Georgia Rookies Fit, Concerns and Predictions: Defense

Dominick Sanders

Pick: Undrafted

Team: N/A

Fit:

Georgia’s record holder for most career interceptions was the last of Georgia’s undrafted free agents to sign with a team. Sanders initially signed with the Philadelphia Eagles after going undrafted but was waived by the Superbowl champs.

Sanders showed great ball-hawking instincts at corner. His timely interceptions often swung momentum for Georgia.

When he gets in front of the receiver and anticipates routes, Sanders is usually good to at least break up a pass, if not get an interception. He’s a safety whose best work will come on short to mid-range throws.

A feast or famine style of defense in the secondary fits the potential production team could expect from Sanders if he pans out.

Concerns:

As much as Sanders likes to stay in front of routes, he can be burned over the top. If a speedy receiver is able to go over the top, he will struggle to catch up.

Sanders is not a good tackler. He will whiff on tackles and give up big plays. He gave up several touchdowns on missed tackles in college.

His leaner frame at safety means he will struggle against bigger receivers as well. He can be out-muscled on jump balls.

Over-anticipation could be a problem at the NFL level. Pro quarterbacks and offensive coordinators will take note if Sanders tends to jump certain routes and adjust game plans accordingly to attack him.

Prediction:

Sanders may find his way onto a practice squad by the end of training camp, but the long-term outlook isn’t great.

He’s got potential, but ultimately his speed and inability to make open field tackles as a safety will hurt his value.