The Last Line: Defensive Backs to Watch

<p>When everything breaks down, defenses rely on their secondary to save the day. These defensive backs possess not only the talent, but the mentality to pick up the call. While minimizing mistakes and preventing explosive plays- they are the certified playmakers. Rather their locking up on an island, lurking in zone, or causing havoc in run game - these collection of defensive backs exhibit next level traits. </p>    <p>Though Jackson is an elite two contributor he has the athletic profile and intangibles to be a next level corner. Despite splitting reps he has the quickness, speed, and skill jump off the film. He can cover vertically and remain in the hip pocket to close air space. He also has enough savy to use the sideline as a second defender. </p>   <p>At the catch point, Jackson plays with confidence and talent beyond his years. The instincts, recovery speed, and ability to make plays on the football make him one of the more polished young defensive backs currently trending upward.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/jordankjackson4/status/1984046454445633726?s=20 </div></figure>    <p>Smith brings an enforcer mentality to the secondary. He fills alleys aggressively, takes good angles, and consistently finishes plays when opportunities present themselves. His consistently a tackler and physicality immediately on film.</p>   <p>Though he's at his best in the box, triggering downhill, and meeting ball carriers a the point of attack - Smith flashes a bit of versatility. He has the speed, instinct, and and awareness to fluctuate between the safety spots while remaining effective against both the run and pass. </p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/DekolbiSmith/status/1993801852916519343?s=20 </div></figure>    <p>Sirico's games defined by urgency and range. The sideline-to-sideline radius and rapid fire downhill triggers allow him to live near the ball and be a constant playmaker. This skill set thrives near the line of scrimmage where his tackling ability and physicality become major assets.</p>   <p>His relentless effort is similar to that of a linebacker. He's seeks contact with controlled aggression. Flows to the ball with a controlled physicality and can be trusted in the open field. From a coverage perspective this effort is highlighted as well. Even when initially out-leveraged, his recovery speed and never-quit mentality often allow him to recover and affect plays late in the rep.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/logansirico12/status/2016951973551960242?s=20 </div></figure>    <p>Hill's athleticism and coverage instincts gives him an intriguing profile and tremendous upside. His plus wingspan allows him to tighten throwing windows and generate pass breakups even if he's a step behind. This excellent timing at the catch point generates momentum building deflections.</p>   <p>In man coverage, he has the quickness to mirror and stay connected through routes. His closing burst and recovery speed make it difficult for receivers to separate cleanly plus his resolve and calmness when getting in phase make him dangerous to test in most matchups. </p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/hilltristan12/status/2038425305803530563?s=20 </div></figure>    <p>Thomas is one of the more intriguing ballhawks in the group. His uncanny tracking skills paired with receiver-like ball ability show up at the catch point. His ability to generate turnovers and disrupt passing windows is elite. His aggressiveness towards the ball, high point ability, and timing is similar to an shot blocking center in basketball. He simply erases big plays and can be depended on to cover the field </p>   <p>Beyond the ball production, he adds value as a return specialist and willing tackler. His range, change-of-direction ability, and flashes of man-coverage suggest he's capable of being a quality corner in addition to his proficiency at safety. </p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/XykaisT/status/2051849483932062079?s=20 </div></figure>

When everything breaks down, defenses rely on their secondary to save the day. These defensive backs possess not only the talent, but the mentality to pick up the call. While minimizing mistakes and preventing explosive plays- they are the certified playmakers. Rather their locking up on an island, lurking in zone, or causing havoc in run game - these collection of defensive backs exhibit next level traits.