2013 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Bacarri Rambo

Strengths:
  • Takeaways
  • Splash plays
  • Ballhawk
  • Pass coverage
  • Very instinctive
  • Solid run-defender
  • Reads a quarterbacks’ eyes
  • Exceptional hands for a defensive back
  • Covers a lot of ground in pass defense
  • Versatile
  • Can execute strong and free safety responsibilities
  • Can play zone or man schemes
  • Could cover tight ends and running backs in man coverage
  • Good quickness
  • Very experienced
  • Should be able to play quickly
  • Athletic




  • Weaknesses:
  • Gambles
  • Takes too many chances
  • Off-the-field issues
  • Drug problems
  • Should improve tackling fundamentals


  • Summary: Rambo had a star-crossed career at Georgia, but when he was on the field, he provided a big impact for the Bulldogs. Rambo multiple off-the-field problems. He was suspended for the 2011 season opener for a rules violation. Rambo followed that up with a positive drug test over the summer before the 2012 season that resulted in a four-game suspension to start the year. If he had stayed out of trouble, his draft stock would be higher.

    Rambo made his way onto the field as a sophomore in 2010 and was impossible to ignore. The instinctive safety always found his way to the ball and was a play-maker. He totaled 82 tackles, three interceptions, three passes broken up and three forced fumbles.

    Rambo was even better as a junior. He finished second in the nation with eight interceptions. Rambo also had 55 tackles and eight passes broken up. He was a ballhawk in the back end of the Georgia defense and did a superb job of reading the eyes of quarterbacks.

    Rambo only played in 10 games as a senior, but he still he totaled 73 tackles, three interceptions, two passes batted away, one sack and three forced fumbles. Rambo had an impressive performance versus Florida with a sack and interception. He also played well against Georgia Tech and Alabama.

    Rambo is an utter ballhawk in the back end. He totaled 14 interceptions over the last three seasons; a very impressive total for a safety. Overthrows in the middle of the field are extremely dangerous with Rambo in the secondary. He does a nice job of playing off his pass rush to take the ball away. Aside from interceptions, Rambo does a good job of forcing fumbles.

    Rambo would fit best in the NFL as a free safety to patrol the deep part of the field. He is quick enough to help cover receivers running deep and give his cornerbacks help over the top. Defensive coordinators like safeties who can cover tight ends, and Rambo should have that ability once he learns the pro game.

    Rambo could stand to play more disciplined football and do less gambling, but he is still a good weapon at safety for the passing-driven NFL given his tremendous ball skills. Rambo has to convince teams in interviews that his off-the-field problems are behind him. However, whichever team drafts Rambo could have a steal on the second day. He has the talent to be a high-impact starter.



    Player Comparison: Darren Sharper. The Packers selected Sharper in the second round of the 1997 NFL Draft out of William & Mary. He turned into an excellent pro safety who was a ballhawk in the back end. Rambo was a similar player for Georgia the past few seasons. He is a couple inches shorter than Sharper, but they both weigh about the same. If Rambo lands with a good coaching staff who develops him, I think he could turn be an impact safety like Sharper.

    NFL Matches: Carolina, New York Jets, Washington, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Baltimore There are a lot of teams that could use Rambo on the second day of the 2013 NFL Draft. The Panthers safeties were dreadful in 2012, and he could probably play immediately for Carolina. The Jets are likely to lose LaRon Landry in free agency and Rambo could be a potential replacement.

    The Redskins have to improve their safety play and their defensive backs. Rambo’s range and ball skills will appeal to defensive backs coach Raheem Morris. The Colts need to improve their safeties as well. Indianapolis’ defense has missed a play-maker in the back end since injuries derailed Bob Sanders’ career.

    The Bengals need a safety to pair with Reggie Nelson and Rambo could be a nice complement. He makes sense for two other AFC North teams: the Steelers and Ravens. Both could use another safety, and Baltimore may lose Ed Reed in free agency.



    NFL Draft Rumors


    Feb. 16: Bacarri Rambo is viewed as a third-round prospect, according to Mike Mayock.

    Follow @walterfootball for updates.







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    2013 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s


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