Welcome to Erick Dragan. The former Duck Safety is working on that ever so important 40y dash time. A good time can make the difference in signing or sitting. Scouting reports says he has all the tools just needs to improve his speed. Well, that’s what we do.
NFL Analysis
Strengths
Strong football intelligence. Shenanigan-buster — sees reverses and misdirection plays and puts an end to them. Often plays near the box or over slot receiver. Shows good route recognition and reacts with adequate quickness to cuts. Uses quick, easy backpedal in coverage as deep safety and made 13 interceptions over last three years thanks to soft hands. Mirrors runners and keeps them in front of him. Unfolds arms into wide net and finishes as tackler. Must have led the nation in awkward, shoestring tackles, but he got the job done. Plays on all four special teams units and recovered an onside kick in 2014.
Weaknesses
Lacking desired long speed and athleticism. Does fine reacting laterally to cuts, but hips are clunky and slow to open when asked to flip and run against vertical throws. Productive as ballhawk, but missing NFLÂ-caliber quickness and twitch in coverage to respond to what he’s seeing. Needs to take a few more chances as run stopper rather than defaulting to safe tackles so often. Suspended for 2013 regular-season finale vs. Oregon State and Alamo Bowl for what team called a “violation of team rules”.
Draft Projection
Round 7 or priority free agent
Sources Tell Us
“He’s ‘Johnny on the spot’ with all those plays he makes. I don’t think he can run at all. I think he’ll run a 4.7, but his football IQ is off the charts.” — NFC scout assigned to Pac-12.
NFL Comparison
Eddie Pleasant
Bottom Line
Instinctive and intelligent box safety who shows good body control and tenacity as a tackler, even though he lacks the big thump behind his pads. Dargan likely needs to run well at his pro day to in order to be a draftable safety, but he has the type of football smarts and nose for the ball that could land him a gig in the NFL whether he is drafted or not. His ability to contribute on special teams will help his cause.
