Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas: 2013 NFL Draft Player Profile

Height: 6′

Oct 27, 2012; Lawrence, KS, USA; Texas Longhorns safety Kenny Vaccaro (4) comes onto the field for the game with the Kansas Jayhawks at Memorial Stadium. Texas won the game 21-17. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Weight: 214

Position Rank: 1st

Drafted By: New Orleans Saints (1st round, 15th overall)

40 Yard Dash: 4.63

Bench Press: 15

Vertical Jump: 38

Broad Jump: 121

20-Yard Shuttle: 4.06

2012 Statistics

Career Highlights

As a Freshman Vaccaro played in all 13 games at safety and on special teams. He had 18 tackles, a forced fumble, and a blocked punt. As a Sophomore, Vaccaro played in all 12 games at safety, starting 6 of those games. Of those 6 starts, 2 were at safety and 4 were at nickle. He had 54 tackles, 1 interception, 3 tackles for a loss, 8 passes defensed, 1 forced fumble and 1 blocked kick. As a Junior he started all 13 games at free safety. He had 67 tackles, 6.5 for a loss, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions and 9 passes defensed. He was an first team Big 12 selection by the coaches. As a Senior, Vaccaro amassed 92 tackles, 4.5 for a loss, 2 interceptions, 7 passes defensed and 2 forced fumbles. He was a first team All-American selection by Pro Football Weekly and a first team All-Big 12 selection.

Career Stats

Tackles     TFL     Sacks     Interceptions     PD     FF

231             14       2            5                           24     4

Scouting Report/Player Notes

Strengths: Has the ability to drop down and cover in the slot. Played some nickle back in college. Fluid hips and good change of direction ability. Has the size you want out of your safety. Can play either safety position. Good tackler in the open field. Is a good at blitzing and shows aggressiveness in the run game. Shows athletic ability to cover half the field in a cover 2 scheme. Has good vision and instincts in coverage.

Weaknesses: Can be overly aggressive when running towards the line of scrimmage and get himself out of position. Will bite on play action. Must wrap up better, will duck his head and leave cutback lanes. Plays at one speed, doesn’t have a 2nd gear he can turn on. Only had 5 interceptions in his career at Texas.

Draft Projection: Mid 1st – Late 1st

Vaccaro is one of a few prospects who came into this season with high expectations, and has kind of fallen off the radar a bit. I still think he is one of the best safety prospects in the draft. He has really good instincts, great size, and he’s an excellent athlete. Excellent closing speed but needs to learn to break down and take on ball carriers rather than trying to hit them as hard as he could. He’s been very productive as a senior with 65 tackles, two interceptions, and 3.5 tackles for loss. Does a good job reading the quarterback’s eyes and making plays on the ball. Had a huge junior season where he earned All Big 12 honors. There were many who thought he would have undoubtedly been a first round pick had he left last season, and obviously his weaknesses will be amplified with every minute he stays with the Longhorns, however, I think he is still a top notch safety prospect with the tools to be a Pro Bowl starter in the NFL.

Video Highlights (via YouTube)

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