Penn State S Jaquan Brisker
6-foot-2
206 pounds
Yahoo Sports’ 2022 NFL draft grade
5.91 — possible second-rounder; starter potential
TL;DR scouting report
Feisty, instinctive playmaker with good versatility, but is he too lean to be featured often in the box?
The skinny
A 3-star Rivals recruit in the Class of 2019, Brisker spent two years at Lackawanna Community College before committing to the Nittany Lions. He didn’t start but played extensively in 13 games, making 32 tackles (one for loss) with two interceptions and three pass breakups. Brisker started nine games in 2020, with 57 tackles (three for losses), one interception and seven pass breakups. In 2021, he started 12 games and made 64 tackles (5.5 for losses), two interceptions, five pass breakups and a fumble recovery.
Penn State S Jaquan Brisker is one of the best safeties in the 2022 NFL draft. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Upside
Strong testing performance at NFL combine — above average to excellent in every drill
Nice length — nearly 6-foot 2 with nearly 32-inch arms
Very good strength and lower-body explosion
Crashes in hard to stop the run — sacrifices body to make stops
Fights ferociously through blocks, even by tight ends and offensive linemen
Versatile performer — lined up at deep safety, in box, in slot, as blitzer
Handled variety of coverage roles well
Knack for clutch plays — game-sealing INT vs. Wisconsin, TD-saving tackle vs. OSU
Strong instincts in coverage — good nose for the ball, feel for route running
Playmaking ability — five INTs, 19 PDs in 970 coverage snaps
Threat with the ball in his hands — averaged 18 yards per INT return
Can quickly wheel around and make plays the other direction
Tough — played 2021 season with nagging shoulder injury
Zero penalties in final 26 college games
Decent special-teams experience — nearly 250 snaps…
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