The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Versatility will likely make TCU safety a hot commodity in draft
Position versatility has become an integral trait of playing safety.
That’s what makes TCU safety Trevon Moehrig among the top prospects at the position in this year’s NFL draft. With the Horned Frogs over the past three years, Moehrig was asked to play a variety of roles. He defended the slot, manned the box and played deep as the last defender.
Having handled each of those responsibilities is something Moehrig has stressed to NFL teams interested in adding him to their rosters. “I just try to tell them and show them that I’m versatile, that I know defense, that I can communicate and process, and that I can do it at all levels,” Moehrig said. “Whether it be single-high, two-high, down in the slot.”
Moehrig, at just under 6 feet 1 and 202 pounds, said he’s modeled his game after Seattle Seahawks safety Jamal Adams. Both are a similar build, with Adams weighing in slightly heavier at 214 pounds. In addition to his physical traits, Moehrig said he studies what Adams is able to do between plays and before the snap.
“Definitely, I enjoy watching Jamal Adams,” Moehrig said. “How he controls the defense, how he communicates, how he makes plays. How he’s everywhere on the field. I loved watching him at LSU. I just love watching that guy play football, because you know he loves it . ... I model myself after Jamal Adams in the way he communicates and commands the defense. Because he’s the quarterback of the defense.”
Moehrig has a chance to be a first-round selection as the top safety in this year’s NFL draft. NFL Media draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah ranked Moehrig as his 16th overall prospect and has the Baltimore Ravens taking him with the 27th overall pick in the first
round. Jeremiah believes Moehrig is a complete safety, giving him the ability to move around the defense.
“Moehrig has adequate size but excellent versatility and instincts. He can play in the deep post or cover in the slot,” Jeremiah detailed in his most recent rankings. “He is a smooth, fluid mover in man coverage underneath. He also possesses ideal anticipation and range from the back end. He has the ability to consistently match patterns and position himself for plays on the ball.
“The former TCU star does need to improve his finishing ability, having dropped a couple interceptions in the games I studied. He takes quality angles in run support and is a reliable, low tackler. Overall, Moehrig offers a complete skill set at the position.”
TCU coach Gary Patterson endorsed Moehrig and believes he’ll be an asset at the next level. “Safeties are in-the-box guys a lot of times,” Patterson said. “For his size and what you get with (Moehrig), you get a man player, which is uncommon for his size. When
he plays somewhere between the 205- and 210(-pound) range, usually they will be a nickel-safety and they’ll be smaller and might even be a corner. He’s going to be a guy who can do a lot of things and be very versatile.”
The Falcons recently signed safety Erik Harris to a one-year contract and still have Jaylinn Hawkins and T.J. Green on the roster at the position. The Falcons likely will look to add to the position further, whether it’s in free agency or the draft. Because of salary-cap concerns, the Falcons were forced to cut Ricardo Allen, who recently signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, and let Keanu Neal and Damontae Kazee hit free agency. Neal recently signed with the Dallas Cowboys, and Kazee is still seeking a team.
With the Falcons picking fourth overall, taking a safety is not likely to happen that early in the draft. At the 35th overall pick in the second round, the franchise could move in many directions. At that spot, it’s possible Moehrig is near or at the top of the board if he’s available early in the second round.