Eric Weddle S 5'11 203 Utah 4.56

Very few players are as versatile and productive as Eric Weddle. He earned freshman All American honors as a corner in 2003, after finishing with 60 tackles, 4.5 for loss, four sacks, and three interceptions. He moved to strong safety as a sophomore and earned 2nd team MWC honors after posting 75 tackles, 4.5 for loss, one sack, and four interceptions on the year. Weddle broke out as a junior, garnering MWC Defensive Player of the Year award with 78 tackles, 11 for loss, four sacks, and four picks. As a senior, the versatility was on display again. Not only did he have 58 tackles, two for loss, half a sack, and six picks(2 for touchdowns) on defense, but he also saw action on offense. He had 147 rushing yards and four touchdowns, and even threw for a touchdown.

The versatility jumps out at you. Weddle has the athleticism and speed to be a standout at corner, but the size and toughness to be a hitter at strong safety. He is very tough, and attacks his opponent no matter what his responsibility is. When the ball is in the air, he has the awareness to locate it and the ability to go up and get it. He is aggressive moving towards the line of scrimmage and will come up and hit the ball carrier. Weddle has also shown a knack for blitzing and getting to the quarterback to disrupt passing plays.

As a strong safety, he may lack ideal size to match up with tight ends and throw his body around in run support. He’s a bit of a tweener between safety and corner, so he will have to focus and learn one spot at the next level. The adjustment to free safety should not be a big obstacle however.

Eric Weddle is a very good prospect for the 2007 draft. He’s been a standout corner and strong safety for the Utes, but may be asked to play free safety in the NFL. Weddle is not an athletic freak, but he does not lack any physical trait either. Solid physical tools, with supreme intelligence and toughness will make him a contributor in the NFL.