Amare Ferrell

NFL Draft Profile: Amare Ferrell

Position: Safety | School: Indiana | Class: Junior

Height: 6'2" | Weight: 202 lbs | Archetype: Hybrid Ballhawk / Rover

College Career Summary

Amare Ferrell arrived at Indiana as a rare three-star prospect who refused to redshirt, appearing in all 12 games as a true freshman in 2023. His 2024 sophomore campaign was his true national arrival, where he moved from the "Rover" hybrid role to a full-time safety spot, leading the Hoosiers with 4 interceptions and earning a top-10 PFF grade among Big Ten safeties.

In 2025, Ferrell became the undisputed leader of a surging Indiana defense. His combination of length and elite ball-tracking led to a second consecutive season with 4+ interceptions. He finished his three-year stint in Bloomington as an All-Big Ten performer and one of the most productive defensive backs in program history, recording 8 career interceptions and over 100 total tackles.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 37 (Starts: 24)

• Total Tackles: 101

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 6.0

• Sacks: 1.5

• Interceptions: 8

• Pass Breakups (PD): 8

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
vs. Old Dominion	2 Tkl, 1 INT, 1 PD	A	Star Impact. Set the season tone with a 31-yd INT return.
vs. Kennesaw St.	1 Tkl, 1 PD	B	Controlled the backend; largely untested.
vs. Indiana St.	3 Tkl, 1.0 TFL, 1 PD	B+	High Motor. Three tackles on a single 2nd-quarter drive.
vs. Illinois	3 Tkl, 1 INT, 1 PD	A	IQ. 4th-quarter INT sealed a historic rushing defense effort.
@ Iowa	5 Tkl, 1 INT	A-	Mental Toughness. Opening drive INT in a hostile Kinnick Stadium.
@ Oregon	7 Tkl	B+	Stamina. High-volume tackling vs. elite speed.
vs. Michigan St.	3 Tkl, 2 PD	B+	Play Recognition. Clinical in passing lane disruptions.
vs. UCLA	3 Tkl	B	Assignment sound; erased the deep middle.
@ Maryland	2 Tkl	B-	Weakness. One rare missed tackle in space.
@ Penn State	3 Tkl, 1 PD	A	Leadership. Swatted the final Hail Mary to seal the win.
vs. Wisconsin	2 Tkl	B	Disciplined eyes against the heavy-set run game.
@ Purdue	4 Tkl, 1.0 TFL, 1 INT	A+	Competitor. Dominant "Bucket" rivalry game performance.
vs. Ohio State	5 Tkl	B+	Battle-tested against NFL-caliber WR talent.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Elite Ball Skills: Ferrell is a natural "finisher." With 8 interceptions over two seasons, he doesn't just disrupt passes; he takes the ball away.

• Prototypical Frame: At 6'2", he has the length to match up with vertical-threat tight ends and the range to play a true single-high safety.

• Versatility: His experience at the "Rover" position gives him the unique ability to play as a box defender or a deep centerfielder.

• Clutch Factor: Ferrell has a knack for making plays when the lights are brightest (Penn State, Iowa, UCLA).

Weaknesses

• Functional Strength: While he is a physical specimen, he can sometimes be washed out by pulling offensive linemen when he drifts into the box.

• Man-to-Man Fluidity: Occasionally high-waisted in his transitions; elite "twitch" slot receivers can challenge his lateral agility.

• Aggression Management: His "ballhawk" nature leads to him biting on double moves or eye manipulation from high-level QBs.

Scheme Fit: Ideal Free Safety / Post-Safety in a Cover 3 or Big Nickel system (e.g., Packers, Seahawks, or Vikings).

NFL Comparison: Juan Thornhill (Browns)

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 19/20 | Physical Tools: 18/20 | Attributes: 18/20 | Athleticism: 17/20 | IQ: 19/20

Final Grade: 91/100

Amare Ferrell is the type of prospect whose tape only gets better the more you watch it. He isn't just an athlete; he's a highly intelligent, communicative leader who anchored the best Indiana defense in generations. In a league where "taking the ball away" is the highest-valued metric for a defensive back, Ferrell’s 8 career picks are a loud calling card. He may not be a Day 1 "hit power" enforcer, but he is a day-one starter for teams needing a reliable centerfielder with elite instincts.

Draft Projection: 2nd - 3rd Round