NFL Draft: Commanders Could Target 'Polarizing' Safety in Middle Rounds

Some will love it, and some will hate it, but if the Washington Commanders take a chance on Penn State safety Ji'Ayir Brown, they could land a solid contributor to their defense.

When we project where the Washington Commanders might find their next first-round NFL Draft pick there are several position groups that come to mind. 

While the Commanders have done solid work improving their offensive line they could still go in that direction. 

Or, Washington could decide to bolster its secondary that lost veteran cornerback William Jackson III during the season last year and has some contracts coming up on their expiration dates. 

And if they don't go defensive back in the first round, perhaps they'll target a mid-round prospect like Penn State's Ji'Ayir Brown who is considered one of the more polarizing players in this year's class. 

"The so-called "Turnover King" is a ball magnet with 15 career takeaways on his Penn State resume," says NFL.com when discussing Brown. "Brown's ability to come down with interceptions, scoop up bouncing balls and knock balls loose from unsuspecting runners makes him a hot commodity in a league where turnovers frequently decide games."

For a team that was bottom seven in takeaways last season a player considered an expert in taking the ball away from opposing offenses could be incredibly valuable. 

But like with any polarizing player, there is a downside.

"Brown's pedestrian 40-yard dash time (4.65 seconds) leads to questions about his range and coverage ability at the next level," NFL.com continues. Although his superb instincts enable him to play a step faster than most defenders, the former Nittany Lion's lack of explosiveness will make it hard for some coaches to place him in the deep middle."

Players with strong instincts tend to mask their physical limitations with upper-level mental processing skills. 

However, instincts are based on a lot of factors and include some that can be manipulated by quarterbacks and offensive coordinators who tend to be a little more football intelligent and creative than those found in college. 

Still, considering there are positive traits sprinkled throughout the downside analysis, but no negatives on the upside, Brown certainly looks like a prospect Washington could decide to take a chance on at some point on Day 3 if he's available. 

With an immediate projection to contribute as a slot defender, as a box safety, and on special teams, the Commanders can be sure they'll get a contributor who might just grow into a key part of their future success.

Find David Harrison on the Locked On Commanders podcast or text him directly at (202) 760-2188.

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