Washington Football Team mock draft: Round-by-round free safety options

Rounds 4-7

Round 4 – Darrick Forrest, Cincinnati – 6-0, 206

Darrick Forrest was a crucial part of Cincinnati’s stout defense in 2020.  He is not the most talented free safety in the 2021 class, but the former Bearcat’s work ethic and dedication make him a desirable target in the middle rounds.  Forrest will need to adjust to the NFL, but could be a key contributor on special teams.  He could be a rotational starter within two years.

Round 5 – Caden Stearns, Texas – 6-0, 202

As a two-year starter at Texas, Caden Stearns was a reliable defender as a deep safety and his somewhat limited versatility was supplemented by a cerebral effort on each play – a trait that will serve him well at the next level.  As a run defender, Stearns is simply not an engaged player.  That also limits his efforts in any blitz packages.  His future is likely as a depth player for the Washington Football Team and a special teams ace.

Round 7 – Qwynnterrio Cole, Alcorn St. – 6-3, 190

Seventh-round free safeties tend to be nothing more than special teams players, but that could have been said of strong safety Kamren Curl last summer.  Can lightning strike twice for the Washington Football Team?  Qwynterrio Cole was a very intelligent player for the Braves and will need at least two or three years to adjust to the NFL.  Can he make the transition from the Purple and Gold to the Burgundy and Gold?

Damar Hamlin, Pittsburgh – 6-1, 200

First and foremost, Damar Hamlin would need to make his impact as a special teams ace.  His ceiling as a free safety in the NFL looks to be limited, but he rarely made bad mistakes for the Panthers.  Look for Hamlin to be on the practice squad for a couple of years.