Overview
Versatile three-year starter who combines tenacity with football intelligence to play at a consistently high level. Rapp isn't big, but he's well-built and durability hasn't been a concern despite his physical nature as a striker. He played all over the field this year and might be best-suited in a mix between down safety and two-high looks with the ability to cover tight ends. His coverage talent is average, but his run support effort and open-field tackling are clearly defined strengths that make him a relatively safe selection.
Strengths
- Good size with compact frame and well-built chest
- Mister Fix-It asked to play all over the field for the defense
- Football intelligence considered top notch
- Despite compact frame, moves well
- Able to handle man cover duties on tight ends
- Impressive talent to diagnose and flow as box safety
- Recognizes run lane development like a running back
- Takes accurate pursuit angles
- Hip sink and footwork are catalysts for open-field tackling
- Always comes to balance and widens out to tackle
- Loves to thump
- Gifted kickoff cover man
Weaknesses
- Hands out punishment but absorbs his share as well
- Can trigger a little earlier in run support from two-high
- Average lateral burst as open-field tackler
- Might be out-paced by NFL runners in his race to the edge
- Ability to range over the top appears to be just average
- Ball production has dropped since freshman season
- Routes to the throw can be fairly conservative
- Might have left some interceptions and breakups on the field
by Lance Zierlein (NFL.COM)