The Deep Patrol

I bought Mel Kiper’s draft guide back in 1996. He concluded his write-up on a safety prospect from Clemson with this sentence.

“Dawkins is the type who definitely brings a rugged style to the deep patrol.”

Deep patrol was a new phrase to me, but I liked it and it’s stuck with me ever since. I’m assuming you know who that prospect is. For those who don’t, find Eric Zomalt and ask him who he lost his job to.

The Eagles lost their starting safeties from last year so they’ll have new players manning the deep patrol. Reed Blankenship started four games last year and I’m sure the team will have him penciled in as a starter. Terrell Edmunds was added in free agency. He started 75 games for the Steelers so he will be expected to take the other starting role. Justin Evans and K’Von Wallace are expected to be the primary backups.

This is not the most compelling group of safeties. I think Waters-Hopkins and Dawkins-Mikell will be safe for now. Nate Allen and Patrick Chung should be very worried about their place in tream history.

There is no question that the Eagles would love to add a safety in the upcoming draft. The question is what they are looking for.

Let’s talk about some of the top prospects.

Brian Branch – Alabama – 6-0, 190

Branch played nickel and safety for the Crimson Tide. The Eagles generally prefer versatile DBs so Branch would make sense in that regard. He has good man cover skills. Branch is also a playmaker. He had 14 TFLs, 3 sacks, 7 PBUs and 2 INTs last year. He picked off 4 passes in his career. Branch isn’t a great athlete. He ran 4.58, but he’s smart and instinctive. He plays faster than he times.

Blessing the timeline with some Brian Branch highlights. Baller. pic.twitter.com/DMqieHgLA5

— JC Cornell (@CornellNFL) April 1, 2023

Branch isn’t compelling in terms of size or athleticism, but he is an outstanding player who would be an excellent addition to the Eagles secondary. He’s not worth pick 10 and probably won’t last to pick 30. They’d need to either go back or up.

Antonio Johnson – Texas A&M – 6-2, 198 

Johnson was the nickel in 2021 and finished second on the team in tackles. He moved to safety in 2022 and had another good season. Like Branch, he’s the kind of versatile DB the Eagles might want. He’s not nearly as much of a playmaker. He only had one career INT. Johnson is a solid hitter, but inconsistent tackler. He can clean up those issues with better technique. Okay athlete. Ran 4.52 at the Combine.

Watching #TAMU defensive film and I can’t keep my eyes off of DB Antonio Johnson, the sophomore from East St. Louis. Run support, coverage ability as primarily a NB in that talented defense was outstanding.

Going to make the move full time at safety in 2022…very bright future. pic.twitter.com/yDIdHbe3ZN

— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) February 11, 2022

I don’t have a good feel for his ball skills. The Eagles would like his length and he’s got good cover skills. I think Johnson will go in the second round.

*****

Things open up after the first couple of safeties. I’m going to list three more guys that I think make sense, but that doesn’t mean they’re the next three in order. Safety is an odd position where teams can have wildly different rankings.

*****

JL Skinner – Boise State – 6-4, 209

3-year starter with outstanding size. Good in man coverage. Has the ability to make plays down the field or in the box. Gets a good jump on the ball. Picked off 7 passes in his career. Solid hitter and tackler. Uses his length to do a good job of wrapping up targets.

https://twitter.com/NFLRookieWatxh/status/1638369068095885313

Sean Desai would have to be fascinated by Skinner. He’s got the size to cover TEs. He’s got the length to cover a lot of ground in the deep middle. Skinner has good ball skills and shows playmaking potential. Physical player who will mix it up as a run defender.

Chamarri Conner – Virginia Tech – 6-0, 202

Probably the most versatile DB in the draft. Started at CB, nickel and safety. That’s rare. Was a 4-year starter who racked up 311 career tackles. Had 5.5 sacks in one season. Picked off 4 passes in his career. Some teams will want Conner as a nickel. I think his best spot is safety.

So @HokiesFB NB Chamarri Conner is quickly becoming a favorite of mine!

6'0 211lbs SR
Trinity Christian Alum
2year Starter
532 Special Teams Snaps
22+ MPH

I can watch @chamarriconner9 play the run & tackle all day long! Find #22 and enjoy! Some Chuck Clark vibes to his game! pic.twitter.com/RKyA8l5pGs

— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) August 2, 2021

Conner had an outstanding workout at the Combine. Ran 4.51, jumped 40.5 inches and did 20 reps on the bench. That’s speed, strength and explosion. He’s good in man coverage and solid against TEs.

Conner would be a mid-round target and would give the Eagles a highly versatile, highly athletic player to add to the mix at safety.

Daniel Scott – Cal – 6-1, 208

I don’t understand how Scott doesn’t have more buzz. Worked his way from special teams standout to 3-year starter. Piled up 167 tackles over the past two seasons. Also had 3 INTs each of those years. Ran 4.45 at the Combine and did 22 reps. Had a 3-cone time of 6.75. This is one outstanding athlete and good football player. Had a strong showing at the Senior Bowl.

https://twitter.com/JimNagy_SB/status/1636005442974363649

Scott is a really intriguing prospect who would give the Eagles a player who excels in deep coverage and is also good in man coverage. He will hit and tackle. I think he should be a third or fourth round pick. Scott looks like a starting safety and he’s got a lot of potential.

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