DeShon Elliott, Texas: 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report
By Jon Dove
Texas’ DeShon Elliott is an active defensive player who has a knack for putting himself around the football.
DeShon Elliott has enjoyed an excellent career at Texas despite not winning a ton of games. He has registered a total of 9 career interceptions with 6 of those comes this season. This shows that Elliott knows how to put himself in position to make a play.
Texas uses Elliott all over the field from deep zone, in the slot and at the line of scrimmage. He plays multiple roles when lining up at the different positions.
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Elliott is a physical run defender who can deliver a pop. He does a good job remaining balanced as he approaches the ball carrier which also makes him a reliable tackler. His toughness allows him to work near the line of scrimmage.
He has experience working off the edge to close the back door and rush the quarterback. Overall, Elliott is an asset in the run game who can make plays from sideline to sideline.
In coverage, Elliott shows the quickness and burst needed to make plays on the football. I wouldn’t categorize him as a ball hawking safety despite his 9 career interceptions. A lot of those intercepts have come by being in the right place at the right time.
Elliott tends to give a lot of space when working in deep zone. He is able to react and take advantage of overthrows which is where he gets a lot of his interceptions. However, there is value in a player who has a knack for being in the right position.
His man coverage skills are solid, but not at the level where he should be routinely counted on to lineup in the slot. Elliott doesn’t have good overall length which will limit his ability to hold up against bigger tight ends.
Overall, Elliott has the athleticism and instincts to be a starter at the next level. If he can continue his turnover production in the NFL he will be a real difference maker. Either way, he will provide a defense with an active player who will support the run.