2019 NFL Draft: Valuation of positional tweeners in class

Quarterback/Safety/Athlete: Trace McSorley, Penn State

Surprise, surprise, former Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley’s potential position change was accelerated while at the 2019 NFL Combine. Several NFL teams requested for McSorley to work out with the defensive backs while in Indianapolis. This request may not be quite as random as one might think. McSorley had been recruited to play the safety position before eventually landing with the Nittany Lions to play quarterback.

McSorley declined the request to be evaluated as a safety at the combine, as well as at his pro day workout. McSorley intends to explore his options at the quarterback position at the next level. Even more than Fitzgerald, McSorley faces an uphill battle to ever see significant playing time at the position. Aside from arm talent limitations, McSorley also has to answer size concerns on top of it. Like Fitzgerald, McSorley projects favorably to that Taysom Hill gadget role.

McSorley is an athletic, tough guy who will have no problem scrapping his way into some sort of role at the next level. A meteoric jump, a McSorley position switch to the safety spot is a very intriguing one.

He most recently tested phenomenally well at the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine (4.57-second 40-yard dash, 33-inch vertical, 7.09-second 3-cone and a 4.12-second 20-yard shuttle). Put that together with his overachieving playing style, you have an interesting fit as a strong safety prospect (assuming he can tackle).

Whatever position McSorley gets his opportunity, his demeanor and versatility will provide him with an opportunity to develop into a role in a more than ever departmentalized NFL.

Projected Round: 6th-UDFA