NFL Draft – FS Rankings
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15.) Daytawion Lowe, Oklahoma St (5’11, 195): Good speed (4.46) in coverage with the ability to play the ball with his back to the QB and is an aggressive, reliable tackler against the run. Lowe struggles at times with taller receivers due to a lack of height, but that is his only clear weakness. He has NFL ability and should be able to help in sub packages and on special teams. Good value on day 3 or as a priority UFA. Draft projection: 7th-UFA
16.) Pierre Warren, Jackson St (6’1, 202): Small school prospect with good size and a lot of potential. Warren was very productive last season, leading his team in both tackles (76) and interceptions (5). The jump from the Ohio Valley conference to the NFL is steep, but Warren has NFL tools and should be able to contribute down the road. Draft projection: 7th-UFA
17.) Nick Addison, Bethune-Cookman (6’2, 185): Tall with excellent speed (<4.5) and very good ball skills. Addison had 9 interceptions in 25 starts and helped Bethune-Cookman win back-to-back MEAC titles. Addison is facing a big jump in competition but has enough talent to eventually contribute at corner or free safety. Good developmental prospect. Draft projection: UFA
18.) Lonnie Ballentine, Memphis (6’3, 219): Great athlete (4.37 40-time, 38″ vertical, 10.5′ broad) who started for Memphis the last two seasons. Ballentine has an ideal size / speed ratio for the safety position, but his play hasn’t always matched his potential. He should be able to contribute right away on special teams and with some coaching could see the field on defense as well. Draft projection: UFA
19.) Jacques Washington, Iowa St (6’0, 220): Good size, great instincts and a force against the run, but a limited athlete who might be too slow for an NFL defensive back. Then again, his instincts might be good enough to let him play faster on the field. Washington is versatile enough to play either safety position and is worth a look as a priority UFA. Draft projection: UFA
20.) Mycal Swiam, Eastern Michigan (6’3, 214): JC transfer who only was a full-time starter for 1 season but made a huge improvement as a senior. Swaim has great size and good enough speed (4.49) to play in the league. He is already a force against the run, but needs to improve his coverage technique and his ball skills. Swaim is a project, but has an ideal size / speed ratio for the position and has plenty of upside. After a year or two in the practice squad he could be an impact player. Draft projection: UFA
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