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There’s a theme with this senior class, and aside from the winning, it is Wisconsin Badgers changing position. Natrell Jamerson is one of many players who did not start at the position they ended at. He lettered as a freshman at wide receiver before moving to cornerback for two years and finally to free safety in his final year at UW.
Jamerson made the most of his time at free safety, quickly becoming one of the best players on one of the best defenses in the country. His time as a wide receiver clearly benefits him as a defensive back with his understanding of route concepts and techniques receivers use to beat defenses. The Ocala, Fla., native also has experience as a kick returner and may be the best punt gunner in this class.
Natrell Jamerson Measurables
| Height | Weight | Arm Length | Hand Size | 40-Yard Dash | Bench Press | Vertical Jump | Broad Jump | 20-Yard Shuttle | 3-Cone Drill | 60-Yard Shuttle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Height | Weight | Arm Length | Hand Size | 40-Yard Dash | Bench Press | Vertical Jump | Broad Jump | 20-Yard Shuttle | 3-Cone Drill | 60-Yard Shuttle |
| 5'11 | 201 pounds | 32 5/8" | 9 3/4" | 4.4 | 25 reps | 38" | 123" | 4.15 seconds | 6.87 seconds | 11.58 seconds |
Height, weight, arm length, hand width, 40-yard dash and bench press numbers taken from NFL Combine; vertical jump, broad jump, 20- and 60-yard shuttles and 3-cone drill recorded during Wisconsin’s pro day on March 14.
Strengths: Well put together athlete. Played in a complex collegiate defense. Has the size to play either defensive back position. Above average speed for the position, has the speed to recover deep if beaten. Has shown the ability to play off man coverage in both the slot as well as outside. Exhibited the ability to be a ballhawk in the back of the defense in two deep safety looks. Solid wrap up, drag down tackler. Has played all special teams, is an excellent punt gunner and has kickoff returner experience as well.
Weaknesses: Has only played the position one year. Will likely play safety in the NFL, doesn’t have much experience in press in the slot. Can be slightly linear in his movements. Can he play in the box as a strong safety?
Summary: Jamerson is yet another example and testament to the Wisconsin football program’s ability to develop player throughout the extent of their careers in Madison. Jamerson’s special teams skills will get him on the field early, and make him a tough cut in training camp. Likely a third safety initially, with the ability to play most defensive back positions and could also be a kick returner.
Projection: 6th-7th Round
Listen to our conversation with Natrell a couple weeks back on Bucky’s 5th Podcast!