Summary

DeShon Elliott was selected in the 6th Round (#190 Overall) in the 2018 Draft out of University of Texas. Elliott brings valuable coverage instincts, ball skills, and physicality in run support. His biggest hurdles are staying fully healthy, covering ultra‑fast receivers in deep or isolated match‑ups, and consistently disengaging or recovering when blocked. In the right scheme, he is a very high‑value piece; in less optimal usage or with further injuries, his role may be more limited to two‑down or rotational play rather than every‑down star.

Strengths

• Instincts & ball‑skills: He demonstrates strong recognition of route concepts, shows ability to track the ball in the air, and has a record of interceptions in college. Good awareness in zone coverage; able to read quarterbacks’ eyes and react. NFL Draft Diamonds

• Downhill physicality / tackling: A violent hitter, he shows willingness to come up and deliver hits, contribute in run support, and make open‑field tackles. Bleacher Report

• Versatility & fit in multiple roles: Elliott has the size and skill set to play free safety, contribute near the line in run support, and drop into coverage. He can be used in multiple alignments, which gives his team flexibility.

Weaknesses

• Health / availability: One of the primary concerns: his injury history and missed games due to assorted issues. Being on the field consistently is a prerequisite for him to maximise his impact.

• Top‑end speed / covering elite receivers: Some older scouting reports flagged his straight‑line speed and ability to run with very fast receivers as a potential shortcoming. While he has good awareness, when he is matched up with very speedy wideouts or deep threats, he may be at a disadvantage.

• Consistency in deep coverage & physical disengagement: He’s perhaps less polished than elite safeties when it comes to handling all‑out man coverage, high‑end athleticism, or consistently beating blocks in tight trenches. his movement in space and ability to separate from blocks (or recover when blocked) are areas for growth. Bleacher Report

Fit & Outlook

Elliott projects as a very solid starting safety, particularly in defenses that value physical run support, versatility, and strong instincts. His best fit is a scheme that allows him to play with range but also come downhill aggressively, and not necessarily one that forces him into every‑down man‑coverage duty against elite outside receivers. If he stays healthy and refines his coverage traits, he could become a dependable multi‑role safety who can impact both run and pass. His ceiling is somewhat capped by athleticism limitations, but his floor remains strong due to his mental acuity and physicality.