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Calen Bullock Scouting Report
By Charlie Campbell
Strengths:
- Fast
- Excellent height
- Superb length
- Great closing speed
- Press-man coverage potential
- Physical with receivers
- Good ball skills
- Willing run defender
- Supports run defense
- Experienced
Weaknesses:
- Skinny
- Lacks the size to tackle as a safety
- Will need development as a corner
Prospect Summary:
Over the past three seasons, Bullock was one of the most consistent safeties in college football. He had a strong debut in 2021 with 39 tackles, two interceptions and three passes defended. Bullock played some cornerback that season for the Trojans. As a sophomore, he collected 48 tackles, five interceptions and six passes defended. Bullock then played well in 2023, recording 61 tackles, two interceptions and seven passes broken up.
Projecting a change in position can be a scary proposition for draft prospects, and that could be the case with Bullock. Multiple team sources said that while Bullock played safety in college, they think he will have to move to corner in the NFL. Bullock is too skinny and lean to be a pro safety, which could result in problems with him tackling NFL running backs, or dealing with tight ends and receivers in the middle of the field. His body also could lead to him getting injured from having to tackle bigger players in the middle of the field. Hence, Bullock might need some developmental time as a pro.
There is no doubt that Bullock has good height to him and has excellent straight-line speed for a big corner. In the NFL, he could fit a press-man, off-man, or zone system. Bullock has the speed to run verticals with fast receivers alongside the height to match up with long receivers. Bullock is physical and projects well to matching up against big wideouts. On top of his height and speed, Bullock plays the football well and has advanced ball skills entering the NFL.
If Bullock were to stay at safety, he should be deployed deep downfield because he lacks the size to be the eighth man in the box. While he is lean, Bullock is a solid tackler for his size and willing to assist in run support. If he is moved to cornerback, his run defense could be a nice plus for his secondary with Bullock on the outside.
Bullock could be a second-day pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and he should not last long if he slips to Day 3.
Prospect Comparison:
L’Jarius Sneed. Team sources have said Bullock reminds them of Sneed coming out of college. Sneed was a lean safety who had to move to corner in the NFL. Bullock could follow a similar career path and turn into a solid pro starter.
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