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Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Shalom Luani (Washington St.) - 2017 NFL Draft Pick #221 by OAK

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Shalom Luani (2017 NFL Draft)

College: Washington State University
Position: Safety
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 205 lbs

Overview:

Shalom Luani was a standout safety at Washington State, known for his athletic ability and playmaking skills. He emerged as a key contributor in the Cougars' secondary and showcased his potential to impact games both in coverage and against the run.

Strengths:

  • Versatility: Luani possesses the ability to play both safety positions and can be utilized in various defensive schemes.
  • Ball Skills: Demonstrated excellent ball-hawking ability with a knack for making interceptions and breaking up passes.
  • Athleticism: Displays good speed and quickness, allowing him to cover ground effectively in the secondary.
  • Football IQ: Shows a strong understanding of the game and can read offenses well, which helps him anticipate plays.

Areas for Improvement:

  • Inconsistent Tackling: Needs to work on his tackling technique, as he can sometimes be too aggressive and miss tackles.
  • Injury History: Has had some injury issues during his college career that may raise concerns for teams.
  • Strength: While athletic, he may need to get stronger to handle physical receivers and tight ends at the pro level.

Draft Projection:

Luani was projected to be selected in the late rounds of the 2017 NFL Draft, with potential to be a valuable special teams player and rotational safety. His upside as a versatile defender could intrigue teams looking for depth in their secondary.

Conclusion:

Shalom Luani had the tools to develop into a solid NFL safety. His combination of athleticism, intelligence, and experience made him an appealing prospect for teams looking to bolster their defensive backfield.