CBS Sports lists Kaevon Merriweather as ‘trust the tape’ 2023 NFL draft prospect
In an Iowa Hawkeyes secondary that included future NFL draft pick Riley Moss, current college star Cooper DeJean, and young up-and-comer Xavier Nwankpa, Kaevon Merriweather often exceeded in the background and did so as a steady anchor.
Merriweather didn’t necessarily make the flash play, but he never made that lousy play. He always found himself around the ball, making consistent tackles, and being an intelligent player in the back end.
Due in part to the star power around him, some teams may let him slide past them in this upcoming 2023 NFL draft. That may very well prove to be a mistake. CBS Sports believes Kaevon Merriweather is a player whose tape should do all the talking it needs to.
Iowa can certainly pump out some Trust the Tapers, from Mike Daniels to Micah Hyde to Amani Hooker to Josey Jewell. Merriweather is the next Hawkeye in line. Nothing Merriweather did at the combine finished above the 50th percentile at the safety spot, and on film, you’d think he was the fastest, most athletic player on the field in every game he played because of how frequently he’s around the football.
In his final two seasons as a full-time starter for Bill Belichick disciple Kirk Ferentz, Merriweather had four interceptions and seven pass breakups across 25 games and tackles very well. His defensive instincts are off the charts, and there won’t be many instances in which he’s lost when the football enters his coverage vicinity. Merriweather feels like a Day 3 safety who’ll eventually land in a starter role and thrive in the NFL. – Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports
Coming from Phil Parker’s defense and a program led by Kirk Ferentz, Merriweather will provide NFL teams with a fundamentally sound safety that is going to make consistent plays.
Kaevon Merriweather was often the unsung hero for the Hawkeyes and may slide down the draft board a bit, but it should only be a matter of time before the safety gets his chance to prove himself. Odds are he won’t relinquish the opportunity.
During his career with the Hawkeyes, the Belleville, Mich., product racked up 118 tackles, 12 passes defensed, four interceptions and two tackles for loss. He had three picks last season.
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