Summary

Calen Bullock was selected in the 3rd Round (#78 Overall) in the 2024 Draft out of University of Southern California (USC). Bullock is a young safety with significant upside, driven by physical tools, range, and ball-hawking instincts. In college he showed the ability to patrol the deep third, make plays on the ball, and cover ground sideline to sideline. As he enters the NFL, the expectation is that he can develop into a strong starting safety—especially in coverage roles—but there are crucial areas of his game (run support, strength/physicality, tackling consistency) that must be improved. If he refines those facets, he has the potential to be a difference-maker; if not, his role may settle into more of a coverage-specialist rather than all-around safety.

Strengths

• Range and deep-field coverage ability: Bullock’s length, athleticism, and ability to cover ground quickly make him suited for a single-high safety role. He has shown he can track deep routes and make plays on the ball in coverage. PFSN

• Ball skills and instincts: He has a knack for reading the quarterback, anticipating passes, and using his length to contest or intercept. This makes him a playmaker rather than just a support piece. NFL Draft Buzz

• Versatility in coverage: Bullock shows the capability to play off-man, cover tight ends or backs, and mix in zone roles—valuable in modern NFL defenses which demand versatility from safeties.

• Athletic profile, quickness & hip mobility: Despite being lean, he moves well, transitions smoothly, and his hips/footwork in coverage stand out. NFL.com

Weaknesses

• Play strength and run-support limitations: Bullock’s frame and strength are cited as less than ideal when it comes to physicality at the line of scrimmage or taking on blocks and tackling bigger ball-carriers.

• Tackling technique / wrap-up fundamentals: At times he uses aggressive hits rather than sound form, which leads to missed tackles or extra yards after contact. Bleacher Report

• Run defense and block shedding: While good in coverage, his impact in the run game (especially when asked to support downhill) is a concern. He may struggle when asked to function in more physical safety roles. Sportskeeda

• Consistency and read/recognition under duress: Sometimes can take sub-optimal angles, delay recognition on counters or misdirection, and thus give up yards. The Draft Network

• Frame/growth potential: At ~190 lbs and his lean build, there is concern about how much bulk/strength he can add without sacrificing movement—and whether he can handle more physical demands. With the First Pick

Fit & Outlook

Bullock is likely to excel in a defense that allows him to play deep, roam sideline-to-sideline, and use his ball-skills in coverage rather than ask him to be a heavy “in-the-box” run-defender early on. A scheme that leverages single-high safety usage, or rotates him accordingly, will suit him well. Expect him initially to contribute primarily in passing downs, deep coverage roles, and perhaps sub-packages where his instincts can be maximized, while the team manages his development in run-support roles. If he improves his tackling, build, and physicality, Bullock has the potential to be a true starting safety who impacts both pass and run. His ceiling is high for coverage and play-making; his floor is a dependable coverage-oriented safety who may be less effective against heavy run or power offenses.