is a crucial factor of the process of evaluating a player, and for Cash, I have no doubts about him concerning his intangibles.
Here is some film and highlights of Cash if you don’t believe me.
Observations
– Tall, rangy safety at 6’2″ that has shown ability to play both in the box and as a centerfielder.
– Has no problem playing in space as he drops back into zone and reads the quarterback’s eyes like a book for the spectacular play.
– Showed position flexibility as he played not only both safety positions, but also as a dime linebacker and a nickel cornerback.
– Valuable asset in run support as he reads the play with ease and sheds the block with excellent take-on skills. Finishes the play with good technique and raw power.
– Rarely misses an open-field tackle despite taking some questionable pursuit angles.
– His closing speed and short area athleticism is remarkable considering his position as a safety.
– A quick-twitch athlete that has a direct nose for the ball at all levels in the game. Absolute playmaker from the safety position to that of an Ed Reed considering the ball skills and timing he possesses.
– His man coverage skills from the safety position are legit. He mirrors receivers and tight ends with rare change of direction skills and hip fluidity almost as if he was a cornerback.
Takeaway
– NFL Comparison: Ed Reed.
– Would’ve been the first safety chosen in 2015 NFL Draft.
– 1st Round Talent.
– Scheme Versatile
– One of my favorite players to watch on tape to date altogether, and I cannot wait to see him grow even more as a football player in the year of 2015 for the Duke Blue Devils.