DeShon Elliott, S, Texas: 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report
By Andrew Kim
Games Watched: 2017- USC, Oklahoma State
Strengths:
2017- against Oklahoma State:
DeShon Elliott is around the ball consistently and makes plays. In the two games I watched, he has not missed a tackle and has made the one on one tackles necessary consistently.
On this play, Elliott makes a great play by seeing the screen and making the stop before the goal line to prevent the touchdown. Elliott is a very good run supporter and can be anywhere on the field and can make the tackle.
On this play, Elliott comes down near the line and wraps up the running back very nicely as it shows his versatility as a box safety when they use him as one. As a bigger safety, his tackling is not surprising, but teams will love his aggressiveness when he hits the ball carrier.
2017- against USC:
On this play, Elliott is at the right place at the right time and gets the tipped ball and runs it back for a touchdown. Most of his interceptions were like that in his junior season but has very good hands as a defensive back overall.
On this play, Elliott blitzes and does a good job tripping up the running back and shows good enough acceleration to tackle the ball carrier behind the line of scrimmage. He can play in multiple defensive packages and can be used as a blitzer occasionally near the line of scrimmage.
On this play, Elliott jumps the route and breaks the pass up. He almost gets his 3rd interception of the game and gets between the receiver and ball as this shows great play recognition.
Weaknesses:
There are not many weaknesses to DeShon Elliott, but one big concern is deep speed. He can be beaten at times, especially in man coverage due to that speed. Also due to his aggressiveness, he could bite on double moves occasionally and could be too aggressive.
2017- against USC:
On this play, DeShon Elliott loses sight of the receiver and gives up the touchdown. He does not track the receiver well and is beat in coverage as the deep safety. This was the only play Elliott gave up in the two games I watched.