Grade
80.0 ?4.54 SEC
Top Performer17 REPS
Top Performer35.5 INCH
Top Performer118.0 INCH
Top Performer
Blue Star = Top Performer
- 5'10" Height
- 32 5/8" Arm Length
- 208LBS. Weight
- 9" Hands
Overview
A two-year starter as part of the Gators' secondary, Matt Elam will put forward one of the best highlight reels of any prospect in this class due to his big hits and personality on the field. Elam has been a coveted player his entire life, entering the college ranks as the top high school safety prospect after being coached by Jack Daniels, a Florida alum. In fact, his older brother Abe Elam has paved the way for Matt to make it in the NFL. He was a two way player in high school, but Elam made the transition to safety shortly after focusing on special teams during his freshman season in 2010.
During that first year, Elam recorded 22 tackles primarily on the kickoff coverage unit while also being one of the first defensive backs off the bench all season, primarily in the nickel role. As a sophomore, Elam took a big step forward and was one of five Gators to start all 13 games in 2011. Playing the strong safety spot, Elam led the team in tackles for loss (11), pass breakups (seven) and forced fumbles (two). Elam kept his starting strong safety spot in 2012, compiling 76 total tackles, once again making 11 of them for a loss. He added two sacks, one forced fumble, and four interceptions.
Analysis
Weaknesses
Would rather drift laterally against the run rather than plant his outside foot, free outside arm, and force run upfield immediately. For how many hard hitting splash plays he makes, he could be much more aggressive every down. Little urgency to his game. Seen standing around far too often. Waits on screen rather than attacking while ball is getting there. Tries to make the big hit far too often, lunges, leads with shoulder, or leaves his feet rather than just wrapping up.NFL Comparison
Quintin MikellBottom Line
Elam is one of the higher profile prospects at his position due to his onfield emotion and energy when lining up big hits in the open field. The junior thrives when his nunmber is called, and Elam was very visible since he frequently lined up in the box at strong safety. However, when looking beyond the splash plays, Elam lacks urgency to his game and can be seen standing around while others make the play. That combined with his tendency to launch himself at ball carriers rather than make form tackles may cause some evaluators to be a bit apprhensive. But, if the Gator can harness the electricity he flashes, Elam could end up being one of the top safeties in this class and is a potential first-round pick.
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| Grade | Title | Draft (Round) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96-100 | Future Hall of Famer | Top Pick | A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played |
| 85-95 | Immediate Starter | 1st | An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter). |
| 70-84 | Eventual Starter | 2nd-3rd | A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position. |
| 50-69 | Draftable Player | 4th-7th | A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential. |
| 20-49 | Free Agent | UDFA | A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body. |
