Michigan’s Ernest Shazor, a big and somewhat slow safety, might be the target of the Atlanta Falcons in the second round or beyond. Thomas Davis and Brodney Pool might be the Falcons’ top targets, but they could be gone before Atlanta gets a chance to take them.
That means the powerful Shazor might be the Falcons’ best bet in the second or third round. Shazor may be able to effectively stop the run, but his issue could be in coverage. It seems he may be a target to move to outside linebacker, which is a position the franchise seems steady at already.
However, if Atlanta is looking for a big-hitting safety, and Davis is not available, they may take a shot with Shazor.
RAW DATA:
H / W / 40s / Broad Jump / Bench / Vertical
6-3 3/8 / 224 / 4.70 / 10’ 1” / 19 / 30 inches
Scout.com's Take:
Bio: Two-year starter awarded All-Conference
honors since his sophomore season, and
named an All-American last year. Led the team
in tackles as a junior posting 84/2/1 after 57/2/5
as a junior.
Positives: Explosive, physical defender
with an intimidating presence. Fires up the field
in run defense, defeats blocks on his way to
the action and immediately alters his angle of
attack. Consistently flying around the ball and
always willing to throw a pad into the action.
Pursues well in the box, wraps up tackling
then brings ball carriers down at the point of
contact.
Negatives: Slow reacting in pass coverage
and indecisive when the ball’s in the air. Choppy
footwork and prefers to side shuffle in reverse.
Marginal man-to-man cover skills, even when
covering tight ends.
Analysis: A hard-hitting
and dominant run-defending safety who craves
physical contact, Shazor is best up the field in
a straight line. Will only thrive in certain systems
and exclusively a strong safety with some potential
in two-deep system.