Can LSU’s do-it-all safety Grant Delpit end up the No. 1 pick overall in the 2020 NFL draft?
When was the last time a defensive back went No. 1 overall in the NFL draft? The answer is Gary Glick way back in 1956. The catch? He was a QB at Colorado A&M before moving to the defensive backfield with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The 2020 NFL draft is the first in a long time that has a prospect good enough to challenge for the first pick.
This season, the LSU Tigers will feature chess piece in safety Grant Delpit. He’s a jack-of-all-trades defender. One skill that really caught my eye was his ability to play outside linebacker and pressure the quarterback. He brought back memories of former Packers standout, Leroy Butler.
Delpit has a very similar skill set.
Delpit has a great toolbox to work with. He can line up in the slot and stay on a receiver’s hip through his route as well as he can come down into the box and defend against the run. And don’t overlook his ability to make plays on the ball either; he has great range and ball skills in deep coverage.
Defense in the NFL has evolved into sub-packages and feature defensive backs with great versatility. Derwin James (Chargers) made a big impression on the league in 2018 was arguably the best defender from his draft class. His ability to cover, play deep safety, fill the box and tackle made him a great weapon for Los Angeles.
Delpit is cut from the same mold.
The first pick of the NFL draft is generally reserved for a quarterback or a defensive end who can sack the quarterback. Delpit, while a non-traditional option for the first overall pick, could have a similar impact as a high-end pass rusher for a team needing a jolt on defense in 2020. And that’s why he has to be strongly considered as the best in class next April.