Raiders NFL Draft Prospect: S Beau Brade, Maryland

Physical, ball-hawking Maryland safety Beau Brade could be a good fit for the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Las Vegas Raiders are looking to add talent through the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Raiders finished the 2023-24 season strong on both sides of the ball, and they might be only a few pieces away from returning to the postseason.

Las Vegas has lots of talent on defense but could be looking to add a few more pieces to put them over the top. They could be looking to get younger at some positions as well.

One area in which they could add some talent is the defensive secondary. While they already have lots of young talent there, it always helps to add more.

That could come in the form of Maryland safety Beau Brade. The Raiders have drafted Terrapins before, including cornerback Jakorian Bennett in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

If the Raiders were to select Brade, they would be getting a well-built, fast, aggressive player. He finished his Maryland career with 177 total tackles, nine and a half tackles for losses, 11 passes defended, three forced fumbles and three interceptions.

Brade stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 210 pounds, giving him ideal size for the safety position. According to Pro Football Focus, Brade was targeted 35 times and allowed 20 receptions. He had 19 run-stops as well.

Brade is built like a linebacker at the safety spot, which allows him to be aggressive in pursuit of ball carriers. He also has the speed to chase down receivers and speedier running backs. He is also a high-IQ player, able to click and close and blow up plays in coverage.

Brade had two games of double-digit tackles in 2023, against Michigan and Michigan State. He recorded his only interception of the season against the Spartans.

Maryland safety Beau Brade could be a great fit with the Las Vegas Raiders / Junfu Han-USA TODAY NETWORK

While he is a great athlete with great size, Brade gave up explosive plays consistently. He gave up three touchdowns in 2023, according to PFF. Sometimes, he can get overly physical and overaggressive, resulting in explosive plays.

The modern NFL relies heavily on the passing game, so defenses need several talented defensive backs to slow down opposing offenses. Brade is a perfect fit for the modern NFL, as he can slow down the passing and running games.

Brade is projected to be a second-round selection but could see himself rise to the first round if he tests well at the NFL Scouting Combine. Seeing him increase his stock throughout the process would not be surprising.

If the Raiders can add Brade to their secondary, they would be much improved in an area with talent already. 

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