Green Bay Packers: Damarious Randall film study

Arizona State Sun Devils defensive back Damarious Randall (3) tackles Washington State Cougars running back Jamal Morrow (25). Matt Kartozian -USA TODAY Sports

Randall’s Open Field Tackling

Let’s talk a little more about Randall as a tackler. His ability to make stops in the open field will come under close scrutiny in camp and preseason this year.

The Packers will want to see him taking down ball carriers in space, which can be a challenge for some rookies in the NFL.

There have already been conflicting reports on Randall as a tackler -anywhere from he’s a great tackler to this is the weakest part of this game.

Like I mentioned earlier, it all depends on which film you watch. He had a handful of missed tackles in the Oregon State game, but a majority of his film shows sound tackling.

Watch how he quickly takes down the receiver to prevent any yards after the catch in this clip from the USC game.

That’s Nelson Agholor – the Eagles first-round pick and perhaps the most dynamic slot receiver from this year’s draft class. Randall squares him up and takes him down with ease.

Here’s another example of a solid hit from Randall. Except this one he delivers a little more punch.

I like that he keeps the play in front of him and quickly closes in on the receiver after the catch. He also does a good job wrapping up the receiver as he drives him into the ground.

It’s funny to watch plays like this and think of how many analysts criticized Randall’s tackling leading up to the draft. In the film I’ve watched, it’s rare to see anyone slip past him. He usually does a good job wrapping up the ball carrier and bringing him down.

Randall was very active on defense last year, recording 106 tackles. However, what the stat sheet doesn’t show is how many of those tackles were touchdown-saving stops.

This is something you really see with Randall’s game. There are so many times he tracks the ball carrier downfield and brings him down to save the score.

This following clip from the USC game is a prime example.

Yes, Randall makes the stop well downfield after a big gain, but he also saves the touchdown.

The USC back was really gaining a head of steam and looking to take it all the way, but notice how Randall’s back is turned toward the ball carrier and then he has to turn and adjust on the fly to wrap up and make the tackle.

It’s an impressive play on his part, which prevents a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Again, I see this type of play and I don’t see a player whose tackling is suspect.

Just because Randall hasn’t put together a highlight reel of big-time hits in college, doesn’t mean he’s a weak tackler.

Here’s one final clip that showcases Randall’s ability to make tackles in the open field. On this swing pass to the halfback, watch how Randall squares up, gets his pads low, and then wrestle the back to the ground.

The back has 20 pounds on him and assumes he can bulldoze Randall. However, you have to admire Randall’s grit in holding his ground and his willingness to dig in and take the back down to the turf.

These clips are only a few of the numerous plays from Randall’s film that demonstrate his ability to make stops in the open field.

Only time will tell how his tackling will truly hold up in the NFL, but after watching his film, I am not worried in the least bit.

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