Underrated Player Series:

Kamren Curl:

7th round pick to Integral Defensive Cog

By: Michael A. Chase Jr.

12/24/2020

          With all the hype about the production of The Washington Football Team’s 2020 draft class it is intriguing to see several experts marvel at the production of the most unheralded player of the class. This being 7th round pick Safety Kamren Curl out of the University of Arkansas, who has impressed fans and evaluators alike. Despite being apart of the same draft class as number 2 overall pick Defensive End Chase Young and 3rd round breakout star Running Back Antonio Gibson, Curl has managed to make a name for himself. As this young safety has quickly gone from end of the roster depth to integral starter in Washington’s now 5th ranked defensive unit. This article will look to discuss Curl’s ascension into a prominent role on Washington’s defense. Analyzing his strengths as a player, along with detailing his standout performances. Culminating in providing a vivid picture of his impressive rise to the top of Washington’s Safety depth chart.

            Kamren Curl so far in his rookie season has posted 73 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 passes defensed, 1 interception, and one touchdown scored. Strong numbers for a player that in a perfect world would be mainly a special team’s contributor. He has made the most of his opportunity and has put together some standout performances. The first being recently in week 14 against San Francisco where Curl recorded 6 solo tackles, 2 passes defensed, and a 76-yard interception return TD. The pick-six arguably being the play that helped Washington secure a victory. The other standout performances came in back to back games in weeks 9 and 10 versus the Giants and Lions. Where in this two-game stretch he made his presence felt recording 20 tackles (12 being solo) and 2 sacks. Showing he was trending towards his eventual breakout game in week 14 with increasingly impactful play. Kamren Curl through these number has proven to be a quality NFL player with intriguing upside.

            The percentage of snaps he has played each week also depict how he has grown into a key impact player. Curl has gone from playing 32.5% of the defensive snaps on average through the first 6 weeks, to 94.5% of the snaps the last 8 weeks. Playing 100% of the snaps in 6 of those 8 games, displaying the trust the coaching staff has in him to be an every-down safety. During this 8-week stretch Washington’s defense is giving up only 16.6 points a game. Not to say Curl is the sole reason for this, but due to the fact the first 6 weeks they gave up 27 points a game on average it is telling. Curl’s development has prompted his constant increase of playing time. Leading to him helping solidify a defensive backfield that was a question going into the season.

The main attributes that have helped Curl gain more and more snaps are his tackling, play recognition, and ability to comprehend the scheme. He has brought great physicality at safety and been arguably the best tackler on the defense this year. He has continued to show great play recognition, being in the right spot to either make a play or execute his assignment. Curl since becoming a starter has aided in Washington limiting big plays through the air. Avoiding breakdowns and miscommunications in the secondary, because of how he has led and meshed with the rest of the defensive backs unit. Combine all this with how efficiently he has grasped Jack Del Rio’s defensive scheme and you have a 7th rounder whose become a key starter.

            Curl’s rapid development has been crucial for Washington due to injuries they have suffered at the safety position. With safeties Landon Collins and now Deshazor Everett done for the year Curl has been forced to step up and produce. At just 21 years old Curl has become another young player from this past 2020 draft that has become a significant piece in Washington’s winning formula. As the regular season reaches its final 2 weeks, and we prepare for possibly the postseason Washington inches closer to a division title. It is no secret the defense has been a huge part of this turnaround. With rookie safety Kamren Curl being an integral cog in the success of this unit overall. Thus, Curl has thrusted himself into becoming a possible future building block for a good young defense.