The Newest Saint - Kenny Vaccaro (w/ scouting reports, stats, pics & highlights)

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As a senior in 2012, Vaccaro was named an All-American by Pro Football Weekly.

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Strengths: Prototypical size and build for the position. Possesses a high-cut frame with good overall musculature. Shows very good straight-line speed, agility, balance and hip flexibility. Athleticism for coverage duties are enhanced by Vaccaro's vision and instincts. Quickly locates the ball and shows an understanding of route-progression, rarely getting caught out of position.
Often asked to drop down from his free safety position to cover the slot, demonstrating a smooth backpedal, hip turn and the burst out of his breaks to stay in the hip pocket of his opponent. Hasn't generated the number of interceptions of prior UT defensive backs, but has good ball skills and showed greater willingness to jump routes as a senior.

Highly aggressive run defender. Flies to the line in run support, demonstrating a physical pop and generally reliable open-field tackling skills. Possesses the long, strong arms for the drag-down tackle, as well as good closing speed in pursuit and on the occasional blitz.

Weaknesses: Can get out of control in his aggression toward the line of scrimmage. Will duck his head in his attempt to make the big hit and leave cut-back lanes for patient, explosive runners to take full advantage. Must do a better job of wrapping up, rather than leading with his shoulder.

Hasn't shown the consistency as ballhawk considering his hype, recording only five interceptions in 51 career games. Teams will want to ask Vaccaro about a few run-ins with authorities. He was reportedly arrested following a fight with another Texas student in 2009 and again in 2012 after failing to obey a lawful order, a misdemeanor.

Compares To: Eric Weddle, FS, San Diego Chargers -- Like the highly instinctive and versatile Weddle, Vaccaro has the athleticism and size to line up wherever his NFL team needs him most. Vaccaro hasn't yet shown the same ball skills as the Chargers' Pro Bowler but showed signs of improving in this area as a senior.

--Rob Rang

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University of Texas safety Kenny Vaccaro looks to be the complete package. Not only can he lay the wood on a receiver downfield, this true senior can cover like a cornerback.
Vaccaro is an All-American caliber player with above-average size and more than adequate speed. He is at his best in coverage, whether it be man or zone. Very fluid lower half and doesn't need a lot of steps to change direction or accelerate. May not be able to keep up with the best tight ends out there, but he is athletic enough to challenge them by climbing the ladder to make a play on the ball. When in zone coverage, he can get caught flat-footed when peeking at the quarterback's eyes. He is a very disciplined player though and plays with something almost like a sixth sense for feeling what the offense is trying to do.

Great hands, really goes after the ball when in coverage. Near-receiver like skills in his ability to quickly turn, locate the ball, and come down with the turnover. Not a consistently reliable tackler. Looks to make the big, jarring hit rather than wrap up at times. Vaccaro is very willing in run support and should transition nicely when he learns to avoid some of his collision tackles.

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04/25/13 - DANE BRUGLER'S FINAL 2013 DRAFT BOARD: 25. S Kenny Vaccaro, Texas (6-0, 214, 4SR)...Although he needs to do a better job breaking down and finishing in space, Vaccaro has the physical nature and athleticism to cover in space and defend the run. - Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com

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