Jeremy Cash (SS)
HT: 6'0" WT: 212LBS.
POSITION: SS
SCHOOL: Duke
ARM LENGTH: 32 3/8"
HANDS: 9 1/2"
Overview
The Blue Devils are looking for their first back-to-back drafts with a first-round pick in school history, and the former Ohio State Buckeye (he played five games as a true freshman in 2011 before transferring due to the change of coaches) has the sort of all-around game a team may covet enough to use an early pick to secure his services. He's a real presence in the box, as he showed during his sophomore season (121 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, four interceptions) and in another outstanding year in 2014 (111 tackles, 10.5 for loss, 5.5 sacks, two picks, seven pass breakups). Cash was recognized as a second-team All-ACC player, as well as receiving second team All-American notice, in both seasons. In his senior year, Cash joined last year's first-round Blue Devil, guard Laken Tomlinson, as a consensus All-American by amassing 101 tackles, 18 for loss, 2.5 sacks, four pass break-ups, and three forced fumbles. The Bronco Nagurski and Jim Thorpe Award committees named him a finalist, and ACC coaches named him not only the conference Defensive Player of the Year, but also its top scholar-athlete. Unfortunately, Cash could not play in the team's bowl game against Indiana, sitting out the Pinstripe Bowl after having surgery on his right wrist.
ANALYSIS
Strengths
Very big and very physical. All about it every time he steps inside the box. Eye-popping impact tackle production with 33 of his 98 tackles in 2015 coming for gains of two yards or less. Finished with 326 tackles and seven forced fumbles over last three years. Long arms and big hands for the position. Looks like a small linebacker on the hoof. Comes diving off the edge to upend running backs before they hit the crease. Plays with big closing burst when he smells blood. Runs through targets with force and can separate receivers from the catch. Brings the fight to FBs and move TEs who try to come at him. Rabid run-supporter when he's in attack mode.
Weaknesses
Will struggle in space if asked to match up in man coverage. Plays with tight, stiff hips that limit sudden movements and change of direction. Can't flip hips and accelerate without intensive labor. Slow to drop into zone coverage with proper depth from line of scrimmage. Allows receivers to consistently uncover at the top of their routes. Will have to be protected in coverage. Scheme-limited. Had surgery this season for a broken wrist and will need to pass medical tests.
Sources Tell Us
"As long as you have a plan for him and play plenty of sub packages that let him play in the box, you will be fine." -- NFC scout
NFL Comparison
T.J. Ward
Bottom Line
Deluxe run-supporter who has the closing burst and size to continue his impressive tackle production in the pros. Cash is much too stiff to be asked to make a living in coverage and any team considering him will likely view him as a box safety or hybrid player who is less about a defined position and more about physicality around the line of scrimmage.
