Makari Paige S Michigan | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Makari Paige S Michigan
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| ROLE: Man-Zone Slot/Nickel Safety | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 10/27/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.49 seconds (76%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ROLE: Man-Zone Slot/Nickel Safety | |
| Last Updated: 10/27/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.49 seconds (76%*) | |
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| Overall Rating: | 80.4 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Offense player has faced | ||
| Offense Rating: |
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81% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| QB Rating When targeted: | 65.8 | |
| Tackling: |
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67% |
| Run Defense: |
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76% |
| Coverage: |
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67% |
| Zone: |
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67% |
| Man/Press: |
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66% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
UDFA
Overall Rank:
#272
Position rank:
#53
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| College Games: 52 College Snaps: 1734 | ||
ESPN RATING: 81/100
College Combine Results
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247 RATING: 92/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.8 (95%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dominique Hampton - Washington |
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88% |
| Cole Bishop - Utah |
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76% |
| JL Skinner - Boise State |
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72% |
Draft Profile: Bio
A four-year contributor at Michigan, Makari Paige (DOB: 1/11/2002, 6'4", 208 lbs) anchored the Wolverines' secondary during their championship runs. The West Bloomfield native logged 48 games with 27 starts, earning All-Big Ten honorable mention honors in both 2022 and 2023.His collegiate production includes 90 tackles, two interceptions, and multiple pass breakups across four seasons. The 2023 campaign saw him start 13 games, collecting 41 tackles while rotating between safety spots and nickel. His junior year yielded similar numbers with 41 tackles, one sack, and an interception in 12 appearances.
At West Bloomfield High School under coach Ron Bellamy, Paige dominated as a two-time team captain. His senior year produced 94 tackles, five TFLs, two fumble recoveries, and two interceptions. His junior campaign was equally impressive with 105 tackles, three TFLs, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. He earned all-state honors and spots on both the MLive Detroit and Detroit News Dream Teams.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Plus-plus length for the position with impressive wingspan and natural pad level that helps maintain leverage against tight ends
- Exhibits advanced pattern recognition skills when operating in zone coverage, particularly from two-high safety alignments
- Clean footwork transitioning from backpedal to break, showing corner-like fluidity despite safety frame
- Reliable wrap-up tackler who excels at breaking down in space and securing solo stops against ball carriers
- Shows excellent route recognition from depth, particularly against intermediate crossing patterns
- Brings legitimate positional versatility, having played single-high, split safety, and nickel roles in multiple schemes
- Quality special teams gunner with experience on punt and kickoff units enhancing early-roster value
- Demonstrates consistent snap-to-snap effort level with no significant durability concerns over four seasons
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Hip tightness shows up in sudden direction changes, particularly when matched against shifty slot receivers
- Needs to develop more urgency triggering downhill against outside run plays from deep alignment
- Can get caught flat-footed against double moves when aligned in press-man coverage
- Shows some labored transitions when flipping hips to run vertically from press alignment
- Must improve play strength at point of attack when working through blocks in run support
Scouting Report: Summary
The tape shows a developmental safety prospect with the frame and movement skills to contribute in multiple defensive packages. His ability to match up with tight ends and handle zone coverage responsibilities projects well to sub-package roles at the next level.The skill set translates best to split-safety defensive schemes where his length and route recognition abilities can be maximized. His instant special teams value provides a floor while technical refinements in man coverage and press technique develop.
Scheme fit will be crucial for maximizing early impact. Systems employing multiple safety looks and heavy zone concepts align best with his current strengths, while his frame suggests untapped potential in press coverage situations with continued technical development.
How other scouting services rate Makari Paige (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
352.0
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
72.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.