A.J. Haulcy’s Productivity and Versatility Should Place Him on the Commanders’ Radar

Player Overview

Growing up, Adari “A.J.” Haulcy played quarterback with Aaron Rodgers as his favorite player. Eventually, he found Ed Reed and, as he transitioned to playing defense, modeled his game after Reed. In his last year of high school football in Missouri City, Texas, Adari “A.J.” Haulcy had 12 interceptions and three pick sixes. Not only did his play earn him Team MVP and First Team All-State honors, but his coaches gave him the nickname Mr. Give Me That. Unfortunately, it did not earn him many offers. The three-star prospect’s only offer from a Power Four conference school was Kansas. Haulcy would decide to play at New Mexico over the Jayhawks.

Haulcy wasted no time making his presence felt in Albuquerque. Haulcy showed his ability to be a complete safety by stopping the run and giving opposing quarterbacks fits in coverage. He was named a Pro Football Focus True Freshman All-American after being third on the Lobos in tackles and tying for first in interceptions and forced fumbles. He transferred to Houston for his sophomore and junior seasons where he continued to be just as productive. After a junior season where he had five interceptions, Haulcy was named First Team All-Big 12. He entered the transfer portal one last time, finding his way to LSU. Although the Tigers had an underwhelming season, Haulcy made his mark. He finished his college career being named First Team All-American (The Sporting News) and First Team All-SEC after being second in tackles and tying for first in interceptions and forced fumbles for the Tigers.

Strengths

• Compact, sturdy frame that should hold up at the position
• High-level processor pre- and post-snap
• Displays understanding of route concepts and route development
• Excels in zone coverage from numerous alignments
• Ball magnet – 10 INTs, 19 PBUs, 4 forced fumbles for his career
• Prolific tackler with good stopping power as a hitter in run support

Weaknesses

• Lack of agility and flexibility could make him a liability in man coverage
• Despite stats, lack of closing burst results in completions instead of passes defensed
• Faster players can outrun his angle to the ball
• Shorter arms leads to some missed tackles
• Can be manipulated by savvy QBs

Let’s See His Work

From nfl.com

How He Fits on the Commanders

A quick look at the roster and it may look like the Commanders do not have a need at safety. A healthy Will Harris and Quan Martin could be the starters in Daronte Jones’ defense with Jeremy Reaves, Percy Butler, and Tyler Owens as reserves. If that sounds like a good plan heading into next season, please read John Portis’ article on free agent safety targets. He explains how poor play and injuries are a few of the reasons safety is a position of need. Plus after next season, all of these players are slated to become free agents. Combine that with the possibility that Washington may deploy more three-safety looks, and it should be clear that the Commanders need to search for long-term solutions at the position.

I think there is a place for A.J. Haulcy in the Commanders’ secondary. He’s such a smart player, quickly processing what is happening on a play. It allows him to play faster than he tested at the Combine. Haulcy shines when he can play in the middle of the field as a robber or in Cover 3 looks, but has the size to drop into the box and play the run effectively. Given his compact, muscular frame, he has some agility questions that might not make him an ideal candidate for a defense that runs a lot of man coverage. If Daronte Jones – who added LSU’s safeties coach to his staff – runs a zone-heavy coverage scheme, Haulcy’s intelligence, playmaking, and versatility would be an asset to his defense.