NFL Draft – FS Rankings
Josh D. Weiss-USA TODAY Sports
11.) Jemea Thomas, Georgia Tech (5’10, 190): Despite his small stature, Thomas is aggressive and a good hitter. He has good speed and plenty of range in coverage, but lacks ideal size and and has durability issues. Draft projection: 6th-7th
12.) Christian Bryant, Ohio St (5’9, 198): Undersized and coming off a serious ankle injury, but when healthy Bryant was a well-rounded safety who is good vs both the run and pass. He displayed great instincts, good closing speed, fluidity in coverage, and sound tackling technique. Underrated safety prospect who could contribute right away in sub packages. Draft projection: 6th-7th
13.) Elisha Olabode, TCU (5’10, 198): A bit undersized and a step slow (4.67), but besides that he’s a heck of a football player who gives max-effort on every play. Olabode is a beast in run support, a sound tackler and big hitter. He’s not quite as good in coverage, but he has good range and has excellent ball skills. His deep coverage skills are a weak spot, but he excels on underneath routes. I think he’s underrated and will see the field as a rookie even if he ends up as a UFA. Draft projection: 7th-UFA
14.) Avery Patterson, Oregon (5’9, 190): Undersized converted cornerback who has only played free safety for two seasons. Despite his small frame, Patterson is a force in run support. He’s a sound tackler and a impact hitter. Where he struggles is with his angles to the ball carrier. Any Bears fan who watched Major Wright is familiar with how big of a flaw that can be. Patterson occasionally has angle issues in coverage as well, but had enough speed to recover at the college level. It will be a more glaring issue at the next level against NFL speed. Patterson is better in man coverage than zone so he may move back to corner in the pros. Either way, he should be able to contribute in sub packages right away and with improved technique and added strength could force his way in to the starting lineup in a year or two. Draft projection: 7th-UFA