Matt Elam Scouting Report

NFL Draft Scouting Reports

Measureables:

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 208

Arm length: 32 5/8”

Hand: 9”

40 Time: 4.54

Pros:

  • Good in coverage, capable of matching up with slot receivers one-on-one.
  • Can play either safety spot, but is at his best close to the line of scrimmage
  • Very strong blitzer capable of making plays in the backfield
  • Has big play ability that routinely shows up in games
  • Older brother has been a solid safety in the NFL, and Elam is a higher rated prospect
  • Has solid ball skills
  • Takes good angles and is strong against the run.
  • Has the ability to be a very good safety at the next level

Cons:

  • At his best in coverage in man-to-man situations, can get fooled when playing deep
  • Needs to react better when in zone coverage
  • Has a tendency to take off plays or give up on them when they aren’t in his area
  • Will give up too many easy catches
  • Doesn’t wrap up, and could get flagged more at the next level (as well as missing more tackles)

Overall:

Elam is a very good safety prospect and potentially a first round pick. Though slightly on the shorter side, Elam shows good speed and overall athleticism. He’s at his best playing up in the box and either disrupting plays in the backfield or playing man-to-man coverage on tight ends and slot receivers. He’s not as polished in deep coverage or zone situations and doesn’t react as quickly as you’d like in those scenarios. He’s very strong in run defense though, taking good pursuit angles, and should offer a good bit of early value in this department. His long term potential is strong, as he could develop into a star safety, though he may need a year or two to get to that level. He should be one of the first safeties taken and should go no later than the 50th pick.


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