The Indianapolis Colts are getting into the portion of the NFL draft where teams are looking for players that have the traits to develop into a starter or can be a role player, providing value on special teams. The latest addition comes out of California with safety Daniel Scott.
Traits on traits on traits are what Chris Ballard has continued to do in the 2023 draft with this selection. Scott’s three-cone and short shuttle times were the best numbers among all safety prospects at the combine.
He also offers great-to-elite athletic testing numbers and his RAS score ranks as the seventh-best for safeties since 1987.
Daniel Scott was drafted with pick 158 of round 5 in the 2023 draft class. He scored a 9.94 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 7 out of 976 FS from 1987 to 2023. https://t.co/mPRMjvY2dx pic.twitter.com/BIIiNtpWMg
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 29, 2023
Scott brings some versatility as a safety, he can play in the slot, as a deep safety, and can play up within the box.
#Cal versatile safety Daniel Scott is a player flying under the radar who could have a big Senior Bowl week.
Played all over — as 2 high safety, rotating as a single high, and at nickel. Fluid enough to cover from the slot, instinctive enough to make plays in deep halves. pic.twitter.com/0aTMCfofEV
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) January 24, 2023
Scott does a good job reading the quarterback’s eyes when he sits back in coverage.
Cal DB Daniel Scott nearly comes down with the INT. Good job breaking after reading the QB pic.twitter.com/vCcIROW6IZ
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) February 4, 2023
He can improve on processing routes when in coverage because he can get shaken out of his cleats. He can be better in run support by taking proper angles.
Scott doesn’t need to come in to be a starter for the Colts but he can develop into one of their core special teamers. A team captain, he earned special teams MVP during his college career and has vast experience playing on the unit.
It can help him make the final roster come August. Indianapolis is getting a versatile athletic safety that can make the team because of his special teams value.
