Jay Valai of Wisconsin ~ 5.9/205
"An undersized safety prospect who isn't afraid to throw his body around and can generate a real thump on contact. Displays good force as a striker and can consistently bring his legs through contact. Loves to attack downhill and separate ball from man in the pass game. However, isn't overly instinctive when asked to read his run/pass keys.
Takes him a bit to decipher what he's seeing and has a tendency to get too high in his drop, which causes him to struggle to generate a burst out of his breaks and quickly close on the ball. Possesses only decent speed and will see his angles outpaced in space when asked to chase the play sideline-to-sideline.
Impression: He's a football player who loves to hit, there is no doubt about that. However, he's really undersized, doesn't run well and takes too long to read and react to make up for his physical shortcomings in the NFL."
Takes him a bit to decipher what he's seeing and has a tendency to get too high in his drop, which causes him to struggle to generate a burst out of his breaks and quickly close on the ball. Possesses only decent speed and will see his angles outpaced in space when asked to chase the play sideline-to-sideline.
Impression: He's a football player who loves to hit, there is no doubt about that. However, he's really undersized, doesn't run well and takes too long to read and react to make up for his physical shortcomings in the NFL."
"Bio: Three-year starter awarded all-Conference honors after his sophomore season. Totals last year included 42/1/4 after 51/1/5 as a junior. Posted a career-best 56 tackles as a sophomore.
Positive: Fierce, attacking safety who plays bigger and faster than his size/speed numbers. Recognizes assignments, plays a physical brand of football, and flies around the action. Displays a sense of timing, gives it up in run defense, and has adequate coverage skills. Keeps the action in front of him and quickly locates the ball in the air. Relatively instinctive and plays smart football.
Negative: Average man-to-man cover skills. Undersized and loses out in battles.
Analysis: Valai is a short defensive back with average athleticism and will be dismissed by many because of his measurables. Yet he's a terrific football player who does the little things well and has enough ability to be an eighth defensive back/special teams player for a franchise."
Positive: Fierce, attacking safety who plays bigger and faster than his size/speed numbers. Recognizes assignments, plays a physical brand of football, and flies around the action. Displays a sense of timing, gives it up in run defense, and has adequate coverage skills. Keeps the action in front of him and quickly locates the ball in the air. Relatively instinctive and plays smart football.
Negative: Average man-to-man cover skills. Undersized and loses out in battles.
Analysis: Valai is a short defensive back with average athleticism and will be dismissed by many because of his measurables. Yet he's a terrific football player who does the little things well and has enough ability to be an eighth defensive back/special teams player for a franchise."
"University of Wisconsin strong safety Jay Valai is an undersized prospect who plays with a lot of confidence but will need to test very well at the combine in order to be drafted. At only 5'9, Valai is one of those guys who puts together a good college career but his skills simply do not transfer to the NFL. He struggles in coverage and although he is a tough player and a good tackler, he doesn't bring enough athleticism to merit much consideration.
Wisconsin's defense has improved this season, but Valai has had numerous injuries in his career. He's had two concussions, a hyperextended knee, injured ribs and even a case of the swine flu. Valai needs to improve his tackling technique as he gets concussions from hitting players with his helmet.
Most NFL team don't mind a slightly undersized strong safety, but Valai measured at 5'8 a couple years ago. He has also been clocked at 4.67 in the 40-yard dash, which is far too slow for his position.
Valai projects as an undrafted free agent in the 2011 NFL Draft."
Wisconsin's defense has improved this season, but Valai has had numerous injuries in his career. He's had two concussions, a hyperextended knee, injured ribs and even a case of the swine flu. Valai needs to improve his tackling technique as he gets concussions from hitting players with his helmet.
Most NFL team don't mind a slightly undersized strong safety, but Valai measured at 5'8 a couple years ago. He has also been clocked at 4.67 in the 40-yard dash, which is far too slow for his position.
Valai projects as an undrafted free agent in the 2011 NFL Draft."
RSS Feed