Without a clear, number one free safety in the 2018 Draft class, there are a handful of names that could find themselves at or near the top of the list when all is said and done. A lot of those candidates are what I call specialty players, meaning they either excel in run defense or in coverage, but have significant gaps at the other. It can be hard to find a safety who truly defends against the pass and runs equally well. Quin Blanding, a former 5 star recruit, is finishing up his fourth year as the starter of the Virginia defense. His experience as an every-down threat and overall solid defender is something most safeties in this class cannot compare to.
What He Does Well:
Blanding has the size and speed to handle all responsibilities a defense is going to throw at a safety. He has enough presence and strength to take on a downhill ball carrier and almost always get him to the ground. His tackling mechanics and consistency are both very good, rarely does he miss. He is very space aware in coverage; constantly knowing where the action is headed, where the opposition has placed their receivers and blockers, and where his teammates are. His instincts and ability to react quickly is a major source of his production. There is a blend of physical and mental ability here that translates to multiple roles a safety will need to be perform.
Where He Needs Work:
There aren’t any standout physical traits to his game. Blanding doesn’t have the speed to catch up with speed receivers downfield, nor is he powerful enough to make a target think twice about crossing the middle. He isn’t confident in his own ability to defend the deep ball, as he can get very grabby. There needs to be more trust in himself being able to locate and defend the football. Is he too much of a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none type?