ATL • • #
A rangy boundary safety with prototype measurables (6’4/218, 32.5-inch arms) and a 9.15 RAS, Verdon boasts elite size and enough athleticism to turn heads. Iowa State’s 4-2-5 scheme saw him thrive in zone-heavy duties, posting an 80.5 coverage grade and 73.0 overall PFF defensive mark in 2024. While the tools are enticing, consistency remains elusive. He tallied 76 tackles, 5 PBUs, and 2 interceptions across 11 starts, even while wearing a cast for part of the season. His long-striding frame covers ground well downhill, but loose anticipation and questionable pursuit angles contributed to a 13.2 percent missed tackle rate and kept him from being trusted in man. Still, his 52 stops over three seasons suggest he can fill an alley and disrupt screens with burst. Verdon is a traits-based project with four-down potential. If special teams become his launching pad, teams may find a low-hole defender worth developing.
about 2 months ago
April 27, 2025 3:45 PM
