10 Standout NFL Draft Prospects from Smaller Programs

This year’s safety class has been highlighted by some big names like LSU’s Jamal Adams, Ohio State’s Malik Hooker and Michigan’s Jabrill Peppers. However, one player who is quickly working himself into the conversation with those other prospects is Connecticut’s Obi Melifonwu.

Melifonwu was all over the field as the Huskies’ defensive star this season. In 12 games, he was able to rack up 118 total tackles while adding four interceptions and three passes broken up.

At 6-foot-4 and 219 pounds, Melifonwu is significantly taller than most safety prospects, but he still moves surprisingly well in space. He’s a versatile safety who can play at the line of scrimmage or back deep in coverage. He does a great job of breaking downhill to make a play on the ball carrier and is a reliable tackler.

In all fairness, I haven’t watched enough of Melifonwu in coverage to know whether or not he can avoid getting beat deep. The biggest knock I’ve noticed is that although he makes plenty of tackles, he can struggle to shed blockers when engaged with them.

After a strong showing in the Senior Bowl, Melifonwu’s draft stock continues to soar. I currently have a Round 2 grade on him, but if he shines at the Scouting Combine, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him taken in the first round come late April.