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Julian Blackmon

Julian Blackmon Player Profile

Summary

Julian Blackmon was selected in Round 3 (Pick #85 Overall) in the 2020 Draft out of University of Utah. Blackmon offers an appealing mix of versatile coverage ability, strong instincts, and big‑play potential. While his physical frame and run‑support consistency are areas for improvement, his background, skill‑set, and production make him a valuable defensive back. With continued development and health, he can be a foundational player in the secondary.

Strengths

  • Versatility & Coverage Ability: Blackmon began his collegiate career at cornerback and then moved to safety, giving him a unique hybrid background. He can play the deep safety role or drop into the box. Bleacher Report

  • Range & Ball Skills: He has the ability to cover a lot of ground, read the quarterback’s eyes, and make plays on the football — notably with interceptions and pass breakups in college. New Orleans Saints

  • Instincts & Football IQ: Coming from a track and multi‑sport background, Blackmon is praised for his awareness, anticipation, and ability to process offensive patterns—this helps him in coverage and in space. Indianapolis Colts

  • Big‑Play Potential: His ball‑hawk traits and ability to turn turnovers into momentum shifts make him a high‑ceiling contributor when at his best. New Orleans Saints

Weaknesses

  • Physicality / Tackling & Run‑Support: In earlier evaluations, Blackmon was flagged as less consistent when asked to tackle downhill or engage in heavy box‑defense roles. Bleacher Report

  • Press/Line‑Matchups & Length: At 6′0″ and around 202 lbs, with average arm length for a safety, he may face challenges when dealing with physical tight ends, press‑alignment receivers, or when required to engage blockers at the line. Bleacher Report

  • Injury / Availability: Blackmon has had some injury issues, including a significant shoulder/la­brum problem that has impacted his availability. ESPN.com

  • Mastery of One Role: His versatility is a strength, but evaluations noted that being “jack of all trades” may reduce his ability to excel in one specialized role without further refinement. Last Word On Sports

Fit & Outlook

Julian Blackmon fits best in a defensive scheme that values safeties who can cover deep, advocate in space, and support in run‑defense when needed. He projects particularly well in a system that uses hybrid safety roles—one that mixes box coverage, deep safety, and occasional slot/line responsibilities. If he can stay healthy, improve his tackling consistency and block‑engagement physicality, Blackmon has the potential to be a high‑impact starter in the secondary — someone capable of generating turnovers, locking down deep zones, and being a key piece of a defense. His floor is that of a dependable starter safety; his ceiling is a top‑tier coverage safety who can change the complexion of opposing offenses.