DeAndre Houston-Carson, FS, William & Mary: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report
DeAndre Houston-Carson is a former cornerback turned safety. He’s a player that has a high motor and always finds himself around the football at any given time.
Given the fact that Houston-Carson has played both safety and cornerback he gives teams a versatile trait that many other defensive backs don’t have. He has the size to be a starting NFL safety and the fluid hips to be an NFL corner.
Houston-Carson has also been known to make an impact on special teams as he has nine career blocked kicks to add to his rap sheet. A player of his caliber can be a difference maker for an NFL team that’s looking to add a solid playmaker to their secondary.
Position: FS/CB
Height: 6’1
Weight: 201
School: William & Mary
2015 Season Stats: 109 tackles (4.5 for loss), 4 interceptions, 2 blocked kicks, 4 defensive scores (1 interception, 1 blocked field goal and 1 blocked PAT, 1 blocked punt that resulted in a safety)
Strengths
What are coaches going to love most about DHC? They’re going to love that he’s an effort guy and he never strains away from that. He’s the kind of guy who can come in with a head of steam and still break down and tackle properly. He has a nose for the offenses plays and is all around a natural field general.
DHC had 109 tackles for his team last year which is indication that the safety position may be a perfect fit for him.
He has fluid hips as a defensive back and has some of the better tracking skills in this years draft class. His ability to slip by blockers and make a play in the backfield is a trait that many former cornerbacks lack when switching up top.
When watching tape of DHC he is without a doubt the most talented player on the field.
Weaknesses
DHC will have to prove that he is great no matter the level of football he plays. While he clearly stuck out in his league, he’ll be faced with tougher competition and less leniency in the NFL when it comes to the opposition. His recognition skills are among the best but he still takes poor angles at times and sometimes looks for the big hit instead of breaking down and making his money. Teams may want DHC to add a few pounds as his 200lb frame is slight and could use an additional 10.
Outlook
There’s going to be an adjustment period for the former Tribe member as he jumps over division one football into the NFL. Deandre Houston-Carson has almost everything you look for in a defensive back and could potentially be the steal of the draft.