2021 NFL Draft safety rankings: Grant and Moehrig battle for the top spot
By John Blair
17. Joshuah Bledsoe, Missouri
5-foot-11, 204 pound
2021 NFL Draft grade: Seventh round
Missouri’s Joshua Bledsoe is a physical player who was asked to shut down the opposing team’s slot receiver in the Tigers’ defense. The downfalls with Bledsoe is that he only shows average speed and is not the most fluid athlete. He will likely be someone who tries to make a team with solid special teams play.
18. Brady Breeze, Oregon
6-foot, 197 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Seventh round
Oregon’s Brady Breeze was only a one-year starter at Oregon, but it was a strong year for him as he posted 62 tackles and returned three turnovers for touchdowns. Breeze has the talent to be a backup strong safety and special teams player in the NFL due to his instincts and aggressive style of play. However, his lack of speed will likely limit his overall NFL potential.
19. Damar Hamlin, Pittsburgh
6-foot-1, 200 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Seventh round
Pittsburgh’s Damar Hamlin had a productive college career finishing with 290 tackles and six interceptions. However, his upside in the NFL is limited due to him lacking the speed and cover skills to match up well in this area against pro wide receivers. While he did put up impressive numbers against the run he lacks much power when it comes to tackling and has trouble bringing down ball carriers at times. He is a player who will be drafted late in the 2021 NFL and will have to fight to make an NFL roster.
Players with free agent grades
20. Paris Ford, Pittsburgh
21. Jamien Sherwood, Auburn
22. Tariq Thompson, San Diego State
23. Qwynnterrio Cole. Alcorn State