Dom DeCicco Scouting Report

It did not take Dom DeCicco much time to make an impact for Pittsburgh. As a true freshman in 2007 he was a staple on special teams and saw a little action as a backup safety. By 2008 he started 11 games at strong safety and picked off a team high four passes. He also started to show what would become his specialty and tallied 56 tackles.

By the time he was an upperclassman, the rest of the Big East had to make game plans around DeCicco. In 2009 he totaled 88 tackles and intercepted three more passes. The numbers kept getting better and during his senior season DeCicco led the Panthers with 94 tackles and five interceptions. He also forced a couple fumbles. DeCicco showed off his versatility in 2010 as well, playing at both safety and linebacker.

That versatility is nice, but it is also a DeCicco's biggest problem heading into the NFL. He really lacks the skill set to play strong safety at the next level. He is not a superb athlete and can have a lot of trouble defending opposing receivers. His strengths tend to lead him into the linebacker corps in the NFL. Certainly he can drop back into coverage, but he does have a strong frame and is a great tackler. He may end up playing on special teams for a while, but DeCicco should be drafted in the later rounds and eventually work his way into the regular defensive rotation at one position or another.