The key to fantasy production is finding players who combine talent with opportunity. The 2024 NFL Draft brought the excitement of new talent into the league. But players need the opportunity to produce, and opportunity is all about landing spots.
Three safeties were drafted to significant teams in the fourth round. Who are they, and why will they be successful?
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Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Arizona
The key to finding a good player later in the NFL Draft doesn’t just come down to talent. By the time we reach Day 3, there is usually a talent deficit, and the draft turns into more of a depth pool than a starter pool. While this may discourage some, I believe this is where you see the true scheme fit players get drafted. Dadrion Taylor-Demerson is a good example of this. He was drafted as the seventh safety off the board and to a team that has arguably the best duo in the league at that position. So, why talk about him? He played five years of college football and achieved second-team All-Big 12, but the best part of his game may be his versatility in coverage. He isn’t just going to be the deep man on defense; he can also man-cover corners when necessary. He is a playmaking safety who led his team in interceptions the last three seasons, and when he is given an opportunity on the field, he can and will make the big plays that set players apart from their contemporaries.
Evan Williams, Green Bay
The Packers did this weird thing you often don’t see in the NFL Draft. They took multiple players at the same position defensively. Not only did they do this at the linebacker spot with Edgerrin Cooper and Ty'Ron Hopper. But they did this with a pair of safeties as well. Javon Bullard will get all the hype, and rightfully so, but Evan Williams is no slouch and has a realistic chance at getting some snaps even as the third safety. Williams was another five-year player, but everywhere he went, accolades followed. While at Fresno State, he was a first- and second-team All-Mountain West, and then upon transferring to Oregon, he was a second-team All-Pac 12. He isn’t a highlight reel in pass coverage, but he is more than adequate at stopping the run or over the middle passing routes. He averaged a tick over six tackles a game and plays the best position in IDP, in the box safety. If he gets an opportunity to line up in the box, especially considering how limited the Packers are at that position, he could become fantasy-relevant early and often.
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