Agreed. I know a lot of folks are scared off by his size, but he's not that tiny. He's very Kris Letang/Tyson Barrie sized, he'll fill out more in time. And i can really see him projecting as that sort of player at the next level. He is lacking that big boomer of a shot, but the shot he does have...he gets through to the net well. His puck moving ability is just superb though, whether he's skating it out himself or making beautiful outlet passes, 5 footers or the home run stretches. And he looks extremely comfortable manning the top of an umbrella PP where he's bound to pick up points if he can transition that to the next level.
I don't know about being known as a defensive D in the future...i would disagree on that...i think he's going to have to make his way to the next level as a puck-mover. He's just too good at it, even if that doesn't translate to a stud offensive producer...i think that's his niche.
Though, like you're saying...his defensive game is wildly underrated imo. I think a lot of people see a "small defenceman" producing like that and assume he's an "offensive guy". And he can do that too...But it's really his smooth defensive play that's always stood out to me though, as a foundation. He plays such an efficient small-man game as a defender...skates miles, always seems to know where the play is going...gets his stick in on everything. Needs to get a lot stronger, but i like his ability to consistently interrupt plays defensively using the tools he does have.
He's a solid 2nd rounder for me. Though i expect him to end up going later.