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Scouting The 2014 NFL Draft: Calvin Pryor, FS, Louisville

We continue to look at some of the top prospects ahead of the 2014 NFL draft in relation to the Jets.

Jamie Rhodes-US PRESSWIRE

Introduction

It seems as though a lifetime since we last looked at a safety prospect. However we couldn't do this series without focusing on a first round safety like Pryor. We haven't spent a high draft pick on a safety in a long time, but there is always a first and if the talent level matches the value of the selection, why wouldn't we make the pick. Idzik's memo is always BPA, the best player at the position will be selected.

Pryor is a very durable player, not missing a single game in three years at Louisville. However I'm slightly concerned that his style does not lend itself to longevity. However lets hope I'm wrong as this is a player fans will want to see week in and week out. It may be a little controversial, but I'm personally starting to like Pryor a lot more than Clinton-Dix as the top safety in this draft.

Mesurables

Height: 5'11

Weight: 207lb's

Arms: 31 3/8"

Hands: 9 1/8"

Class: Junior

40 Yard: 4.58

Bench: 18

Vertical: 34.5"

Broad: 116"

Statistics

Year Tackles For A Loss Sacks Interceptions Pass Defences Forced Fumbles
2013 75 5.5 0 3 4 2
2012 100 2.5 1 2 7 5
2011 43 3.0 1 2 7 2

Positives

  • Big-Hitter, if you like your safeties to hit like a truck, then Pryor is your man.
  • Instincts, excellent in all areas of the game, playing the pass and the run.
  • Excellent range to play sideline-to-sideline.
  • Very good awareness and acceleration.
  • Fantastic closing speed and decent top end speed as well.
  • Looks the part, good frame and bulk to play the position.
  • Leadership, coaches talked about his leadership on the field last season
  • Has a nose for the ball, works through traffic to find the ball carrier.
  • Very good in zone, baits quarterbacks by allowing a little cushion before closing quickly.
Negatives
  • Angles, this is something I really don't like. Sometimes he over-pursues and takes poor angles.
  • Will get flagged, the more the NFL protects receivers the more players like Pryor will get flagged.
  • Doesn't have great acceleration out of the back-pedal, much better playing the ball in front.
  • Wasn't asked to play much man coverage and didn't cover slot receivers often.
Conclusion

I really like Pryor for his physical nature. He's a fantastic run defender and has the range to cover a lot of ground in zone-coverage. The angle issue is something that I really don't like, leaving a backfield exposed and losing any advantage by taking poor angles is infuriating. However his willingness to put it all on the line and leave everything out on the field separates him from another Louisville safety we used to have (Rhodes).

Would I draft him for the Jets

I have a lot of faith in our defensive coaches, so I would absolutely draft Pryor in the first round if we believed he was the guy. He has a lot to like about his game and his physical nature may rub-off on the rest of our defensive back-field. I don't think we will select him, but I have no problem in taking him.