Overview
Position: Strong Safety
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 213 pounds
School: LSU Tigers
Combine Performance Data
40-yard dash: 4.56 seconds
Bench press: 18 reps
Vertical jump: 31.5 inches
Broad jump: 10 feet
Jamal Adams 2017 NFL Draft Profile
This season, Jamal Adams has wrapped up an impressive three-year college career with the LSU Tigers. Adams started every game the last two years and played a significant role as a true freshman prior to that. In this time he accumulated 209 total tackles, five interceptions, two forced fumbles, 17 1/2 tackles for a loss, and two sacks.
This season’s change at head coach for LSU is not the only coaching change Adams has played through. Adams has played for three different coordinators in three seasons, yet his play has seemingly improved every season. Voted a defensive captain, Adams was the leader of a defense which ranked ninth in total defense and fifth in scoring defense this season.
Adams is a player who is generating a lot of excitement as the draft approaches. He plays with a high level of emotion and reckless abandon. He is a true heavy hitting strong safety who comes up in run support with authority. He seems to have the correct mental makeup to play defensive back in the NFL as a player with a high football IQ and swagger to spare.
Adams started as a freshman at a school with a reputation for producing NFL defensive backs and in one of the best conferences in college football. The lights in the NFL will certainly not be too bright for him. He has been through a couple of difficult seasons at LSU, but has consistently elevated his level of play.
Strengths
- big hitter – loves contact;
- makes pre-snap reads;
- intense, high energy player;
- a proven leader;
- sure hands and good ball skills;
- good size;
- experienced having started every game the last two seasons.
Weaknesses
- better closer to the line than in deep field coverage;
- plays high at times;
- seems a little stiff;
- lacks elite speed;
- does not always put his body in the best position to make a tackle;
- may not match up favorably in man situations versus NFL slots.
NFL Comparison: Tyrann Mathieu
Teams with Need a Position: Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots
Projection: First Round – Top 10
Bottom Line
Jamal Adams is a tough physical player who plays the game the way it should be played. His aggressive style of play and intelligence will make him an asset in the NFL. He plays best closer to the line and would fit well into a system that allows him to do so.
Adams is aggressive and intense, but has physical limitations. The style with which Adams plays and his great effort will help him realize success in the NFL.
