Grade: 77 | Key
Alert: None
Comment: Whitner is coming off his second season and has been one of the better young defenders in the league. He has good size, strength and athleticism. He is a hard-nosed safety who is better versus the run than defending the pass. He is often inverted and in the box in the Bills' defensive scheme. He shows great instincts, a good feel for angles and the ability to leverage the ball. He uses his hands well and can work through trash to stay alive to the pile. Whitner is a strong tackler who maintains good body position in the open field. He has good range off the hash, filling the alley or making plays across the field. He is best to jam receivers off the line of scrimmage in combination-zone coverages, but isn't as effective in pure man schemes. He has good foot agility, balance and quickness in space. Plus, he can redirect and close well to the ball. He isn't an outstanding coverage defender, but often he is used in the box and not in a ball hawking mode. Whitner has been very effective in the Bills' defensive philosophy and as a special team's contributor.
77 is borderline on being an "Outstanding" player according to Scouts Inc. Whitner is thought of very highly by many around the NFL. He is only 23, and most players peak around 28. There is no reason that he cannot be a top 5 safety in the NFL.
PS: Whitner is the 7th highest rated Safety in the NFL (per scouts inc)