Pick 27, Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware
Nasir Adderley looks like the top safety in this year’s class already impressing Jon Gruden as a captain on his Senior Bowl team.
https://twitter.com/NasirAdderley/status/1090012309261414400
Adderley impressed at the Senior Bowl, finishing with two Raiders stickers slapped on his helmet, one for his captaincy, the other for an interception.
While the Raiders have already invested in the safety position in free agency and in the resigning of Erik Harris, it would not be surprising if a defensive back was taken early given Paul Guenther’s draft tendencies with the Bengals. With free safety Lamarcus Joyner expected to be seeing a lot of time in the slot, Nasir Adderley could be the player to truly unlock Guenther’s defensive scheme while also providing competition at the safety position.
It’s very difficult to pick holes in Adderley’s game, the biggest problem not being with him, but the weakness in competition he faced. Adderley provides complete versatility in his game having moved from cornerback to safety to help his team, a decision that would have both Gruden and Guenther drooling. Being a fluid athlete with great range, he would serve as the cover safety the Raiders have been missing for a while. The Delaware prospect has also shown improved recognition of developing routes, finding success playing instinctively. A little better discipline will be needed when playing a deep zone however, as he occasionally got burned being too eager to make a play.
#Delaware safety Nasir Adderley has some insane range. Playing deep safety here. Shot out of a cannon to contest the catch along the sideline. pic.twitter.com/7k4IPojvr4
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) February 24, 2019
From the hash to the opposite sideline, this play is only more impressive when you consider the wider distance between the hashes. Adderley covered a lot of ground.
Adderley’s experience as a cornerback is highlighted in man coverage despite finding himself covering one on one very rarely over the last few seasons. Has the physicality and technique to be effective at the line of scrimmage, showing patience with quick clean feet to match receivers. His athleticism shows up when playing in off coverage, displaying good click and close ability to drive on routes. Adderley has also proven to be a player to avoid throwing at, attacking the catch point well, playing the ball as opposed to settling for a hit and reception.
https://twitter.com/MichaelKistNFL/status/1087037481143463938
His tendency as a slight gambler paid off here. With his explosiveness and playmaking ability it would be a waste to restrict him from taking these risks.
Perhaps the most desirable trait to Adderley’s game, at least for Gruden, is his attitude. Adderley is an incredibly physical player, taking on blocks with some ferocity and looking like a bullet in run support. Despite this mentality he shows great form as a tackler, not raging in with a shoulder but making sure to finish the job wrapping up, usually resulting in a crunching hit anyway. Adderley has also expressed his love for special teams, another testament to his desire to help his team win. Gruden has spoken about wanting to find a leader at all three levels of the defense, he would have one in Nasir Adderley. If you’re still not convinced, you should be able to find his ridiculous one-handed pick on a highlight reel somewhere, but I’ll save you some time and let your jaw drop.
Another #BlueHens top play?
Nasir Adderley does his best OBJ impression on this #SCTop10 INT
(via @DelawareFB)pic.twitter.com/jxf2jbSzz0
— NCAA FCS Football (@NCAA_FCS) October 28, 2017