Former corner who transitioned to safety and brought a coverage-first toolkit that is rare for the position — Huskey blankets tight ends and slot receivers with legitimate man-coverage ability from the deep half. His ball skills popped at the Shrine Bowl where he was named All-Practice Team, and his 83.5 PFF coverage grade validated two seasons of steady improvement against Big Ten competition. The concern is speed: he opted out of combine testing, his estimated 40 sits in the 4.53-4.58 range, and scouts question his ability to make up ground when he's beaten vertically. If he runs well at the pro day, he's a day-three steal with nickel/dime versatility; if the speed doesn't show up, he's a special-teams-first safety fighting for a roster spot.
- Elite ball skills and instincts — 9 career INTs across two schools, with 4 in his final season tying for 4th in the Big Ten
- Man coverage ability rare for a safety — can lock up tight ends and slot receivers with patience, discipline, and sticky hip technique
- High football IQ and communication — consistently praised as a defensive signal-caller who can wear multiple hats in the secondary
- Physicality as a tackler — 72 tackles (2nd on team) and willingness to support the run without overpursuing
- All-star game stock boost — named to Shrine Bowl All-Practice Team with multiple pass breakups, validating skills against better competition
- Speed is the elephant in the room — opted out of combine testing and estimated 40 time in the 4.53-4.58 range is below average for an NFL safety
- Only two years at safety — still learning nuances of the position after converting from corner midway through 2024 season
- Limited pass breakup totals relative to interception numbers suggest some ball-hawking variance rather than consistent disruption
- NFL.com Prospect Grade of 5.83 (average backup/special teamer) reflects concerns about translating production against elite NFL speed
Similar frame (6-0/6-1, 195-200 range), converted coverage player who wins with instincts, physicality, and ball skills rather than elite straight-line speed. Whitehead carved out a long career as a versatile safety who could play the slot, cover tight ends, and contribute as a willing tackler. Huskey's floor is similar — a smart, physical defensive back who finds a role through versatility even if he lacks top-end range.