Weaknesses:
Summary: Over the past couple of seasons, the Spartans have been fielded one of the best defenses and secondaries in college football. Cornerbacks Darqueze Dennard and Trae Waynes have received more attention, but Michigan State has also enjoyed quality safety play thanks to Drummond. As a junior especially, Drummond took advantage of his corners providing lock down coverage to make some plays on the back end.
In 2013, his first season as a full-time starter, Drummond was one of the best safeties in the Big Ten and was an all-conference First-Team selection. The junior had 91 tackles, 10 passes broken up and four interceptions. As a senior, Drummond had four interceptions, 72 tackles and 11 passes broken up. He had some mixed outings in his final year. Drummond was burned for some big plays against Oregon early, but flashed some coverage skills against Devin Funchess in the Spartans’ win over rival Michigan. Drummond ended his season with a mixed performance against Baylor. He didn’t have a bad week at the Senior Bowl, but didn’t really stand out either.
Drummond would probably fit best in the NFL as a free safety. He did a nice job playing the deep center field for the Spartans the past two seasons and can help over the top. Drummond has to improve his eye discipline as he can have a tendency to bite on play-actions. That allowed some busted coverage in 2014. Drummond also will need to improve his ability to play man coverage on tight ends and slot receivers.
Drummond is a quality tackler and contributes to run defense. He isn’t really an eighth-man-in-the-box type safety, but the NFL has a bigger demand for rangy free safeties. Drummond doesn’t have elite speed, but he has some intelligence and instincts to help make up for it.
In the 2015 NFL Draft, Drummond could sneak into the third round, but probably is more likely to be a fourth- or fifth-round pick. Drummond should start out as a backup, and his team could see if he develops into a potential starter. Drummond could turn into a solid backup and special teams contributor at minimum.
Player Comparison: Chris Conte. Conte (6-2, 203) is similar size to Drummond, and both of them are better suited to a free safety role. They can cover ground, but also are prone to some broken coverage due to being beaten by a lack of eye discipline. In short, both are inconsistent. Conte was a third-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, and Drummond looks like a mid-rounder this year.
NFL Matches: Washington, Jacksonville, Tennessee, New York Giants, Philadelphia, Kansas City
There are a number of teams that could use safety help, so Drummond should find a home in the mid-rounds. The Redskins are desperate for safety help and don’t have any long-term starters. Washington could address the position earlier.
The Jaguars could use a safety to pair with Jonathan Cyprien as late-rounder Josh Evans hasn’t worked out. Jacksonville has bigger needs to address early in the 2015 NFL Draft, so Drummond could be a fit for the Jaguars.
Tennessee has to replace veteran Bernard Pollard, and Michael Griffin may also be on his way out for the Titans before long. Tennessee will probably draft at least one safety, so Drummond could be an option.
In the NFC East, the Giants and Eagles both need some long-term starters at safety. The Eagles are desperate at the position and must improve their starting safeties. Philadelphia could look at Drummond in the mid-rounds, but probably will pick a safety earlier while looking at free agents. The Giants have to find some answers at the position. Quintin Demps is a journeyman, while Antrel Rolle is aging.
The Chiefs will probably draft a safety. Eric Berry will hopefully beat cancer and return to the field, but the organization could use a safety to play while he recovers and pair with him when he returns.
RELATED LINKS:
2015 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2015 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2015 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
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