Oct 27, 2012; Lawrence, KS, USA; Texas Longhorns safety Kenny Vaccaro (4) comes onto the field for the game with the Kansas Jayhawks at Memorial Stadium. Texas won the game 21-17. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
It’s time again to take a closer look at one of this year’s prospects entering the 2013 NFL draft. This time, we turn the spotlight on Texas Longhorns safety, Kenny Vaccaro.
Vaccaro looks to be the highest ranked safety in this year’s draft, and is well sized at 6-1 and 215 lbs. In a solid 2012 college season, he registered 92 tackles, two interceptions and he forced two fumbles.
After studying some of his film, the one thing that first jumps out is his tackling ability. This kid moves fast to the ball carrier, and doesn’t slow down when he gets there, delivering some heavy duty hits. In terms of his cover skills, he is a disciplined player that can keep up with most receivers.
He’s not the type of safety that is going to get a lot of interceptions, but that’s not why you’re drafting him. He has a nose for the football, and takes good angles when tackling, and once he’s got you, he’s got you. Not many players will break out of a Vaccaro tackle. He does need to be a little careful of going in too hard, because he has been known to totally miss, but that should improve once he gets to the NFL.
His tape shows that he has the ability to cover a lot of ground, and he has no problem tracking a player from sideline to sideline. He has had a few issues both on and off the field, but these don’t appear serious enough to alter most scout’s view on Vaccaro. He should go in the first round, and there are plenty of teams that could use a player like Vaccaro. He is strong and athletic enough to play the safety position, but also offer a linebacker type skill set when it comes to run defense and dropping back into pass coverage.
So, as we tend to do round here, let’s take a look at some highlights of Vaccaro’s play, and see what he can truly bring to the table.