6’0” – 206 lbs. – 4.35
Came to college as a running back but transitioned to defensive back as a freshman, starting for the team in both his sophomore and senior seasons; missed all but three games of 2015 due to a Lisfranc injury. Tall, thickly-built defensive back with adequate length for the position and very impressive movement skills. Usually plays in press-man coverage but also takes snaps in off-coverage or using a shuffle technique, including zone responsibilities. Doesn’t have much experience backpedaling. Plays with a physical, competitive temperament. Willing to get physical with receivers at the line of scrimmage, with the speed to run with them down the sidelines and remain in position to make plays on the ball; has the size to jam and the speed to turn and run. Uses his hands well to control opposing receivers or disengage. Above-average bulk and strength help him to pin opponents against the boundary and to take on blocks in the run game. Explosive player who can plant and drive on throws and undercut receivers when playing in off coverage. Has a little bit more trouble when targeted down the field; appears to have some difficulty getting his head around and locating the ball at the appropriate time, which could be the cause of his limited production. However, doesn’t give up a lot of separation, forcing quarterbacks to attempt some throws into coverage in order to earn completions. Loses track of his man at times when playing zone. Combination of height and leaping ability should allow him to match up against taller receivers. Can sometimes be too physical and end up getting flagged for contact down the field. Good positioning and anchor when taking on blocks on rushing downs; capable of getting his arms extended, funneling runners back inside, and disengaging from blockers at the appropriate time. Reliable form tackler who has the awareness to go for the strip when he’s given an opportunity to. Pectoral muscle torn during pro day will require further medical investigation and will probably impact his draft stock, especially when viewed in combination with his past Lisfranc injury. Having recently converted to the position and with only two seasons of starting experience under his belt, is a more polished cornerback than anticipated, with pretty good press-man cover skills and an incredible set of physical and athletic gifts. May have lost his chance at going in the first after getting hurt, but should still end up in the second.
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