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Brian Bosarge
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Earl Little Jr., S, Ohio State: 2027 NFL Draft Prospect Profile & Scouting Report
1. General Information
| Name | Earl Little Jr. |
| Position | Safety (S) |
| Jersey Number | #1 |
| Class | Senior |
| School | Ohio State |
| Height / Weight | 6’0″ / 198 lbs |
| Hometown / HS | Fort Lauderdale, Fla. / American Heritage HS |
2. Career Statistical Breakdown
Defensive Production
| Season | Team | Conf | Class | G | Tackles | TFL | INT | PD | FF |
| 2022 | Alabama | SEC | FR | – | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | Alabama | SEC | R-FR | 9 | 2 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | Florida State | ACC | R-SO | 12 | 15 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | Florida State | ACC | R-JR | 12 | 76 | 2.0 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Total | 33 | 93 | 3.0 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
3. NFL Combine Testing Projections
Projected baseline physical metrics for the 2027 NFL Draft cycle based on his track-verified athletic profile and demonstrated collegiate range.
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.45 – 4.55 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 36.0″ – 38.0″
- Broad Jump: 10’2″ – 10’6″
- 10-Yard Split: 1.52 – 1.58 seconds
- Bench Press: 14 – 18 repetitions
4. Scouting Notes
Background Profile
Earl Little Jr. is a pedigree defensive back whose journey reflects resilience and consistent development. The son of former NFL safety Earl Little Sr., he entered the collegiate ranks as a high-profile recruit out of American Heritage.
After two seasons at Alabama, limited by injury, he transferred to Florida State, where he transitioned into a primary leadership role. His 2025 campaign was a career-best, leading the Seminoles in tackles and serving as a team captain, before his 2026 move to Ohio State.
Key Strengths
- Exceptional Instincts: Displays high-level diagnostic ability, particularly in reading the quarterback’s eyes in deep zone coverage. This led to his breakout 2025 season, where he tied for 3rd in the ACC in interceptions.
- Versatile “Rover” Profile: His transition from cornerback to a free safety/rover hybrid has allowed him to impact the game at all three levels—tracking deep balls, clogging passing lanes, and filling run gaps with physical authority.
- Leadership & Poise: A vocal leader and team captain at FSU, Little Jr. brings the intangible “standard” of play that elite defensive coordinators prioritize in their backend commanders.
- High-Leverage Production: Proven ability to elevate his play in “big games,” evidenced by his nine-tackle performance against Alabama and his ability to create turnovers in critical conference matchups.
Developmental Focus
As he steps into the Ohio State secondary for the 2027 draft cycle, Little Jr.’s primary developmental focus is refining his technical efficiency in man-to-man coverage against the elite slot receivers he will encounter at the next level.
While his instincts are superior, scouts will be looking for improved transition speed in tight spaces. Maintaining his impressive 2025 health and durability trajectory will be the final piece in establishing his status as an impact safety for NFL teams.
Draft Countdown Film Notes
Brian Bosarge:
pending
All-Star Game Notes
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Combine/Pro Day Measurables
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The post Earl Little Jr., S, Ohio State: 2027 NFL Draft Prospect Profile & Scouting Report appeared first on NFL Draft Countdown.
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