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Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Julian Blackmon (Utah) - 2020 NFL Draft Pick #85 by IND

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Julian Blackmon (2020 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:

  • Name: Julian Blackmon
  • Position: Safety
  • College: University of Utah
  • Height: 6'1"
  • Weight: 198 lbs

Overview:

Julian Blackmon emerged as one of the top safety prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft after a standout career at Utah. Known for his versatility and ball-hawking abilities, Blackmon transitioned from cornerback to safety during his college career, showcasing his adaptability and football IQ.

Strengths:

  • Excellent coverage skills, both in man and zone schemes.
  • Great ball skills, with a knack for making plays on the football.
  • Strong instincts and awareness, allowing him to read quarterbacks and anticipate plays.
  • Physical tackler with the ability to support the run game effectively.
  • Experience in both safety and cornerback roles, providing positional flexibility.

Areas for Improvement:

  • Needs to improve tackling consistency, particularly against bigger ball carriers.
  • May struggle against elite route runners at the NFL level due to some issues with footwork.
  • Injury concerns, particularly after suffering a knee injury prior to the draft.

Draft Projection:

Julian Blackmon was projected to be selected in the mid-to-late rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft. His combination of skills, experience, and potential for development made him an intriguing prospect for teams looking to bolster their secondary.

Conclusion:

With his blend of athleticism, coverage ability, and versatility, Julian Blackmon was considered a valuable asset for any NFL team looking to enhance their defensive backfield. His progress during the pre-draft process and recovery from injury would be closely monitored by scouts and analysts alike.