Texas Tech Safety Would Add Big-Play Ability To New Orleans Saints Secondary In Middle Rounds Of NFL Draft

This Texas Tech defender would add a playmaking element to the Saints secondary and could continue their good fortune of safeties through the NFL Draft.

When the New Orleans Saints released veteran S Marcus Maye this offseason, it created an underrated need at the position. The Saints still have veteran Tyrann Mathieu, who had a nice year in 2023. However, Mathieu has lost a step in man coverage and isn't a big factor in run support.

Jordan Howden, a rookie fifth-round choice, is expected to start alongside Mathieu. Howden showed exciting potential but had some typical rookie issues and is still somewhat unproven.

Safety depth is an even bigger concern. Johnathan Abram is good in the tackle box, but a major liability in coverage. Ugo Amadi is a bit undersized to play in the box and has primarily been a special teamer through most of his his career.

This year's safety class appears to have neither depth or any sure-fire first round choices. However, there are a few potential playmakers that could make an immediate impact. Here is one such player.

Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, S - Texas Tech; 5'10 & 197-Lbs.

Texas Tech safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (25) breaks up a pass against the Kansas Jayhawks

Credit:© Annie Rice/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Dadrion Taylor-Demerson was a reserve defensive back for Texas Tech in his first two seasons, starting five contests between 2019 and 2020. Over his last three seasons, he'd become one of the top defensive playmakers in the Big-12 conference.

Taylor-Demerson led the Red Raiders in interceptions in 2021, 2022, and 2023, picking off a total of 10 passes. He'd break up 29 throws over those three seasons while forcing two fumbles and recording nine tackles for loss, including two sacks.

An extremely versatile defender, Taylor-Demerson will consistently make plays as a single-high safety, from a split-safety alignment, or as a slot corner. Highly instinctive, he plays with red-level energy and aggression.

Taylor-Demerson has elite range from the safety spot. He has the field vision of a seasoned Pro Bowler with outstanding anticipation, instincts, and speed. He'll read routes and bait quarterbacks with expertise to force critical mistakes.

When employed in man coverage, Taylor-Demerson shows nice route recognition. He's quick and agile to stay with shifty receivers and has excellent recovery speed with playmaking ball skills and tracking ability. He'll hit hard as a tackler, wrapping at the waist with good fundamentals.

Texas Tech Red Raiders safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (25) breaks up a pass to Texas Longhorns wideout Xavier Worthy (8)

Credit:© Aaron E. Martinez / American-Statesman via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Taylor-Demerson doesn't have the ideal physical stature for a safety. His size and frame can cause him to be overmatched against tight ends or bigger wideouts in man coverage. He won't be much of a factor in run support at the line of scrimmage and will be targeted by rushing attacks whenever possible at the goal line.

In coverage, Taylor-Demerson's aggressive nature can work against him. He'll bite easily on play-action fakes and can be a bit slow to react in deep support because he's looking to jump a route in front of him. When in slot coverage, he can give a larger cushion than necessary because he's looking to bait a quarterback, which can also lead to big plays off double moves.

The New Orleans Saints have had a lot of success at the safety position throughout the NFL Draft. Malcolm Jenkins (2009) was a first-round pick. Vonn Bell (2016) and Marcus Williams (2017) were second-round selections. P.J. Williams (2015) and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (2019) were third and fourth round picks, respectively, while Jordan Howden arrived in the fifth round last year.

Dadrion Taylor-Demerson is projected to be a late Day 2 or early Day 3 selection. He has Day 2 talent, but could slide because of his size, which will limit his effectiveness in the tackle box. Taylor-Demerson's value will come back in the secondary. His range and playmaking skills as either a deep safety or slot corner should be an immediate boost to an NFL secondary.