Draft Profile Series: Calvin Pryor

As we approach the deepest NFL Draft in recent memory, I’ll give my breakdown and analysis of 75 top prospects in this year’s class. At the conclusion of this series, I will include my final overall and positional rankings, as well as my mock draft.

Calvin Pryor, S, 5-11, 207, Louisville
Key stats: In three seasons, Pryor had 218 tackles and seven interceptions.
Strengths: Pryor has decent instincts against the pass, but he really shines as a run stuffer. Pryor is physical, nasty, and is more effective when he plays close to the line of scrimmage. He attacks gaps and diagnoses run plays quickly. … He is a disruptive force when attacking. It’s really hard not to like the energy and physicality that Pryor brings to the field on every play. Has good range against the pass and is always around the ball. He is a good blitzer and has great timing of the snap.
Weaknesses: He will need to become a more consistent tackler and stop going for the knockout blow on every hit. He also needs to consistently take better angles – both in the run game and when breaking on pass routes. Can do a better job in coverage has average hands.
Conclusion: If this was the 1985 or even ’95 draft, Pryor would be rated even higher. In the 2014 NFL, reckless safeties, who use their bodies as torpedoes, aren’t as coveted. He’ll need to tone that down a bit, without losing his edge, if he’s going to avoid injuries, fines and penalties at the next level. I like him more as a strong safety or with a team that uses both safeties as interchangeable pieces that move close to the line of scrimmage at different times. Using him as a true center fielder would not maximize his abilities.
NFL comparison(s): Donte Whitner/T.J. Ward.
Draft projection: First round; likely between 10-25.