FS, Louis Delmas, Western Michigan

FS, Louis Delmas, Western Michigan

Pros:  Athletic build with the frame to carry additional mass. ... Active safety, unafraid to come up and support the run. ... Physical defender who flashes some explosiveness as a hitter.

Cons:  Lacks the bulk most teams prefer. ... Likes to evade blockers, rather than taking them on and shedding blocks. ... Resorts to low tackles and will, occasionally, duck his head and swipe

Styg's Broncos Fit:  Not the best size, which shows up noticeably when he is taking on and avoiding blockers.  Fails to get into blockers and discard them, and is often driven away from or out of the play in attempts to go around.  Despite this he has somewhat of the reputation as a powerful hitter.  He has leadership capability and is a very secure wrap-up tackler who knows how to take down bigger guys and smaller guys alike.  He has good range and gets himself in a good position to make plays in coverage, but can be pulled up with a play-action.  All in all a good prospect with a questionable level of competition and inconsistencies in his game.

Around MHR:

From "Louis Delmas" by Donbok:

Although a little on the light side, Delmas is said to have the frame to add 20 - 30 pounds, without sacrificing much speed.  His forty time is said to be 4.5, and scouts say he plays even faster on the field.  New Era Scouting calls him an outspoken leader, with rock-solid character, never tires and is relentless on plays.  They go on to say that his coverage skills are that of a corner back, and call him a play maker in every sense of the word.

Around SBNation:

From Scouting Report at Mocking the Draft:

Delmas is a top pass-coverage safety prospect with great awareness. A four-year starter, Delmas was the leader of Western Michigan's defense and made the coverage calls in the secondary his final two seasons. Has an athletic frame with room to grow. Fearless, Delmas enjoys laying a hit on the ball carrier. Does nicely when he has to go up for the ball. Times his jumps well to break up a play. Good enough straight-line speed. Good hips, which shows in his backpedal.

Highlights:

Scouting Reports and Offsite Links:

• A four-year starter in the MAC...Was named a captain in 2007 and 2008...Brother, Greg Joseph, plays safety at Florida Atlantic...Second Team All-MAC as a junior and First Team All-MAC as a senior...Was the Broncos leading tackler in 2008...A dynamic safety with a well-rounded game who stands out in run and pass defense...Had a terrific senior campaign and really improved his draft stock...Physical tools are basically adequate across the board and his intangibles are top-notch...Eerily similar in many ways to Tyrell Johnson, who was an early 2nd round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in the 2008  NFL Draft.  [see more...]
• Delmas excels in coverage. Locks up tight ends man-to-man all over the field. He is also very fluid covering wide receivers. A smooth and fluid player, he almost looks like another cornerback. Smart and instinctive, Delmas does not get fooled by fakes or trick plays. He stays home and carries out assignments by the book. He is able to get a good jump on the ball and closes quicker than his 40 time (4.55 at the Combine). Delmas also has a knack for getting to the ball just in time; a natural ballhawk with hands and awareness.  [see more...]
• A four year starter and three time all-conference player in the MAC, Delmas was exceedingly productive as a collegiate. He is an aggressive, natural safety that should transition pretty well to the NFL game. Ideally, Delmas would add some bulk and improve his run support, but there is no denying his production and intangibles. He should make a fine NFL starter.  [see more...]
• A tough, physical hitter who plays with little regard for his body and consistently flies all over the field. Breaks down well in space and is an excellent open-field tackler. Is very fluid in his drop and gets cleanly in and out of his breaks. Has good range in the deep half and possesses the closing speed to ball-hawk and find the football. Showcases natural man-to-man skills and can line up over the slot.  [see more...]
• Was named a team captain heading into the 2007 season. Is an outspoken vocal leader who will challenge his teammates to perform at their highest level. Suffered through a tough childhood but has developed a rock-solid character over the years.  [see more...]
• Western Michigan's offense received a lot of attention this season, but the Broncos' top prospect plays defense. A four-year starter and three-time all-conference safety, scouts have concerns about his ability to hold up against NFL size and strength as a run defender. Delmas is a natural playmaker in coverage and a more physical hitter than his size would indicate.  [see more...]