Fansided

NFL Player Grades: What defenders passed the test?

By Lyle Graversen

Aug 16, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) celebrates after making a sack during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 16, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) celebrates after making a sack during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 7, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Malcolm Bronson (41) runs the ball during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 7, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Malcolm Bronson (41) runs the ball during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

Safeties

Making The Grade:

Calvin Pryor – New York Jets

The Jets first round pick has only played in one preseason game, but he made it count. Pryor was able to grade out at +5.5 in his NFL debut. That single game score is higher than any other NFL safety has totaled in two preseason games combined thus far. That type of success is likely not sustainable, but it’s still a very impressive debut that has to have Jets fans and coaches drooling to see just how good this kid can be.

Malcolm Bronson – Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs have a very questionable secondary when it comes to coverage skills, especially after the release of veteran Brandon Flowers. That’s why it’s noteworthy that this second year undrafted player is getting regular playing time with KC’s first unit defense. Bronson has taken advantage of the opportunity thus far. His +3.9 coverage grade is the best coverage grade by a NFL safety this preseason. If he keeps that up he’ll earn lots of playing time and perhaps give KC another solid player on the back end next to Pro Bowler Eric Berry.

Missing The Mark:

Louis Delmas – Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins brought Delmas in this offseason in hopes that he might rebound from an injury plagued career in Detroit. The knock on Delmas was always his ability to stay healthy, not how he played on the field. However, this season it’s his play that’s been an issue. He’s one of the absolute lowest graded safeties in the NFL (-2.3) at this point with negative grades for coverage, run defense, and rushing the passer. That’s not good.

Stevie Brown – New York Giants

Brown came out of nowhere to lead the Giants with eight interceptions in 2012, but then lost the entire 2013 season to a knee injury. The Giants are hoping that Brown can return to form this year and get back to his turnover creating ways. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case this preseason. Of the 215 safeties that PFF has graded snaps on this preseason Brown is ranked number 213 with an overall grade of -3.0. Not only that, but he has been equally bad against the run and the pass. If both Brown and Thurmond (who was on the CB list for not making the grade) have bad seasons it could be a very long year for the New York defense.

So there you have it. Those are some key players that are both grading out very well and very poorly thus far this preseason. Are there players on this list that you think won’t live up to their early high marks in the preseason? Are there players on the down side of this list that you think will still have great seasons? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Look for the offensive player edition this Thursday here at FanSided and if you haven’t checked out Pro Football Focus for yourself, I think it’s time to take a few minutes and look them over.

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