Why safety K’Von Wallace is a perfect fit in Eagles defense
1 May 2020 Uncategorized
With the 21st in the fourth round of the NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles selected Clemson safety K’Von Wallace. For some reason, he fell to the Eagles and while this is a huge mistake by every year, this pick was a home run for the Eagles.
Firstly, let’s break down just how good Wallace was for Clemson. For one, he was the captain of the defense, a defense that was in two National Championships. He tied the record for games played by a Clemson Tiger with 59. He racked up 178 tackles, 21 pass breakups, five interceptions, two sacks and two forced fumbles during his time at Clemson. His play style is fierce and he’s a monster competitor.
To further prove that point, here’s what Wallace had to say about his play style and attitude. “The Eagles know what they’re getting with a type of guy like me,” Wallace said. “I’m a guy that’s going to do anything I can to put my team in the best position to win. I feel like the best way to do that is to become a starter and become a huge fit and role in the special teams.”
He’s got a tendency to always be around the ball. He doesn’t see the blockers or traffic in front of him, he sees one thing, the man with the ball. You can call that tunnel vision.
Wallace is a player who loves to tackle and he loves to deliver the big hit. And, he’s not going to miss many tackles. Last season, Wallace had a miss tackle percentage of 7.9% which was the best in the safety draft class.
Me no miss tackles like that? (baby voice). No give up TD’s either. Only gave up 1 senior year. #1 in coverage and Tackling ? I’m different. https://t.co/iYT5AQyk3t
— #KMasterLock™$$ (@KVonWallace) April 30, 2020
To further that case, Wallace had the best overall cover grade by Pro Football Focus out of all the safeties as well. They gave him a grade of 92.1, which is phenomenal. He doesn’t get beat and by small chance you do, he’ll bring you right to the ground.
Take PFF grades as you like, but new Eagles safety K'Von Wallace had a grade of 92.1 since 2017.
That's 1st among safeties in the draft. #Eagles @KVonWallace pic.twitter.com/PASYSxL7hK
— Thomas R. Petersen ? (@thomasrp93) April 26, 2020
At the end of the day, you have a very versatile player who can play in a multitude of positions. He has the ball skills, he had ten pass breakups last season. His instincts are off the charts, he diagnoses plays and finds a way to shut them down. And he’s a very physical player. And, that statistics above speak for themselves. Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is going to be licking his chops with this pick. Just look at this mindset he has. Wallace said, “I just go out there and just impose my will on my opponents and compete with the guys in the locker room,” Wallace said. “I do it in a very respectful, friendly way, and I’m a guy that’s going to be able to challenge you, see what you’re about, and just compete overall.”
There really is not a better player than Wallace to come into this defense, a defense who had just lost one of their leaders, and impose himself. He’s a guy that’ll come in and players will quickly follow his lead. He is just special, he has a special make up about him. On the field he is a monster, and off of it, his energy and passion is contagious. The Eagles hit a home run with this pick.
Photo Credit: RICK SCUTERI / AP