NFL Draft 2020: Top safeties who could help the Cleveland Browns secondary -- Film Review

Isaiah Simmons

Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons (11) is one of the top defensive prospects of the 2020 NFL Draft .(AP Photo/Sean Rayford, File)AP

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Coming into the 2019 season, the Browns were secure at safety. Damarious Randall was coming off a four-interception 2018 campaign. Offseason acquisitions Jermaine Whitehead and Eric Murray provided depth, and rookie Sheldrick Redwine could learn from the sideline.

Then things went south. Whitehead was cut in early November for sending “unacceptable” tweets. Randall faced internal discipline which kept him out of the most important game of the season in Pittsburgh; and Murray missed seven games due to a knee injury. So much flux forced Redwine to play sooner than he was probably ready to, and put former practice-squad player Juston Burris in a primary role.

At season’s end, the Browns roster had six safeties: Redwine, Randall, Murray, Burris, Hassell and Morgan Burnett.

But Murray, Burris and Randall are unrestricted free agents. Burnett has one year remaining and is scheduled to make almost $5 million, but there is an early out in his deal that could save the Browns almost $4 million against the cap if they cut him.

That leaves Redwine and Hassell, who were both rookies a year ago, as the only safeties with a likely chance of returning. Redwine started the final five games of his first season and graded out as a 66.4 overall, according to Pro Football Focus.

The Browns’ situation serves as an example of how quickly things change in the NFL. Cleveland went from a mix of safety talent -- both veteran and youthful -- to scarce safety talent with question marks everywhere. That likely will lead to at least one safety taken in the 2020 draft.

Indeed, it could be wise for new GM Andrew Berry and his staff to target one early.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the top prospects in the 2020 draft.

Isaiah Simmons, Clemson football

Clemson's Isaiah Simmons waits on the snap during the a 2019 game against Wofford.AP

Isaiah Simmons, 6-4, 230 pounds, Clemson, junior

Seeing Simmons listed here may look like an error. On position rankings and mock big boards across the Internet, Simmons is usually listed as a linebacker. But for anyone who followed Clemson this season, it became glaringly obvious that Simmons projects as either a linebacker or safety.

Check these numbers out:

  • Of his 822 snaps played this season, Simmons lined up in the box as a traditional linebacker 299 times (36 percent), according to Pro Football Focus.
  • He served as Clemson’s deep free safety 132 times (16 percent), and lined up at defensive end or an edge rusher on 116 snaps (14 percent).
  • Most impressively, Simmons lined up in the slot as a souped-up nickel corner 262 times (32 percent), proving more than capable of defending the nation’s best tight ends and slot receivers in space.

As the focal point of Clemson’s 3-1-7 scheme, Simmons was the perfect defender to plug in all over Dabo Swinney’s versatile defense.

Basically, Simmons is the dream of any NFL defensive coordinator. He’s a hybrid built to stop the run, defend the pass and rush the quarterback. He’s the perfect defender to counter modern offenses and possibly be the next Derwin James or Jamal Adams.

When it comes time to write about linebacker prospects, Simmons will show up again. Until then, let’s take a look at a few plays that highlight what makes Simmons one of the top safeties.

Simmons’s talent is undeniable. On the first play from the above clip, Clemson uses Simmons (11) as a blitzing single-high safety. He immediately finds the quarterback and takes him out.

On the next play, Simmons remains at his high safety spot but this time drops back. Though he moves off the screen, it is easy to tell how he makes a play by following Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields’ facemask. At the snap while Simmons backpedals, Fields looks left and never moves his head. Because of this, Simmons reads Fields and makes the interception. This play shows both his ability to read a quarterback, break on a ball and have the closing speed to intercept it.

Such characteristics are usually reserved for safeties, not linebackers. But that’s why Simmons is a hybrid who can do it all. On the last play, he locks up LSU tight end Thaddeus Moss on what should’ve been an easy 5-yard stick-route completion. But Simmons wasn’t fooled and had the quickness to break out of his zone drop.

Grant Delpit, LSU safety

LSU safety Grant Delpit celebrates during the Tigers' national championship win last month.AP

Grant Delpit, 6-3, 203 pounds, LSU, junior

After Simmons, this draft class features several traditional safeties who merit first-round selection. LSU junior Grant Delpit and Alabama safety Xavier McKinney are similar prospects who will both likely hear their names called on Day 1.

Delpit seems like the top pure safety not only because of his play on the field this season, but also because of what he overcame off it.

After his sophomore season, Delpit was one of the most respected defenders in college football. An unanimous All-American, Delpit finished with five interceptions, five sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss and 74 tackles. The only thing lacking was Delpit winning the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s best defensive back, and a national championship.

This season, Delpit earned both accolades. But it came at a price. Delpit battled nagging shoulder and ankle injuries all season. His ankle got so bad that he was largely responsible for 30 second-half points and six plays of 30-plus yards in a mid-November game against Ole Miss.

It was clear Delpit wasn’t right, plus his shoulder injury from August still wasn’t healed. Coach Ed Orgeron decided to sit Delpit for two games. Finally rested, he returned and helped contain three talented offenses (Georgia, Oklahoma and Clemson) en route to a championship.

Because of his perseverance, the Thorpe committee named him the best defensive back in the country even though the posted worse numbers as a junior.

Delpit is a player with a natural blend of speed, awareness, quickness and grit. Let’s take a look at a few of his highlights.

Delpit (7) is the complete package. As a cover guy, he thrived at disguising his coverages and baiting quarterbacks into ill-advised throws. His knack also showed up in blitz situations. Delpit knows how to gauge a snap count and time out his blitz in pursuit of a sack.

Against Texas A&M, Delpit tricked the Aggies quarterback into throwing a first-quarter interception by rolling his coverage late. As a result, the ball went right to Delpit, who displayed some decent return skills.

On the next play, Delpit becomes a physical run stopper. Sure, the player he tackles is Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence. But in doing so, he puts the crown of his helmet right on the football and forces Lawrence to fumble. It’s a heads-up play that safeties are coached to make when coming down in run support.

Citrus Bowl: Michigan vs. Alabama - January 1, 2020

Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson (2) is sacked by Alabama safety Xavier McKinney (15) in the third quarter of their Vrbo Citrus Bowl game at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, on Wednesday, January 1, 2020. Alabama won the game, 35-16. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)Mike Mulholland | MLive.com

Xavier McKinney, 6-1, 200 pounds, Alabama, junior

Alabama junior safety Xavier McKinney draws comparisons to the Steelers’ Minkah Fitzpatrick, and for good reason. Both are Crimson Tide products who stood out as do-it-all safeties, and like Fitzpatrick in the 2018 draft, McKinney is expected to be a first-round selection.

On tape, the two share a lot of similarities. McKinney can line up anywhere in the secondary and still end up near the football. Whether he is blitzing from a high safety spot, bringing heat while rolled down or tasked with covering a tight end, McKinney thrives in most situations.

His versatility is evident on film. McKinney led the team in tackles with 95. He also had three sacks, three interceptions, four forced fumbles and five pass breakups.

In ways, he is a smaller Simmons. He proved effective playing high safety, lining up as an edge rusher or defending in space.

At the next level, his largest concern may simply be how much more can he really improve? Unless his speed and agility tests surprise scouts, McKinney doesn’t seem to have the elite burst or speed to play a true center-field high safety spot in the NFL. He won’t be able to protect an entire side of the field playing Cover 1 (man-to-man) due to his limited foot speed.

But knocking a prospect who doesn’t have many flaws and packaging that as a red flag feels unfair. Therefore, let’s take a look at a few plays that highlight what makes McKinney a prime prospect.

McKinney (15) plays mean and knows how to set a tone. He’ll motor downhill to stop the run or disrupt a screen as shown on the first play above. After doing so, he sends a message by barking at his opponent afterward.

Because McKinney possesses a lightning-quick first step and trusts his instincts, his trash-talking opportunities came often in 2019. His ability to crush defenders behind the line is also an example of his dedication in the film room. Defenders usually blow plays up when they successfully read formations and trends. Perhaps a pre-snap motion or certain formation tips them off and they strike.

McKinney combines his film study with following his gut, which is needed to make impactful plays. As a cover guy, he knows how to be physical, track the ball and compete for it.

Ashtyn Davis

California safety Ashtyn Davis (27) defends against Utah on Oct. 26, 2019, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)AP

Ashtyn Davis, 6-1, 200 pounds, California, senior

If it were a requirement that anyone with NFL aspirations had to have a high school highlight tape, Cal senior safety Ashtyn Davis wouldn’t be draft-eligible. He was as a late bloomer as a kid now pegged as a Day 1 prospect could possibly be.

As a high school freshman, Davis was 5-4 and not even 100 pounds. Eventually, he grew. His 6-4 father and 5-9 mother were confident he eventually would, but college recruiters weren’t. It didn’t help that his junior year of varsity, the football team went 1-9.

But his high school success didn’t matter when he realized he could use track and field as an opportunity to walk on at college. He was a talented hurdler and joined Cal’s track team as a walk-on in the winter after he graduated high school.

He impressed enough to earn a look by the football staff, earning a spot on the team the following season. His sophomore year, he finished second in the 110-meter hurdles at the Pac-12 Championships and earned second-team All-America honors. When his track coach offered him a scholarship, he turned it down to keep playing football.

Eventually, Davis made a name for himself on fall Saturdays. He became a shutdown safety and cornerstone in the Bears’ defense. He also projects as a special teams return man. In 2018, Davis finished with the ninth-most return yards in college football.

What makes Davis (27) a coveted prospect is his closing speed. Obviously, he has wheels. But he isn’t just fast. He’s explosive, while maintaining speed and discipline in small spaces, which is a reason he excelled at hurdles.

On the first play above, Davis is lined up in man-to-man coverage against Oregon’s slot receiver. Though Davis gets beat off the line, his closing speed makes up for it. When Ducks quarterback (and projected top-15 pick) Justin Herbert is slightly late with the throw, Davis makes him pay. His closing speed not only blankets the receiver, but Davis catches the ball in stride to take it the other way.

On the next play, Davis faces a seam route. He comes from his high safety spot to break up a pass from Herbert to his running back. It sounds routine, but after watching the play, it is obvious Davis slows his feet down in order to avoid a pass interference or targeting penalty.

That is remarkable.

For Davis to stutter-step on a dime as he does and control his momentum enough to still hit the Ducks’ pass catcher in a safe target zone is as textbook as it gets. Such plays resemble free safeties like Earl Thomas or Eric Weddle in the NFL.

What’s next?

Later this week, we’ll look at other safeties the Browns could consider on Day 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft.


Like what you’re reading? You want more? Subscribe to Football Insider for exclusive Browns content, including daily texts from Mary Kay Cabot and cleveland.com's entire coverage team. Register quickly below using your phone number.



Buy Browns gear: Fanatics, NFL Shop, Amazon, Lids


More Browns coverage

Andrew Berry returns to Cleveland and offers a clear vision of how he wants Browns organization to run

Berry acknowledges role in 1-31, but is eager to make his mark with the 2020 Browns

Haslam calls Kareem Hunt’s actions ‘not acceptable’; Browns want him only if he can 'follow expectations’

Haslam ‘absolutely’ believes OBJ will be back and a big producer for Browns in 2020

Some advice for new Browns General Manager Andrew Berry: Pluto

What Andrew Berry said he learned from Sashi Brown and John Dorsey

Approaching Andrew Berry with an open mind

What did we learn from Berry’s introductory press conference? Berea Report (Video)

Stefanski hasn’t decided if he or Alex Van Pelt will call plays, but praises the Browns’ new OC

NFL free agents 2020: Rushing leader Derrick Henry sets RB tone; where Kareem Hunt could rank

Browns have a 40 percent chance of playing a 2020 game in London vs. Jacksonville

Everything Andrew Berry said about his new role as Browns GM on Wednesday

Everything Jimmy Haslam said during Wednesday press conference

Everything Kevin Stefanski said on Berry, Kareem Hunt and more

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.