2019 NFL Draft Profile: San Diego State S Parker Baldwin
Safety Parker Baldwin will wait to see if his name rings this weekend.
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Parker Baldwin played all four years and all 54 games at San Diego State.
Size Comparisons: Kenny Vaccaro, Eric Reid, 6-2, 215lb
He saw playing time as a freshman in 2015 on special teams. In his sophomore season, he started for the injured Na’im Magee at the AZTEC spot in Rocky Long’s 3-3-5 defense (for NFL scouting purposes I’ll conform and say strong safety). Baldwin was sold on Coach Long’s best NFL prospect, Brian Urlacher and the idea of a safety that acts like a linebacker. He became reliable in Magee’s absence and started at strong safety beginning in 2017. A big part of San Diego State’s rush defense comes from the leadership instilled into the defensive backfield, and Baldwin pushed himself to get there.
Strengths
Baldwin was recruited as one of those guys who carry natural talent but has an unclear path to a position before stepping on campus. Once a high school track and field star, he has played well at the safety spot and developed a knack for hitting hard. He’s a run stuffer who made his money within five yards of scrimmage and he is not afraid to tackle, having recorded 99 total tackles in his senior season and recording over 10 total tackles four times since starting at strong safety.
Weaknesses
Baldwin is not good in pass coverage. Deep balls or alignment mismatches won’t play well to his strengths. Baldwin played in a superb run defense but played in a suspect pass coverage defense. Definitely would have to work on his hands and defending the ball.
Projection
6th Round Pick – Atlanta Falcons
