NC State Huddlers, I am reading that Earl Wolff is a sleeper at Safety

[top dawg]

OK, It's the offseason, the draft is coming up, and I am really doing some searching for later round (and/or likely undrafted) underrated talent. Actually trying to self-research WR, Jasper Collins, I also came upon Safety, Earl Wolff, who apparently helped himself by having a decent East-West Shrine Game. Now, as you probably can tell I don't watch State football (I am an SEC guy), but living in ACC country, I am bombarded with ACC news, so I do know that David Amerson was the premier CB in the conference and a rising national star---at least until his senior year effort when he became suspect. Is this a case of Amerson getting all the accolades while Wolff was playing solidly behind the scenes? Is Wolff worth a 6th or 7th round pick, and/or is his upside any greater than what we already have?

Per nfl.com's draft profile:

STRENGTHS

Solidly built defender able to make plays against the run and pass. Physical tackler coming downhill to attack ballcarriers, not afraid to bring intensity to the stop. Diagnoses and attacks. Breaks down quickly and wraps up the legs of receivers effectively to bring them down quickly after the catch. Uses relentless hustle to reach plays, even if on the opposite sideline. Flashes quickness to move from two-deep to a single-high look after the snap, as well as pick up vertical routes and stay with receivers in deep coverage. Displays sound footwork and technique in coverage. Aware zone defender who watches the quarterback and keeps an eye out for targets in his area. Has physical nature and athleticism to contribute on special teams immediately.

WEAKNESSES

Only average height for the position. Stronger backs can run through his tackles, especially when he leaves his feet. Fails to make the more difficult interception where he needs to go low or extend from his frame to bring in the ball. Must prove himself able to get off blocks when playing around the line of scrimmage.

NFL COMPARISON

Yeremiah Bell

BOTTOM LINE

The two-way high school star gave up toting the ball upon his arrival in Raleigh, and opposing offenses wish he hadn’t. The three-year starter is willing to attack ballcarriers in space or in the backfield and can make plays in the secondary, meaning he has a chance to start in the NFL as a mid-round pick.

[rayzor]

sure why not.

[Raleighcat83]

Well, State's pass defense was suspect last year, hard to tell how much of that was Wolff's fault, but I've always liked the guy. Sure tackler, ballhawk and a leader on the defense. I would definitely take him over Amerson. BTW, he's a safety, not a CB.

[top dawg]

Well, State's pass defense was suspect last year, hard to tell how much of that was Wolff's fault, but I've always liked the guy. Sure tackler, ballhawk and a leader on the defense. I would definitely take him over Amerson. BTW, he's a safety, not a CB.

Fixed.

Thanks. Now I am wondering how he compares to guys like the Vacarros and Cypriens, and the Swearingers and Rambos.

[Swaggasaurus]

Wolff has all of the physical tools. I would grade him as a 4th round guy. He sometimes bites HARD on play action and lets receivers behind him, that is his major flaw to me. But he is super athletic, a great wrap up tackler and usually takes good angles on ball carriers. He was hawking it at the EW Shrine, good ball skills.

[SmootsDaddy89]

By sleeper they meant someone you fall asleep watching game film on.

[the butch]

as a state fan, i can say that he was definitely a team leader. will he do well at the next level? probably not. great leadership skills, but i don't think he has the physical skill set to contribute consistently on a roster. he'll probably get a jersey, but i suspect his career will be majority practice squad.

[Captain Morgan]

I've watched 6 or 7 Wolfpack games over the last 2 years, and no player stood out more to me than

Wolfe. Wish we had a third. If by any chance he drops to the 4th, I'd trade up to get him.

[CarolinaNCSU]

I'd love to see him here, but I don't expect him to be much more than an average rotational guy. Wouldn't spend anymore than a late 4th to 5th on him.

[Toundra]

A sleeper? i will rahter take a mister sandman, aka Duke Williams, the other guy will be a sleeper for sure.

[Panthro]

I like Wolff but I worry about him facing RBs of Peterson's, Lynch's, Jackson's, Richardson's, etc size. They're too strong for Earl to take down by himself.

I'd say they are too strong for most safeties to tackle on their own

[Gucci Mane]

I'd say they are too strong for most safeties to tackle on their own

Except the Great Nakamura

[TyHillPanthers]

I like Wolff but I worry about him facing RBs of Peterson's, Lynch's, Jackson's, Richardson's, etc size. They're too strong for Earl to take down by himself.

Like this?

[LinvilleGorge]

as a state fan, i can say that he was definitely a team leader. will he do well at the next level? probably not. great leadership skills, but i don't think he has the physical skill set to contribute consistently on a roster. he'll probably get a jersey, but i suspect his career will be majority practice squad.

This. He actually reminds me a lot of Carolina's Dexter Reid. Reid was a great college player, but anyone who wasn't blinded by homerism knew that it wasn't going to translate at the next level.