If you’ve spent any time watching SEC or Big 12 football over the last few years, you’ve definitely seen Ladarius Tennison. He’s that guy. The one who hits like a freight train despite being one of the smaller players on the field. You've probably seen him flying down the field on a kickoff or crashing the box to blow up a screen pass. But now that he's officially made the leap to the pros, the conversation has shifted. Everyone wants to know the same thing: How does a 5-foot-10 safety find a permanent home in the league?
The Ladarius Tennison NFL draft journey is a wild case study in versatility versus measurables.
Honestly, he’s a bit of a "tweener." That’s a word draft analysts love to throw around when they don’t quite know where to put someone. Is he a safety? A nickel? A special teams ace who can occasionally sub in at linebacker? He’s sort of all of them. He spent time at Auburn, then became a staple at Ole Miss, and finally finished his college career at UCF. That’s a lot of high-level football across two of the toughest conferences in the country.
The Numbers and the Tape
Let’s look at the raw data because scouts definitely do. Tennison usually tips the scales right around 200 pounds. For a modern NFL safety, that’s standard, but his height is the sticking point for some. He stands at 5-foot-10. In a league where tight ends are getting taller and faster, being under six feet can be a hurdle.
But then you watch the 2022 and 2023 tape from Ole Miss.
In 2022, he racked up 10 tackles for loss. Read that again. Ten. For a defensive back, that is an absurd number. It tells you everything you need to know about his play style. He isn't a "center field" safety who just hangs back and waits for a deep ball. He’s a hunter. He wants to be in the backfield. He wants to hit the running back before they even reach the line of scrimmage.
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College Production Highlights
- Auburn (2020-2021): Started as a true freshman in the SEC. That doesn't happen unless you're built differently.
- Ole Miss (2022-2023): This is where he peaked. He was PFF’s top-rated special teams player in 2023 with a grade of 93.7.
- UCF (2024): He brought that veteran leadership to Orlando, recording 32 tackles and a blocked punt in his final year.
The blocked punt against New Hampshire in 2024 is a perfect example of his "want-to." You can't coach that kind of special teams' awareness.
Why the NFL Took Notice
NFL coaches don't just look for starters; they look for guys who can make the 53-man roster by doing the dirty work. Tennison is the king of dirty work. When the Indianapolis Colts signed him as an undrafted free agent in May 2025, it wasn't because they thought he was the next Ed Reed. They signed him because he can play four different special teams units on day one.
His 2023 season at Ole Miss was basically a highlight reel for a special teams coordinator. He was named an All-SEC First-Team Specialist. That’s a big deal. In the NFL, if you aren't a top-10 pick, your best friend is the special teams coach. If you can cover kicks, block punts, and tackle in space, you’ll have a ten-year career.
He’s aggressive. Sometimes too aggressive? Maybe. He’s been known to take some risks in pursuit, but you’d rather have a guy you have to pull back than one you have to push forward.
The "Tweener" Problem
There is a real debate about his "best" position. At Ole Miss, they actually used him at linebacker in certain packages against ULM. He had 1.5 tackles for loss and a half-sack in that game. But at 200 pounds, you can't play linebacker in the NFL. You’ll get eaten alive by 320-pound guards.
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So, he has to be a safety or a "Star" nickel back.
His coverage skills are decent, but he’s definitely more comfortable moving forward than backward. During the Ladarius Tennison NFL draft process, scouts noted his ability to play the "slot" corner role. He had a career-high 12 tackles against Tulsa while playing that slot position. That’s the path. If he can prove he can stick to a shifty slot receiver while still being a force in the run game, he becomes a massive asset.
What Happens Now?
After being waived by the Colts in late August 2025, Tennison found himself in the grind that defines most NFL careers. It’s a game of musical chairs. One injury on a practice squad or a special teams unit elsewhere, and he’s back on a roster.
His contract with Indy was a three-year, $2.975 million deal, though only $10,000 was guaranteed. That’s the reality for many undrafted guys. You get a foot in the door, a little bit of "signing" money, and then you have to fight for every snap.
The fact that he has a 2024 interception against Cincinnati and multiple fumble recoveries on his resume helps. Teams love turnovers. They love guys who are "ball-hawks" even if they don't have the prototypical height.
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What to expect next
If you're following his career, watch the waiver wires and the practice squad elevations. He’s the type of player who might bounce around a couple of teams before finding a coach who falls in love with his motor.
To really stick in the league, Tennison needs to show he can handle the "big" safeties' responsibilities without the "big" frame. He needs to keep that 4.5-ish speed and continue to be a terror on punt returns.
Keep an eye on the preseason and training camp reports in 2026. Usually, these "special teams aces" eventually find a home with a team that values culture and high-effort play. Whether it's back with the Colts or somewhere like the Ravens or Lions—teams that live for "grit"—Ladarius Tennison isn't done yet.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check the current NFL transaction wire for any "Reserve/Future" contract signings involving Tennison. These are usually handed out in January and February to players like Ladarius who showed promise on practice squads. If he’s signed to one, it means he’ll be in a 2026 training camp with a real chance to compete for a roster spot.