Dante Trader Jr. NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report for Maryland S

HEIGHT: 5'11"

WEIGHT: 202

---

POSITIVES

— Versatile defender with fluid movement in coverage. He shows quick feet, above-average change of direction and burst.

— Plays with very good awareness in underneath zone coverage. He quickly identifies threats and breaks on the ball in air.

— Very strong run game defender. He quickly triggers to what he sees, closing ground with great angles and ability to adjust as he closes in. Very secure tackler in space.

— Flows well in the box, looking to insert in the run wherever he can. Fronts up ball-carriers with his chest and drives his feet through the contact.

---

NEGATIVES

— Limited to above-average-speed, he can allow separation when covering downfield.

— Can be picked on when in man coverage. Tight ends can create separation.

---

2024 STATISTICS

— 10 Games, 59 Tackles, 1 INT, 5 PBU

---

NOTES

— Games Started: 35

— 3-Star recruit in the 2021 class, per 247Sports

—2024 Left arm injury in week 5 against Indiana. Out for two weeks.

— 2023 Music City Bowl

— 2022 Dukes Mayo Bowl

— Senior Bowl

---

OVERALL

Dante Trader Jr. is a versatile safety from Maryland who brings athleticism and strong run support to the field. Standing at 5'11", 202 pounds, Trader is known for his quick feet, versatility and physicality, making him a valuable asset in both the coverage and run games. His ability to read plays and react quickly positions him as a high-level backup with the potential to develop into an NFL starter.

Trader excels in zone coverage, where his quick feet and fluid movement allow him to patrol underneath routes effectively. He plays with good awareness, quickly identifying threats and breaking on the ball with timing and precision. His ball skills are commendable, particularly when he is in position to swipe through the catch point and disrupt passes. Trader is most comfortable when he can break on the ball from a flat-footed stance or a slow creep, allowing him to use his instincts and burst to close gaps. However, his speed is limited to above average, which can lead to separation when covering downfield. While not a liability in man coverage, Trader can struggle against more athletic tight ends who can create separation, making him more suited for zone schemes or underneath coverage responsibilities.

In run defense, Trader shines with his ability to quickly trigger downhill and close ground efficiently. He takes excellent angles to the ball carrier and is a very secure tackler, particularly in open space. His instincts and awareness in the box allow him to flow well with the play, and he isn't afraid to insert himself into the run wherever needed. Trader's tackling technique is solid, as he fronts up ball-carriers with his chest and drives his feet through contact, ensuring he brings down the ball carrier with authority. His physicality and reliability in the run game make him a valuable defender, particularly in situations where run support is critical.

Dante Trader Jr. projects as an early-round pick with the potential to develop into an NFL starter. His versatility in coverage and strong run defense makes him a valuable asset, particularly in zone-heavy schemes where his awareness and instincts can be maximized. While he may need to improve his speed and man coverage skills to handle more athletic tight ends and receivers, Trader's overall skill set provides a strong foundation for growth. With further development, he has the potential to become a reliable and impactful player.

---

GRADE: 7.4 (High-Level Backup/Potential Starter — 3rd Round)

OVERALL RANK: 71

POSITION RANK: S6

PRO COMPARISON: Jimmie Ward

---

Written by B/R NFL Scout Cory Giddings

---

Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.