Jalen Catalon NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report for UNLV S

HEIGHT: 5'11"

WEIGHT: 205

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POSITIVES

— Physical player who flies around the field with a high motor. Excels in the run game where he displays the functional strength and aggression to play close to the line of scrimmage.

— Triggers quickly to what he sees, tracking the ball with great leverage and angles. Shows the athleticism and speed to close ground on ball-carriers.

— Uses his hands very well to take on and shed blockers; while also showing to be a physical tackler who runs through ball-carriers and is a secure tackler.

— Very good in coverage as a zone defender. Does a good job of reading the quarterback's eyes and attacking the ball in the air with anticipation.

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NEGATIVES

— Lacks awareness in space, being unsure of what he sees and slower to react.

— Above average man cover skills. Though he has good footwork, he still allows separation downfield.

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NOTES

— Born March 15, 2001

— 4-star recruit in the 2019 class, per 247Sports

— 2024: Transfer from Texas to UNLV

— 2023: Transfer from Arkansas to Texas

— 2020: First Team All-SEC

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OVERALL

Jalen Catalon is a physical and high-motor safety who thrives in the run game and possesses excellent functional strength. Known for his aggression and ability to play near the line of scrimmage, Catalon has the instincts and athleticism to track ball-carriers and make plays. His coverage skills shine best in zone schemes where his vision and anticipation allow him to break on passes.

Catalon excels in zone coverage, using his vision to track the quarterback and attack the ball with excellent anticipation. His timing when breaking up passes is noteworthy, especially on underneath routes. His above-average man coverage skills allow him to be versatile, but you may not want him to be in man coverage too often. He looks best when covering intermediate and shorter routes, as opposed to covering receivers downfield.

Catalon's strength lies in run support. He triggers quickly and tracks ball carriers with excellent leverage and angles, using his hands effectively to shed blockers. His physical tackling style allows him to consistently bring down runners with minimal yards after contact. His high motor ensures he is always around the ball, leading to his added blitz benefits.

Jalen Catalon projects as a mid-round pick with the potential to be a high-level backup and eventual starter. His aggressive playstyle, functional strength, and zone coverage abilities make him a valuable asset in the right defensive system, particularly close to the line of scrimmage. Improvement in man coverage will elevate his game further.

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GRADE: 7.2 (High-Level Backup/Potential Starter— 3rd Round)

OVERALL RANK: 75

POSITION RANK: S8

PRO COMPARISON: Cameron Dantzler

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Cory Giddings

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