Jim Thorpe Award Finalists

[DasSchnitzel]

Richie Grant (UCF, AAC), Trevon Moehrig (TCU, BIG 12) and Patrick Surtain II (Alabama, SEC)

Richie Grant, University of Central Florida, Safety, R-Sr.

• Played all nine regular season games, starting eight times at safety
• Led the Knights with 72 tackles and added 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack and a quarterback hurry
• Also led the way with three interceptions and two fumble recoveries to go with two forced fumbles
• Added six pass breakups, which was second on the team
• Ranked second in the AAC and ninth in the nation with two fumble recoveries
• Led the conference with 5.4 solo tackles per game
• Unanimous first-team all-conference selection by The American
• Semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award and the Chuck Bednarik Award
• Named Jim Thorpe Award Honorable Mention Player of the Week (Week 2)
• Named to Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, Chuck Bednarik Award and Lott IMPACT Trophy Preseason Watch Lists
• Earned Athlon preseason first-team all-conference honors

Stats received from University of Central Florida

Trevon Moehrig, Texas Christian University, Safety, Jr.

• One of four players to be a semifinalist for the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award and Chuck Bednarik Award
• First-Team All-Big 12 for the second straight season
• Rated by ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. as the No. 1 safety eligible for the 2021 NFL Draft
• Ranked by Pro Football Focus as the nation’s top safety with the third most valuable season in the PFF College era
• TCU team captain in each game this season
• Key part of TCU’s late-season surge that has seen it win its last three games and five of the past six
• Had the game-saving interception with a one-handed snag in the end zone in the final minutes of a 29-22 win over No. 15 Oklahoma State on Dec. 5
• Taken part in nine takeaways over the last two years, tied for the second-best total in the FBS
• Ranks among the national leaders at 1.1 passes defended per game (two interceptions, nine pass breakups)
• His 11 passes defended trail-only teammate Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson (13) in the Big 12
• Places third on TCU with 47 tackles, including 2.0 for loss

Stats received from Texas Christian University

Patrick Surtain II, University of Alabama, Cornerback, Jr.

• Earned First Team Preseason All-America recognition from ESPN
• Earned Second Team Honoree by The Associated Press, Sporting News, USA Today and the Walter Camp Award
• Played in every game during his time at UA, with 35 consecutive starts
• Top-rated corner by Pro Football Focus
• Allowed 25 yards receiving or fewer in eight of 10 games and only 16 completions for 190 yards
• Tied the team high with eight pass breakups and totaled 29 tackles, including two for loss
• Additional stats for the season include two quarterback hurries, a fumble recovery and a pick-six from 25 yards out
• Named a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award, Paycom Jim Thorpe Award and Lott IMPACT Trophy
• Earned Defensive Player of the Week honors from the Alabama coaching staff for his play against Ole Miss, Georgia, Mississippi State, Auburn and LSU

Stats received from University of Alabama

https://www.businesswire.com/news/h...-Names-Paycom-Jim-Thorpe-Award-2020-Finalists

 

[DasSchnitzel]

Grant was a name I didnt know much about. This surprised me since The Draft Network said this:

Rangy safety that thrives in single-high and deeper split zones. Has the ability to play man coverage from the slot ... Generally takes correctly calculated angles in pursuit and he can cover plenty of ground ... his ball skills are an obvious strength.​

And then Pro Football Network said:

Grant is more of a throwback. He is very much a traditional free safety. When it comes to working the back end or manning up both receivers and tight ends, we’re looking at a starting-caliber player at the next level.​

Finally I checked him out on PFF and Sports Reference. PFF had him 6th in '18, 18th in '20, but confusingly 214th in '19. On Sports Reference I learned he's got 46 games under his belt with 10 interceptions, 17 passes defended, 5 forced fumbles, and about 300 tackles.

Seems like someone I would have seen more hype for around here and he intrigues me as a midround upgrade and new running mate for Wilson.

 

[Cowboyny]

Grant was a name I didnt know much about. This surprised me since The Draft Network said this:

Rangy safety that thrives in single-high and deeper split zones. Has the ability to play man coverage from the slot ... Generally takes correctly calculated angles in pursuit and he can cover plenty of ground ... his ball skills are an obvious strength.​

And then Pro Football Network said:

Grant is more of a throwback. He is very much a traditional free safety. When it comes to working the back end or manning up both receivers and tight ends, we’re looking at a starting-caliber player at the next level.​

Finally I checked him out on PFF and Sports Reference. PFF had him 6th in '18, 18th in '20, but confusingly 214th in '19. On Sports Reference I learned he's got 46 games under his belt with 10 interceptions, 17 passes defended, 5 forced fumbles, and about 300 tackles.

Seems like someone I would have seen more hype for around here and he intrigues me as a midround upgrade and new running mate for Wilson.

This early in the process, it looks like Moehrig is the only top 40 prospect at the position, but we all know safety is always over drafted. Right now there is a cluster of safety prospects all in the 3rd rd range, that will certainly change. Not a fan of this year's class, but Grant/Lecounte are two I really like.

 

[Bigdog]

This early in the process, it looks like Moehrig is the only top 40 prospect at the position, but we all know safety is always over drafted. Right now there is a cluster of safety prospects all in the 3rd rd range, that will certainly change. Not a fan of this year's class, but Grant/Lecounte are two I really like.

“ but we all know safety is always over drafted.”except here at Dallas where it is under drafted or not at all.

 

[Cowboyny]

“ but we all know safety is always over drafted.”except here at Dallas where it is under drafted or not at all.

There is no doubt, this front office hates taking Safeties and NT's. Things have to change if they truly want to improve the unit.

 

[Bigdog]

There is no doubt, this front office hates taking Safeties and NT's. Things have to change if they truly want to improve the unit.

So true

 

[DasSchnitzel]

So true

I've got an unpopular opinion that part of the problem is we're always looking for a FS so we never draft S at all.

Usually this time of year we look at our roster and say "we don't need a SS type, we have so-and-so! We need a FS type." Which makes sense and isn't wrong.

But this year I've been thinking, that's dumb. For one, Wilson is not a lock as our SS for years to come and competition is good. Second, even if he were a lock, he still has the possibility of injury. Third, if Wilson does become really good and stay healthy, you still want a good rotation. Beyond all that depth chart stuff, tactically, we could disguise our roles really well if we can find a SS who can give us something in coverage like Wilson can.

So I propose we just bring in any safety where the talent matches the draft pick in terms of BPA and value. Get good football players now and sort out over summer how we're gonna use their skill sets.

Otherwise we're gonna say "He's too similar to Wilson" and draft nobody meaningful at the position for another 3 years because this true FS everyone wants to wait for just doesn't show up very often. Just accept that you need multiple good safeties and you're probably not going to have a Woodson or Thomas so just get a few good football players and make the most of it.

 

[cowboyec]

i like Richie Grant,Ucf.
always jumps out at me in the games i've seen.
love to get him here.

 

[DasSchnitzel]

i like Richie Grant,Ucf.
always jumps out at me in the games i've seen.
love to get him here.

From what I've seen so far, it's looking like big names like Moehrig will go much earlier than Grant. I think I feel better about the value I'm getting if I get Grant a round or more after when a guy like Moehrig is picked.

 

[stilltheguru]

I already showed proof that you dont get day 1 safety starters in round 3 or later.

 

[817Gill]

I already showed proof that you dont get day 1 safety starters in round 3 or later.

Anthony Harris, Kevin Byard, Eddie Jackson, Jordan Poyer, Micah Hyde and Justin Simmons all say hello. Good safety play isn’t tethered to the first 2 rounds.

 

[stilltheguru]

Anthony Harris, Kevin Byard, Eddie Jackson, Jordan Poyer, Micah Hyde and Justin Simmons all say hello. Good safety play isn’t tethered to the first 2 rounds.

I said day 1 starter. If were talking about after year 1 hell I could look at dallas and Xavier Woods. If a safety is drafted round 1 or 2 they usually make an immediate impact

 

[Future]

I said day 1 starter. If were talking about after year 1 hell I could look at dallas and Xavier Woods. If a safety is drafted round 1 or 2 they usually make an immediate impact

Being a starter and making an impact aren't the same thing.

Johnathan Abram was a first-round pick, starts, and is terrible.

 

[stilltheguru]

Being a starter and making an impact aren't the same thing.

Johnathan Abram was a first-round pick, starts, and is terrible.

Most of the guys he named werent impact players their first year either. The list of impact safeties in round 1-2 compared to all others is a lopsided ratio

 

[Future]

Most of the guys he named werent impact players their first year either. The list of impact safeties in round 1-2 compared to all others is a lopsided ratio

I think the point is just that you're not likely to get an "impact" safety in year one no matter where they're drafted. That list of players in the last 7-8 years is basically 0, whether they're starters or not.

The ratio isn't really different from other positions, either. That's why guys go first lol.

 

[stilltheguru]

I think the point is just that you're not likely to get an "impact" safety in year one no matter where they're drafted. That list of players in the last 7-8 years is basically 0, whether they're starters or not.

The ratio isn't really different from other positions, either. That's why guys go first lol.

Unless one of us are going to list the safeties from the last 8 years this is going nowhere lol.

 

[Future]

Unless one of us are going to list the safeties from the last 8 years this is going nowhere lol.

Fine, first- and second-round safeties dating back to 2013.

2020 - X Mckinney, K Dugger, G Delpit, A Winfield Jr., J Chinn
2019 - J Abram, M Blair, N Adderley, T Rapp, J Thornhill, W Harris
2018 - M Fitzpatrick, D James, T Edmunds, J Bates
2017 - J Adams, M Hooker, J Peppers, B Baker, M Maye, M Williams, J Evans, O Melifonwu, J Jones
2016 - K Joseph, K Neal, S Davis, V Bell
2015 - D Randall, L Collins, J Tartt, J Richards
2014 - H Clinton-Dix, D Bucannon, J Ward, L Joyner
2013 - K Vaccaro, E Reid, M Elam, J Cyprien, DJ Swearinger

It's hit or miss whether these guys even became good players at all, let alone impact players year one.

We can hem and haw at the Cowboys not drafting safeties early, but if you pick a random 2 on that list, chances are you aren't going to get significantly better play than Wilson/Heath and Woods, especially not when you factor in the players you're passing on.

 

[stilltheguru]

Fine, first- and second-round safeties dating back to 2013.

2020 - X Mckinney, K Dugger, G Delpit, A Winfield Jr., J Chinn
2019 - J Abram, M Blair, N Adderley, T Rapp, J Thornhill, W Harris
2018 - M Fitzpatrick, D James, T Edmunds, J Bates
2017 - J Adams, M Hooker, J Peppers, B Baker, M Maye, M Williams, J Evans, O Melifonwu, J Jones
2016 - K Joseph, K Neal, S Davis, V Bell
2015 - D Randall, L Collins, J Tartt, J Richards
2014 - H Clinton-Dix, D Bucannon, J Ward, L Joyner
2013 - K Vaccaro, E Reid, M Elam, J Cyprien, DJ Swearinger

It's hit or miss whether these guys even became good players at all, let alone impact players year one.

We can hem and haw at the Cowboys not drafting safeties early, but if you pick a random 2 on that list, chances are you aren't going to get significantly better play than Wilson/Heath and Woods, especially not when you factor in the players you're passing on.

Then youd have to show the safeties 3rd and later.

Also you bring up Heath and Wilson when i clearly said day 1 starter/impact. I look forward to the list sir

 

[Future]

Then youd have to show the safeties 3rd and later.

Also you bring up Heath and Wilson when i clearly said day 1 starter/impact. I look forward to the list sir

Why? Obviously the hit rate is better in the first two rounds.

But the point is that chances of getting an impact player at safety is still pretty slim in the first two rounds. If you're not getting that, you're not getting value relative to drafting a guy later.