2021 NFL Draft: 4 Potential late-round steals at safety

This year’s value at safety in the 2021 NFL draft will have to be found in the late rounds and here are four gems to watch out for. 

The safety class in the upcoming 2012 NFL draft isn’t quite as strong as it’s been in recent years.

There really are no sure-fire first-rounders this year. TCU’s Travis Moehring is projected to be a first or second-round pick, but anyone after him is likely to be second or later.

While the 2021 NFL draft isn’t full of elite safety prospects, there are a lot of solid guys this year. A number of guys could go in the second or third round. It could be a run that sees upwards of eight or nine safeties drafted on day two.

Of course, we’re looking for the hidden gems that will be available on day three. There will be a number of quality prospects remaining, but these four stand above the rest.

Ar’Darius Washington, TCU

Washington is still a raw prospect. He only played two full seasons at the college level (he played in two games as a redshirt freshman in 2018) and his size at 5-foot-8, 178 pounds is definitely a negative.

Washington’s numbers weren’t as impressive in 2020 as they were in 2019. He played in three fewer games in 2020 so his 11 fewer tackles make sense, but he didn’t record a single interception after snagging five in 2019.

He won’t be the fastest player on the board, another potential drawback that could allow Washington to free fall.

Although Washington’s size works against him, he’s someone that gives 110% effort on every single play. He’s not afraid to make a big hit, even if it results in him taking most of the punishment.

Even if it’s not at his career position at safety, Washington is too good to not make a name for himself in the NFL somewhere on the field.