Green Bay Packers: Damarious Randall film study

Arizona State Sun Devils defensive back Damarious Randall (3) celebrates after recovering a muffed punt. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Randall, the Playmaker

The first thing that jumps out about Randall’s game is his ability to make plays on the field. Whether it’s dropping in coverage, sneaking up to cut off a slant route, or blitzing from the slot, Randall finds ways to impact the game.

As only a two-year starter, Randall recorded 12 pass breakups, 15 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, and six interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns.

This is quite the resume for the 5-11, 196-pound safety who will now look to make similar impact plays at cornerback in the Packers defense.

Randall’s instincts and knack for making plays around the ball make him a natural fit at nickel corner, where he’ll play closer to the line and in the box. It’s reasonable to think this is where Randall will make a home his rookie season in Caper’s aggressive defensive scheme.

The Packers like their playmakers near the ball, and they employed a similar philosophy in the way they utilized Charles Woodson for several seasons.

Watching Randall on film, it’s easy to make Woodson comparisons. He has a similar build and plays with a similar knack for being in the right place at the right time, while staying a step ahead of the offense.

In this first clip, Randall reads where the quarterback is going with the ball and undercuts the route over the middle of the field. He makes the easy pick when the quarterback gets hit and he jumps the short throw.

This play demonstrates Randall’s awareness and feel for what’s happening on the field. What isn’t shown in the clip is Randall roaming the middle of the field in a zone looking for an opportunity to make a play.

Once Oregon State’s quarterback Sean Mannion is hit, Randall reacts and gets to the ball before the receiver. This was a big play early in the game that set up a score for the Sun Devils’ offense.

This play also showcases Randall’s ability to gain some yards after a turnover.

Watch in this next clip from the Notre Dame game how Randall creeps up and then undercuts a similar route, but then takes this one back sixty yards for the touchdown.

Randallm has a natural knack for making big-time plays. This was a big reason the Packers took him in the first round. They want another player in their secondary that can be a game-changer, and Randall has all of the tools to fulfill that role.

He’s at his best when he can drop in zone and make plays on the ball as demonstrated in these two clips.

However, Randall also makes his presence felt in other aspects of the game. The following clip shows how effective he can be blitzing off the edge as nickel back.

Randall forces a fumble bringing pressure off the edge and makes another impact play for his team. Randall is an effective blitzer from the slot, which was something he did frequently in college.

This aspect of Randall’s game should fit well in the Packers scheme. Capers likes to blitz his nickel corners to dial up additional pressure.

Overall, Randall has the “it” factor that can’t be taught and something you look for when trying to find a playmaker to add to your secondary.

Next: Ability in Coverage