In the coming weeks and months I will be breaking down potential prospects for the Dallas Cowboys to determine their strengths, weaknesses, and potential fit with the organization. Today, I want to take a look at a former LSU Tiger who could be in play for the Cowboys in the first-round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the 17th overall pick.
NAME: Grant Delpit
POSITION: Safety
SCHOOL: LSU
CONFERENCE: SEC
CLASS: Junior
JERSEY: No. 7
RECRUITMENT RATING: 4-star
HT: 6’3″
WT: 201 lbs
DOB: 9/20/1998
Highlights:
Pros:
As far as what teams look for in a safety, Grant Delpit checks all of the boxes. He has the size teams covet and the skill set to be an impact player from Day 1.
Delpit is an absolute aminal playing forward. Confident player when making a play on the ball in click and close situations. Rangy. Fluid. Extremely versatile in coverage. Can play in a heavy man or zone defensive scheme. Incredible ball skills. Knows how to secure takeaways and disrupt at the catch point.
Has proven to be an effective blitzer. Willing tackler who shows no fear when playing downhill. Intelligent, instinctive, and has a very high football IQ. Versatile. Has played both free and strong safety, as well as nickel/overhang. Shows really good competitive toughness. Always around the ball. Playmaker/ball hawk.
Cons:
Other than the broken clavicle he sustained in 2018, the biggest weakness in Grant Delpit’s game is his inconsistency as a tackler. He is willing enough and has a physical makeup to improve in this area, but his technique is poor and will need to be cleaned up at the next level. He’s far too willing to arm tackle or drop his head when trying to cut the ballcarrier down low.
If there is another weakness to Delpit’s game it is he needs to a better job of disengaging from blocks. But, all of this is correctable with better coaching at the next level.
Cowboys Fit:
For a team who has avoided investing much in the safety position for years, Grant Delpit’s fit with the Dallas Cowboys is an obvious one. He would immediately step in and not only solidify the backend of the Cowboys defense, but upgrade it as well. He could very well be the centerpiece of the defense for years to come, much like Darren Woodson was during his playing days.
In Delpit, the Cowboys would be getting a player with rare traits seldomly seen in a safety prospect. His instincts, intelligence, and blend of skills are unmatched in this year’s draft class and quite possibly in the NFL as well. He would provide flexibility to the Cowboys secondary and can play a variety of roles. He is an immediate impact player from Day 1, with the Pro Bowl potential.
