Diving into the last round of the 2019 NFL Draft, we start with one of the two seventh-round picks by the Los Angeles Rams, Penn State Nittany Lions S Nick Scott.
Scott was a four-year contributor at Penn State, though not all of it came at safety. He’s actually lined up at running back (2015), cornerback (2016), and safety (2017/18). Not to mention he has the added dimension of value on special teams. Scott totaled 113 tackles, 2.5 tackles-for-loss, one sack, three interceptions, two pass deflections, and two fumble recoveries over the course of his college career.
Let’s take a look at the write-up:
Solid tackler who often makes plays on the ball when tackling. Versatile safety who’s lined up all over the field. From cornerback, slot cornerback, and all safety alignments. Has shown the ability to cover tight ends in man coverage up the seam. Would be a solid in-the-box option as he doesn’t lack physicality or tackling ability. Good special teamer who was voted a team captain in 2018.
This play isn’t anything special, but it does show Scott’s versatility and the trust Penn State had in him. Scott is in man coverage against first-round pick TE Noah Fant. Due to some miscommunication, an errant pass is thrown to Scott and he makes the play.
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Scott is an interesting and solid addition, especially when you consider how little the Rams invested in acquiring his services. Special Teams Coordinator John Fassel promised Scott on a pre-draft visit that he’d do whatever he could to get the Rams to select Scott, and that ultimately came to fruition. A positive in that regard is that Fassel knows how valuable and respected Scott is as a guy and special teams commodity, so he could have a role right out of the gate as a guy who will do the dirty work on ST’s. Scott also has the ability to play some defense, though to what extent I’m not sure. He’s not likely to receive playing time on the defensive side of the ball with how deep the roster is for the Rams at the time being, though his value and shot at cracking the 53-man roster comes through special teams.
Next up on the docket is Texas Tech Red Raiders LB Dakota Allen.