This is my fourth year covering the Philadelphia Eagles for Philly Sports Network. During my time analyzing every game and trying to further my knowledge of the sport itself, I’ve developed a real secondary love and passion for the defensive back, more notably, cornerbacks. I can’t exactly explain where that love came from, but from running a series that analyzed tape of the Eagles corners on a weekly basis in 2016 certainly helped me understand what it takes to play the position successfully.

It’s the hardest position to play on defense. Trusted on an Island, it’s a position that will turn a player into a hero or a villain. A position that will see their play highlighted for years to come, or lost in the depths of an angry fanbase. Reputations as a lockdown corner or burned toast loom large over players willing to put themselves in a one-on-one against the NFL’s elite receivers and that’s what excites me.

When the Eagles signed Patrick Robinson and I turned on the tape for the first time, I was mesmerized. How a player can be so strong for the Colts yet so weak one season later puzzled me. His backpedal was the smoothest I had ever seen and his instincts were just remarkable. But what changed? Why was he struggling so much in Training Camp? I’d figured it out, realizing that his potential lay inside, where he played his best football of his career, as opposed to his weaknesses being exploited beyond the numbers. This was the first bold take I’d really made; that Robinson was the team’s most underrated signing. A prediction made in the midst of being absolutely drilled by writers and fans alike during Training Camp. But then came the Ronald Darby trade. A move that pushed Robinson inside by default. The rest, as they say, was history.

I wanted to really expand my knowledge. I talked to various DB coaches throughout the CFL and college ranks as well as a few NFL scouts and analysts. Keen to find out what makes a great corner, a ‘system corner’, a ‘breakfast corner’ a ‘dinner corner’, I became almost obsessed with seeing how these men could recover from embarrassing plays. Could they overcome adversity to make an impact just moments later? What’s the difference between a good and bad backpedal? Does length really matter?

After a year of asking so many questions and trying to learn as much about what is asked of corners in a variety of defenses, I turned to this year’s draft class and wanted to put something together. This guide isn’t written for anybody in particular, but I devoted so much time and effort into breaking down 3 games of every cornerback who was invited to the NFL Combine so that I could further understand the intricacies that make the position one of the most exciting to watch on any given Sunday.

I couldn’t have done this without the help of draftbreakdown.com. I don’t know who runs this website or how many dedicate hours and hours into creating player-specific tape videos, but they really are changing the landscape as we know it. These videos are all over YouTube and of course on their website and I could not urge you to visit them enough. They do some marvelous work and without them, this guide would simply not have been made and I would not have been able to sink so many hours into analyzing prospects over and over again.

I also wanted to thank my family, my friends and my fellow Philly Sports Network writers for being so patient. These last few months have been beyond challenging personally and to be working two jobs and find the time to put this together has been a real grind.

I’d like to think it’s shaped me into a better person and more importantly given this guide a sense of analysis you won’t find anywhere else. But without their support keeping me on track, motivated and hungry, it would never have been completed.

Finally, I wanted to thank you. For taking the time to download this. I’m a 23-year old writer based in England, to think that people actually want to read what I write is still a little bit staggering to me and I don’t think I’ll ever quite get over it. But it means the world to me and I really hope this guide gives you a different perspective on these players.

Blood, sweat and tears went into this. Literally. This is a free guide because I believe that everybody should have access to something like this and I would absolutely hate to make anyone feel they have to pay for subjective analysis. However, if you do feel that you want to donate a little something, my PayPal is [email protected]. Alternatively, if you wish to contact me with regards to anything in or about this guide or Philly Sports Network, please email [email protected] or [email protected]. My Twitter handle is @LiamJenkins21.

I feel incredibly proud of this guide. It’s something I’ve devoted near enough every ounce of free time to over the last two months and I really do hope you enjoy it. Thank you for believing in me and for taking time out of your busy schedules to download this. Enjoy!

- Liam MINKAH FITZPATRICK ALABAMA

Is he a cornerback? Is he a Safety? Nobody FItzpatrick proved to be a reliable option in the really knows. The one thing we do know nickel and as a replacement Safety for Eddie however is that the Alabama defensive back Jackson for the Crimson Tide throughout his is a certified first rounder. Fitzpatrick fits the time there, but he can often show an mold of an emerging protoype in the NFL, a indecisiveness in his play when tasked with special breed of player who can rush the covering bigger wideouts, with hesitance in his quarterback, cover in the slot or play as a backpedal which can often create separation safety over the top. However, he doesn’t at the line of scrimmage. just fit this mold well, the DB who led the team in interceptions in 2016 arguably fits it The former Freshman All-SEC honoree better than anyone else. possesses quick footwork that allows him to stick his foot in the ground and adjust on the Fitzpatrick reminds me a lot of Malcolm fly with ease, but his movement in transition is Jenkins. A relentless motor and an a little rigid which at the next level would be exceptional Football IQ headline the list of punished by some of the quicker and more exceptional traits possessed by the New precise route-runners. But when playing over Jersey Native. With 8 tackles for a loss in the top, those weaknesses become 2017, Fitzpatrick was used all over the marginalized and his strengths emphasized. defense. A swiss-army knife who forces offenses to account for his presence While his ability to keep his eyes fixed in the wherever he lines up, Fitzpatrick has the backfield are a blessing in some areas, in ability to sting you from anywhere others, they’re a curse, especially in man- coverage. But that is something that can and He consistently takes good tackling angles will be coached up at the next level. in the open field and is able to keep plays

HEIGHT/ 6’1/201 lbs WEIGHT

PROJ TOP 10

COMBINE 40-yard dash Vertical Broad Bench

4.46 seconds 33 inches 121 inches 14 reps In a dream scenario, a team would utilize the ridiculous versatility possessed by Fitzpatrick to become the X-factor in their defense. A sixth defensive back who can be just as dominant in coming off the edge as he can be picking up screens and commanding the defense.

He may not be a true outside cornerback, but Fitzpatrick has the potential to be one of the best hybrid defensive backs in the NFL should he be drafted into the right system.

+ Good tackling angles -Allows separation in press + Willing in the run -Quite jittery and indecisive in movement + possible slot CB ⁃Poor punch at line + Keeps eyes on QB a lot ⁃Eyes in the backfield a little too often + Read and react IMG +Knocks WR off routes, keeps play YEAR

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2015 45 3 0 2 10 2

2016 66 5.5 1 1.5 7 2

2017 60 8 1 1.5 7 0 DENZEL WARD

OHIO STATE

Those of you who have followed Philly Sports Ward is a phenomenal athlete and this goes Network for a while will know I LOVE corners hand-in-hand with with what we see on the who thrive in press coverage. Defensive backs field. His ability to force wideouts onto a who aren’t afraid to show their teeth and win tightrope, using the boundary to his advantage the battle at the line will always hold a special is eyebrow raising to say the least and it’s very rare to see a mental mistake in press place in my heart and Ohio State’s Denzel Ward situations. But he isn’t perfect. is one of those players.

He’s not the strongest tackler in the world and Ward had big boots to fill. After Marshon this can often hinder him in the open field or Lattimore and Gareon Conley left for the NFL, when playing zone. Awareness is also a trait Ward stepped up to the plate in a big way, that could be worked on at the next level, with finishing inside the nations top-10 for pass there being way too many times his back is to breakups. When you turn on the tape, it’s not the ball or receivers slip behind him unnoticed. difficult to see why, either. At just 5’10, what often happens is stockier The 5’10 corner isn’t afraid to get up close and receivers are lined up over him to pave the personal at the line of scrimmage and when way for screens, swings and everything in asked to press, happily sits as close to the between, leaving the former first-team All- receiver as possible out of sheer confidence. American without a leg to stand on. His footwork at the line and ability to re-direct traffic is beyond impressive and that same This also plays a factor in coverage too. Taller ‘wow’ factor applies as routes develop. Ward WR’s are often assigned to try and out-muscle Ward on deep shots, but what Ward does have initiates contact well and his footwork is so going for him is a ‘never-say-die’ attitude. explosive that it’s almost like he’s an action Every 50/50 ball will be contested as every figure. His legs are driving one way and his 90/10 ball will be, which is why he’s able to head the other, while his hips stay squared to swat away so many passes. the wideout ahead during a backpedal.

HEIGHT/ 5’10, 190 lbs WEIGHT PROJ RD 1

COMBINE 40-yard dash Vertical Broad Bench

4.32 seconds 39 inches 136 inches 16 reps Ward has superstar potential. A true ballhawk who will give everything he has on every play, it’s a coaches dream to see such a tenacious mindset backed up by an incredible amount of athleticism. His lack of size may force him into a nickel role to begin with, but if Ward follows in the footsteps of his former teammates, the sky is the limit.

+ Gritty ⁃Awareness + Aggressive at the line ⁃Tackling + forces tightrope ⁃Size +Fights for the ball + Instinctive + Doesn’t need to open his hips until deep into route tree

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2015 7 0 0 0 0 0 2016 23 0 0 0 9 0 2017 37 2 0 0 15 2 JAIRE ALEXANDER

LOUISVILLE

Alexander’s name intrigued me for several reasons with the most prominent being how many people are quick to call him underrated. There’s no denying that the second-team All-ACC corner has talent, but is he really one of the best cover corners in the country?

Well, you’d certainly struggle to find a more athletic corner, that’s for sure. Alexander wasn’t just a force on the outside for Louisville, but as a punt returner who averaged 9.9 yards per return during his collegiate career. That same agility needed to return punts can be seen on defense too.

Alexander thrives in mirror-and-match showdowns. His twitchy footwork and ability to rapidly accelerate and pump the brakes make him a threat to stop any kind of breaking route. Comebacks and curls become no-gain scenarios because the closing speed Alexander possesses is second to none.

The gap in his game comes in technique and consistency. Strangely, Alexander often lines up with a very wide base and takes huge strides in his back-pedal. This makes life very easy for receivers to get tricky as he doesn’t quite have the precision to keep up.

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2015 19 0 0 0 2 1 2016 39 1 1 0 9 5

2017 19 1 0 0 4 1

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

4.38 seconds 14 reps 35 inches 127 inches 3.98 seconds

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 5’11, 192 lbs

PROJ RD 1-2 With that said, his 2017 tape is littered with mistakes that were few and far between in the year previous and that could be to how many injury setbacks he’s had to deal with. Alexander played in just 6 games in his final year with Louisville, raising concerns over his durability.

His instincts could also use some work at the next level. Alexander has no problem tracking the ball, but it’s getting in a position to do so that appears to be the inconsistent flaw, especially in the red zone.

Around the ball however, Alexander is a different beast. His long wingspan enables him to put his two-cents into every exchange and snagging passes away has become his specialty.

Overall, what teams are getting in Alexander is an aggressive corner who attacks the ball and has some of the finest footwork in his class. But they’re also getting a relatively unpolished defensive back who can give up some silly penalties and is prone to minor technical mistakes. A perfect project corner for a team who have the time to spend developing him. QUENTON MEEKS

STANFORD

This may be one of the deepest cornerback classes in recent memory and one man who could be an absolute steal is Stanford’s Quenton Meeks. At 6’1, 197 lbs, Meeks not only brings the size and athleticism that teams covet, but traits that are needed to succeed at the next level.

Meeks stands out as a cornerback who excels in man-coverage. His length and agility means quarterbacks often try to avoid throwing his way as chances are the throwing lanes will be completely closed off by the All-Pac-12 second team selection.

What really impressed me with the play of Quenton Meeks is his patience, but this was both a blessing and a curse. In off-coverage and trail technique, Meeks is so light on his feet and so composed that it’s rare to see double-moves or twitchy footwork phase him.

However, in the run-game and when tackling ball-carriers, this can also be a problem. Meeks often stays ahead of the ball-carrier in an attempt to close the lane while linebackers or other DB’s come in and clear up the mess. He is capable of delivering a big hit, but Meeks tends to stay away from the nitty and gritty in the trenches, letting his prowess on the outside do the talking.

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2015 35 1.5 0 0 4 3 2016 19 0 0 0 6 2

2017 61 0/5 0 0 7 2

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

11 inches 39 inches 128 inches 6.72 seconds 4.23 seconds

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 6’2, 197 lbs

PROJ RD 2-3

Meeks has been Stanford’s number one corner for quite some time, but he’s very much an all-or-nothing corner. While one of the most instinctive corners around the ball in his class, he can rely on those traits too much during the early stages of a developing route.

When punching at the line of scrimmage, Meeks can sometimes be simply thrown aside by receivers, while at other times completely disrupt the timing of the route which means he can dominate the stem.

When his back is to the ball, things can get murky. Meeks counts on his spatial awareness being enough to narrow the throwing window and his size to be enough to force the ball away...which is great if you know where the ball is. There were several times on go-routes where Meeks was caught off guard and eventually beaten deep down the field, with the receiver blocking the corner to make the play.

Meeks has plenty of upside as a DB who brings versatility and playmaking instincts along with prototypical size, but he’s a little rough around the edges for the NFL level. KEVIN TOLIVER II

LSU

Toliver is an interesting prospect for several reasons. After starting 8 of 12 games as a freshman and playing with a torn rotator cuff, the heart of the latest ‘DBU’ prospect was on his sleeve. But as a sophomore he missed 4 games due to a shoulder injury, while a hyper extended knee also played a role. Toliver also suffered a suspension for missing team meetings. It’s safe to say there are several reasons to be cautious here, but does his play make up for it?

If there’s one word that sums up Toliver’s play, it’s inconsistent. Like many LSU corners, Toliver thrives at the line of scrimmage and playing a physical brand of Football. Big hits and confidence sum up his mantra, but things don’t always go to plan.

He doesn’t really have a nose for the ball, instead focusing on disrupting the timing of routes. This means we will get very grabby at the line of scrimmage or at the point of the catch which can be problematic for obvious reasons.

What Toliver does well is utilize his long frame. Whether it’s pushing off blocks on screens or keeping receivers within reaching distance, Toliver is able to sustain contact throughout vertical routes and force receivers onto a tightrope.

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2015 35 1 0 0 5 1 2016 20 0 0 0 1 0

2017 27 2 1 1 10 1

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

10 inches 33 inches 120 inches

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 6’2 192 lbs

PROJ RD 3-4

He can be used as a pass-rusher or as a run-stuffing corner which really adds another level of versatility to his game but what jumps off on the tape is that he’s great at recovering from mistakes.

When you’re aggressive in press-coverage, getting beat comes as part and parcel of the game. Being able to recover from that is something few corners possess. Toliver not only has the size, but the speed to drive himself back into contention to make a play.

Toliver came in starting as a true freshman so has plenty of experience under his belt and he has all the tools and size to really develop into a reliable option at the next level. His inconsistencies and durability issues may force his name down the draft board, but it’s not the first time we’ve seen an LSU cornerback drop and then become a starter in the NFL...right, Jalen Mills? ISAIAH OLIVER

COLORADO

Sitting behind Ahkello Witherspoon in 2016, Oliver was still able to impress scouts across the nation with his impressive range and aggressive play. But one year later, the 6’1 cornerback stole the spotlight completely.

A first-team All-Pac-12 selection with 27 tackles, 2 picks and 13 pass breakups in 2017, Oliver showed that he was more than capable of breaking out of Witherspoon’s shadow.

What stands out on the tape is the combination of size and speed that teams crave from cornerbacks in the modern game. Oliver is able to be aggressive at the line of scrimmage more than other prospects because if there is a mental mistake or he gets beaten, he has the range to claw his way back and the speed to catch up.

He’s able to disrupt routes with ease due to his long wingspan and jab the ball away from the path of a receiver despite being a step back.

As a press-corner, Oliver’s tenacity stands out. But even when playing off-coverage, his ball-skills and ability to fluidly move his hips mean that he can keep his eyes pinned in the backfield when side-shuffling and have his hands within range of the receiver.

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2015 22 0 0 0 6 0 2016 34 0 1 0 7 1 2017 26 0 0 0 12 2

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

4.5 seconds

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 6’0 201 lbs

PROJ RD 1-2

Oliver has the potential to be a future lockdown corner. Physical traits lend himself to aggressive schemes that allow the cornerback to feast deep in the route and this young corner is a true ‘dinner’ defensive back in every sense of the word. He would probably benefit form some time in the slot or just rotating in during his rookie year, but the potential is certainly there.+ Smooth Mover

+ Press specialist • Bad tackler, too hesitant + Aggressive swagger • Low upper body strength + Ball skills - Rigidity in movement + Recovery +Knocks WR off routes, keeps play ahead of him + Strong pass rusher JOSHUA JACKSON

IOWA

If there is one word that sums up Iowa’s Joshua Jackson, it’s playmaker. The only way I can describe Jackson’s play is that it’s like watching a receiver play cornerback. Allowing 41.3 percent completion rate in 2017, Jackson was the truest ballhawk in his class, amassing 27 passes defensed throughout the campaign. So what makes this laser-eyed defensive back so impressive?

Firstly, he has the size and length needed to grow into a dominant playmaker at the next level, but having physical traits means nothing if the mental prowess doesn’t follow suit. Luckily for Jackson, it does just that.

His ability to plant a foot in the ground and transition raises eyebrows, but its his supreme instincts and anticipation that jump out at you. Jackson almost has a sixth sense when it comes to jumping routes and knowing where the ball is going to be. There may be no smoother backpedal in this class and his mirror- and-match is second to none. Jackson is so light on his feet that like Oliver, he’s able to recover from mistakes a little easier than most...and that’s where the very few negatives begin to surface.

He can high-point the ball with ease and is reminiscent of a leaping soccer goalkeeper in 50/50 balls. He’s admirably all in, all the time.

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2015 8 0 0 0 2 0

2016 10 1 0 0 4 0

2017 48 0.5 1 0 18 8

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

4. 56seconds 18 reps 38 inches 123 inches 6.86 seconds 4.83

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 6’1, 192 lbs

PROJ RD 1-2 Aggressive in his breaks, Jackson is unfazed by anyone who stands opposite him, but he often lends himself to mental errors by being overly aggressive. Biting on double moves and fakes at the line of scrimmage is something we see fairly regularly from Jackson, as his dominant mentally and tenacity shines on each and every play. When it works, there’s no stopping him, but in the event it doesn’t at the next level, there could be some punishing tendencies that other teams look to exploit.

Then, there’s the tackling side of things. It’s rare that Jackson will opt into a secure tackle and looks to evade them as much as possible. While this may not be the case, it’s inherently clear that his tackling technique could use some work both from a technical and mental standpoint.

But these are coachable and traits that will improve with experience, which is the only other knock on Jackson. With just 14 starts under his belt, there’s a lot to learn, including patience and composure.

Jackson is a raw prospect, but a very, very exciting one.

Jackson is electric. There may not be a corner as exciting to watch as the Iowa product in this class, nor one as disruptive. But with all of that smoke, comes fire. The challenge for NFL teams will be finding a way to tame the blaze and find a way to harness the absurd potential that’s burning inside Joshua Jackson. HOLTON HILL

TEXAS

Holton Hill may be one of the most intriguing corners in this class, purely because teams will either pass on him due to maturity issues or take a gamble and find a steal in the heart of the draft.

At 6’3, 200 lbs, Hill is one of the more physically gifted corners in this class and it shows in his play. A strong corner who not only packs a punch at the line, but is more than willing to mix it up and get dirty in the run game, Hill’s frame means that he’s able to wrap up ball-carriers far easier than most and this is complimented by his ability to make consistently good decisions when it comes to tackling angles.

Perhaps one of his most impressive strengths is his ability to read routes. Patient in his back-pedal and composed in his reads, it’s rare to see a coverage mistake from the Texas Longhorn. Most notably in rub-routes and mesh concepts, Hill picks the play up as it develops and is able to kick his acceleration up a gear and close down the receiver prior to the reception.

He does have a tendency to become very grabby however and can give up leverage as a result, drawing unwarranted PI flags and the like on a fairly regular basis

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2015 49 1 0 0 1 1 2016 22 0 0 0 1 0 2017 51 0 1 0 6 2

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

4. 49 seconds 14 reps 31 inches 120 inches 6.83 seconds ⁃

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 6’3, 200 lbs

PROJ DAY 2

When the ball is in the air is when Hill’s weaknesses begin to show. Despite his size and athletic ability, Hill is not a ballhawk by any stretch of the imagination.

Playing with his back to the ball has become a big concern on deep passing attempts and as a result, Hill is often targeted in man-situations, despite his frame often leveling the playing field.

While his ball-skills and awareness could use some work, when the play is in front of him, there may be no more technically sound corner available on day two of the draft and teams needing depth would find great value in having such coachable traits as main weaknesses.

The other knock on Hill is of course his maturity after suffering a suspension for violating team rules. This alone will propel him down boards, but there will undoubtedly be a team looking to take a shot on a player with all the physical tools to develop into a solid corner one day. CARLTON DAVIS

AUBURN

Davis is one of the more physical cornerbacks in this class and possesses the size and frame that will help him flourish at the NFL level. Playing against SEC competition has certainly helped mold a ‘breakfast’ cornerback who licks his lips at the line of scrimmage when there’s a chance to press.

In bump-n-run coverage, Davis is among the most technically gifted coming out of college this year. His ability to jam at the line of scrimmage with a strong punch means he is able to disrupt the timing of one- read offenses etc with ease. From there’ he’s able to anticipate the ball placement and get his lofty wingspan into the mix to bat the pass away.

He also happens to be one of the most technically sound tacklers in his class as well. His angles and fundamentals rival that of a linebacker. Blowing up screens, making hard hits and closing off routes have become a specialty for the former SEC All-Freshman selection.

Davis really impresses against bigger receivers. Against Clemson in 2017, he seemed almost untouchable at times, covering everything that came his way. But then there were also games like Georgia where he…

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2015 56 1.5 1 0.5 8 3 2016 46 2 1 0 10 0 2017 34 0 1 0 10 1

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

4. 53 seconds 16 reps 34 inches 124 inches

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 6’1, 206 lbs

PROJ ROUND 1-2

…was picked on throughout the afternoon. Davis has all the tools to be a threat at the next level, but his main weakness comes on deep balls.

He doesn’t quite have the speed to keep up with faster and more elusive wideouts if he’s beaten and in zone coverage can often appear indecisive at times.

The lone downside to really be wary of for teams is development. There weren’t really any significant strides in his game since his breakout year in 2015. Although he became Auburn’s most reliable corner, he didn’t really elevate his game to another level, more just refine and tweak the weaknesses while inconsistencies still flashed.

Then, there’s his track record with the law after being flagged for possession of Marijuana.

There is a very murky ceiling for Davis, but if teams want a safe bet for a physical DB who can help blow up receivers and help set a tone, Davis could be that guy and more. DONTE JACKSON

LSU

Potentially the fastest prospect in this year’s class, Jackson has been able to take his track background and convert it into a sizeable trait as a cornerback.

With great speed, comes great responsibility. Jackson has phenomenal closing speed and acceleration which means making up ground after being beaten on routes comes easy to the durable corner. When it comes to playing in off-coverage, Jackson’s tendency to just turn on the turbo and fly to the ball is unmatched by most in this class.

His skillset makes him one of the more interesting prospects to scout because he can be so electrifyingly athletic in the right scheme. But in man-coverage or more specifically when asked to press, Jackson isn’t as impressive.

Against Notre Dame in the Citrus Bowl, Jackson was bullied in press-coverage. His footwork was jerky and he was quite literally thrown off the line of scrimmage at times. His tackling angles seemed poor and his slight frame was punished by bigger receivers such as 6’4 Miles Boykins.

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2015 26 0.5 0 0 2 1 2016 39 0 1 0 8 2 2017 45 3.5 0 1 9 1

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

4. 32 seconds 7 reps 124 inches

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 5’10, 178 lbs

PROJ ROUND 1-2

However, if he’s asked to play with leverage where he can anticipate routes and jump them, Jackson becomes a complete menace around the ball. And there lies catch 22.

While his frame certainly works against him and he has cinder blocks for hands when it comes to making an interception, his ability to bait quarterbacks into throwing what looks to be an open route, before turning into road-runner and storming over the top of the play to blow it dead.

On the other hand, Jackson’s a very raw talent. While an incredible athlete, his route-recognition and overall technique could use a lot of work. From sporadic tackling to some rigid footwork, there’s certainly room to grow.

Jackson has the potential to become one of the best corners in the league if drafted into the right scheme. Somewhere like Seattle, Oakland or even San Francisco would be perfect fits for the LSU corner. MIKE HUGHES

UCF

Mike Hughes truly baffles me as a prospect. On one hand, he’s one of the most aggressive press-corners in his class and plays with such great technique in such minimal experience that it’s hard not to say ‘wow’. On the other, there’s a player with plenty of growing room and a tendency to tip-toe around running backs and wideouts when it comes to tackles.

Let’s start with the positives. Hughes doesn’t just pack a punch at the line of scrimmage, but he actively aims to completely stop the route progressing. There were several occasions on screen-blocks where he mauled the receiver to the ground he was jamming that hard.

As the route develops, Hughes then begins to show signs of that large ceiling. He has great acceleration and is able to close over the top of routes with relative ease or more impressively, come soaring down over the top if playing in off-coverage or trying to hunt out a screen.

His weaknesses begin to show at the tail end of the route, especially deep down the field. Hughes tends to keep his back to the ball in key situations which is a common trait among more inexperienced corners…

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2015 11 0 0 0 3 0 U C F M O V E 2017 49 0.5 1 0 11 4

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

4,53 seconds 20 reps 35.5 inches 127 inches 6.7 seconds 4.13 seconds

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 5’10, 189 lbs

PROJ ROUND 2

... and given that Hughes has just one year of starting experience under his belt, it’s not exactly expected that he ends his time at UCF as a complete corner. However it is a big hole in his game and when matched up against bigger wideouts (standing at just 5’11), he can often get boxed out or can fall victim to pushing the receiver to the back of the endzone rather than adjusting his body for the catch.

Talking of adjustments, the way he opens his hips in transition is impressive. Hughes is smooth in his backpedal, although he stands a little too tall which can make it inviting for receivers to try and put a move on him.

Hughes plays with the grit you want in a cornerback and the scary part is with such limited experience, the sky really is the limit for him. He’d be suited to a zone scheme to begin with, or maybe a rotational role elsewhere so he’s able to find his feet and swim his way out of the deep end, refining his craft on the outside. JC JACKSON MARYLAND

Maryland cornerback JC Jackson has sparked plenty of discussion since declaring for the NFL Draft. While many who peruse the tape shower his play in compliments, there are those who are more withdrawn due to the off-field issues, making him a potential steal int he heart of the draft.

To put it simply, Jackson is a fine press corner. He’s physical at the line of scrimmage and always wants to be the one initiating contact or setting the tone. This can lead to errors, but it’s a small price to pay for someone who’s willing to go toe-to-toe with just about anyone.

His mirror-and-match is smooth and while his backpedal is a little rigid, his impressive size means he can make up for technical setbacks with reliable positioning and dashing speed.

What really stood out was his instinct to turn and look for the ball. For such a raw talent, Jackson does a fine job of feeling his way down the route tree, allowing him to have complete control as to when he turns and locates the ball.

Instinctive when reading routes and jumping them, Jackson is a hustler who will fight for every ball and every tackle...but he’s not without weakness.

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2016 40 1 1 0 6 1 2017 40 0,5 0 0 7 3

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

4.46 seconds 14 reps 35.5 inches 120 inches

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 5’10, 201 lbs

PROJ ROUND 3-4 Instinctive when reading routes and jumping them, Jackson is a hustler who will fight for every ball and every tackle...but he’s not without weakness.

With 40 tackles, 3 picks and 7 passes defensed, it was clear where Jackson’s strengths were.

However he can sometimes rely a little too much on his own instincts, losing track of assignments or positioning himself poorly in zone/off looks. His discipline on the field is the smallest concern with Jackson however, it’s his discipline away from it teams worry about.

Involved in a gun related incident that saw a bullet graze his eye lid, Jackson would later be thrown out of the Gators program for an armed robbery,

If he can stay out of trouble, NFL teams may be able to nurture this Lion-hearted talent into a fine NFL corner....but it’s the ‘if’ that’s the question.

TAVARUS MCFADDEN FLORIDA STATE

Florida State has produced some fantastic cornerback talent over the years and Tavarus McFadden could well be the next in a long-line. With the prototypical size and length needed for the position, McFadden thrived in press and trail coverage, but he’s far from a finished product.

McFadden plays with swagger and that’s an absolute must if you’re going to make your living on an Island. With smooth hips and lightning footwork, McFadden’s ability to come over the top of breaking routes or flip his hips to prevent separation leaps off the screen.

What makes McFadden so interesting is that it was only one year ago that he was regarded as debatably the top corner in the nation. 2017 was inconsistent for the FSU star. After leading the country with 8 picks in 2016, he failed to register a single one in his Junior year. A staggering drop in production went hand-in- hand with what could be seen on tape.

So, what went wrong?

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2015 4 0 0 0 0 0 2016 19 3 0 0 6 8 2017 30 0 0 1 10 0

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

4.67 seconds 38.5 inches 121 inches PROJ ROUND 2-3

It’s difficult to really put a finger on why McFadden suddenly lost that spark, but his sharp-jab at the line of scrimmage was no more. He seemed a little more hesitant in his dropbacks and as if he would be second-guessing himself a lot. 50/50 balls were no more, with Jackson often a step behind the wideout, left scrapping to bring the ball down out of harms way.

What could be his saving grace however is his blazing speed (COMBINE). A big performance in Indy saw his stock rise up a little, but it’s the tape that could see it plummet once again.

It will be interesting to see where McFadden hands up and he certainly has all the tools to make it at the next level. The question is, was his drop in performance more than just a fluke? NICK NELSON WISCONSIN

After transferring from Hawaii and having to sit out the 2016 season, it didn’t take Nelson long to cement himself as Wisconsin’s best cornerback. With 21 pass defenses, it rapidly became clear that Nelson had plenty of upside.

The beauty of such a deep CB class is that Nelson could well be sat on draft boards a little longer than expected, so does he instantly become a sleeper? Maybe.

On tape, it’s clear that Nelson is built for zone coverage, or at least schemes where he isn’t asked to press and can have time to digest his surroundings and make a strong decision. It’s not that he’s bad in press-coverage, far from it. However, there is a long way to go before he could be trusted on an Island at the NFL level.

Aggressive in his jabs but often a little overzealous, Nelson can be too sticky in coverage at times which can lead to problems deeper into the route. He has great footwork and balance, but But his acceleration and ability to close in on receivers would make him a nightmare for wideouts.

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2015 36 1 1 0 5 0 2016 51 1.5 1 1 15 0 2017 35 1 0 0 21 0

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

4.67 seconds 38.5 inches 121 inches PROJ ROUND 2-3 (Pre-Injury)

Having said that, there are times where he’s nearly perfect. He almost has a sixth sense for the ball and can open and close his hips within the blink of an eye.

With an eye for the ball and impressive range at his disposal, Nelson is one of those corners who could either sit CB1 or CB5 on a team’s board depending on the scheme. This is a blessing for teams looking for that late round steal.

His footwork is very smooth and while he can stand a little tall in his backpedal, his change of direction makes him a real force to be reckoned with.

Nelson may not be ready right away, butt could have a long-term future in the NFL if he lands in the right system. One where the corner is allowed to sit away from the line of scrimmage and let the play come to him. RASHAAN GAULDEN TENNESSEE

The heart of Tennessee’s defense also stands out as arguably the leading nickel cornerback in this year’s draft. Physical, instinctive and aggressive. Gaulden takes no prisoners and wants to fly around the field.

He doesn’t have the top-end speed that’s required to play outside, but at 6’1, 193 lbs, he has the build and mindset needed to handle bigger-bodied wideouts and powerful tight ends.

What also stands out when examining the tape is the versatility. Gaulden has played at Safety, outside corner and in the nickel, adding tremendous upside to his game.

I don’t want to get ‘too’ carried away with NFL comparisons, but I see a lot of Patrick Robinson in Rashaan Gaulden. A fluid mover who will leap, dive, run and hurdle his way to the ball on any given play.

He has the frame to potentially play safety or at least make a huge dent on special teams, so why isn’t he ranked higher on draft boards?

PFF graded Gaulden as the SEC’s best corner and the highest-rated Volunteer on the season and there aren’t many glaring weaknesses other than he can stand a little tall in his backpedal and occasionally get too aggressive.

It’s criminal that Gaulden isn’t a top-50 prospect, although his poor combine showing could certainly come back to sting him in the rear. However there is more than enough potential and production for teams to take a shot on one of the most efficient and versatile corners in his class.

He may not have the press-prowess as some of the higher-rated prospects, but his consistency and ability to hit like a freight train make him one of my true draft crushes this year.

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2014 7 0 0 0 0 0 2016 67 6 0 1 4 0 2017 63 3.5 1 0 5 1

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

4.67 seconds 8 reps 30 inches 9 ft 11 inches 7.1 seconds 4.3 seconds

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 6’1, 197 lbs

PROJ DAY TWO ANTHONY AVERETT

ALABAMA

Averett is one of the more well-rounded cornerbacks to declare for the NFL Draft. Used as a ‘do-it-all’ DB in Alabama’s defense, Averett could hurt you in the run, as a blitzer and of course as a cornerback. The great news is that he did it all very well, but to do so at the next level, he’s going to need some work.

With a slightly leaner frame than most, Averett is a former track athlete and it shows. His footwork is lightning fast and his change of direction may well be among the best in his class. His ability to open his hips without having to take an extra step or lose a step on the route is impressive and he has competent route-recognition to boot.

Averett would be best suited to a man-coverage scheme because of this and he does bring some strong special teams value too. However, the tenacious Alabama defense may have hurt his progress ever so slightly.

Knowing that the defensive linebackers and defensive line can get the job done, Averett spends a lot of his time playing the receiver and struggles to keep his head on a swivel. This means that those long arching balls thrown over his head not only hurt him due to a height setback, but also because he can be left clutching at straws.

While his athletic ability jumps off the screen, his mental processing does not. Often a little slow off the mark in zone coverage, Averett relies on his athleticism to close in on breaking routes or curls and the speed of the NFL may come back to haunt him. His ball production is a little low for someone who excels in Man coverage, but the good news is that this can all be coached.

Averett is an athletic prospect who plays with a very high motor. He could earn his share on special teams and eventually take over a nickel role in years to come under the right coach before transitioning outside.

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2015 2 0 0 0 0 0 2016 48 3 2 1 8 0 2017 28 4 0 1 8 1

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

4.36 seconds 13 reps 31.5 inches 119 inches 6.93 seconds 4.4 seconds

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 5’11, 183 lbs

PROJ ROUND 2 DARIUS PHILLIPS

WESTERN MICHIGAN

A former receiver, you can tell that Phillips has some offensive flair in his game when breaking down the tape. A press-corner who plays with supreme body control and fantastic lateral quickness at the line of scrimmage, Phillips is the perfect blend of ‘breakfast’ and dinner as a cornerback.

Highly anticipant in routes and timing, Phillips possesses the IQ of a college wideout which helps him break on the ball, high-point the ball and really get involved in the play. As someone that understands how receivers think, Phillips is able to apply that to his coverage, opening his hips with ease and dissecting routes at a rapid rate.

What leaps off the screen is his tackling. While not the most willing in the run and limited by his size, he attacks the ballcarrier with the intent of stripping the ball out of his chest. It doesn’t always work, but he holds on long enough for re-enforcements to arrive, with the added chance of a fumble,

So why isn’t he a little higher on draft boards? Phillips is currently projected to go on day three of the NFL draft and there are some good reasons as to why.

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2015 48 5 0 0 16 5 2016 40 4 2 1 9 4 2017 39 4 0 1 10 3

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

4.53 seconds

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 5’10, 193 lbs

PROJ ROUNDS 4-5

FIrstly, he can spend a little too much time focusing on his receiver than looking for the ball. He may have eyebrow-raising ballskills, but turning and looking for it is an issue that comes up consistently on tape.

He also tends to give up a little too much separation in trail technique. Although he has the wheels to make up for his mistakes, the NFL won’t give him that opportunity, instead presenting the cornerback with a trial by fire.

Phillips not the tallest corner in the draft and this may limit him to slot roles or even potentially taking a look at Safety. He has hops for days, but can often get swallowed up by blocks on screens and in the run-game, which could prove problematic at the NFL level.

Phillips is an explosive talent that has all the makings of a ballhawking NFL talent. If his size can be worked around through some versatility enhancements, teams could be getting great value late in the draft here. LEVI WALLACE

ALABAMA

Everyone loves an underdog and there may be no story more fitting of the word ‘fairytale’ than the rise of Levi Wallace. After losing his Father to ALS in 2014, Wallace would earn a scholarship in 2016 as a Walk- On under Nick Saban. That in itself is rare enough. After honing his craft on special teams, Wallace would then become a starting corner for the Crimson Tide and lead them in pass breakups...defying all odds having gone from Flag Football to NFL Combine invitee in just a few years, overcoming heartbreaking loss along the way.

In terms of his play, as expected, it’s a little rusty. Wallace wasn’t a five-star recruit and he plays with those rough edges. A little tall in his back-pedal in press coverage, Wallace does punch a full jab when lined up in the receiver’s face and follows it up with some great mirror-and-match footwork.

It’s his footwork that has become such a major strength in fact. His closing speed and disciplined nerve mean that he’s very rarely thrown off-guard with double moves, nor does he make mistakes in anticipating routes. He’s patient and quick to react and his feet follow suit.

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2015 48 5 0 0 16 5 2016 40 4 2 1 9 4 2017 39 4 0 1 10 3

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

4.63 seconds 36 inches

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 6’0, 183 lbs

PROJ DAY 3

Where he really excels is around the ball. 15 pass breakups don’t do Wallace enough justice and that gritty ‘underdog’ mentality presents itself in every play.

Wallace will be found leaping and clawing at every pass and while he could use some work on his awareness, his trail coverage and aggressive mindset made him the perfect weapon for Nick Saban, who used him in blitzes, man-coverage and plenty of bail looks.

Wallace can be a bit grabby as a tackler and his lean frame won’t lend itself to special teams contributions and may work against him at the next level. Against Auburn for instance, much bigger wideouts had their way all day long, knocking him off balance and beating him consistently. His release and change of direction can also be stiff at times.

Overall, Wallace should be a late-round pick, but that only adds to his underdog story. If he can go from flags to riches in the space of three years under Nick Saban, imagine what the ballhawk could do under the right DB coach... DJ REED

KANSAS STATE

From JUCO to Kansas State, the story of DJ Reed is an interesting one. While his journey may have put everything into perspective and left him chomping at the bit for opportunities, it’s left a rawness in his game that will need nurturing.

Reed is projected to go in the late rounds of the draft and it has nothing to do with his slightly undersized frame. From a technical standpoint, he’s just a little untamed. He has all the aggression, passion and will in the world, hustling on every play and possessing rapid acceleration that enables him to recover when beaten or close on the ball. But that aggression often leads to desperate swiping at jerseys and losing vital yards due to PI calls.

Reed’s backpedal is a little stiff and his body movement is very jolty. This could be due to his acceleration that means every movement is almost a stop-and-start burst, but it can hurt in press-coverage against much twitchier wideouts.

However, there is plenty of upside to Reed’s game which is what has pushed him to NFL Draft eligibility to begin with...and it’s that alone which could prompt teams to taking a flyer on him.

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2016 78 0.5 2 0 16 3 2017 47 4.5 1 0 9 4

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

4.51 seconds 11 36.5 inches

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 5’9, 188 lbs

PROJ DAY 3 Reed’s ballskills have been on display since his JUCO days and leading the Big 12 and FBS in passes defensed went a long way in garnering his reputation to finish. However at the NFL level where he would be facing wideouts 6’3 or taller on a regular basis, his frame and shorter wingspan will always be working against him.

Reed is a willing tackler, but he’s often sporadic. He flies in and struggles to wrap and roll which again is only going to cause problems if not ironed out quiickly.

A quick cornerback who will wear his heart on his sleeve and leave it all on the field, Reed is a coachable character who brings some impressive traits to the table. In off-coverage, he’s able to close on comebacks and curls with ease and his arm always seems to be in the mix when the ball is in the air. But his leaner frame and skillset that’s rough around the edges could be difficult for teams to put their chips on. ISAAC YIADOM

BOSTON COLLEGE

One of the first things that jump out on tape when watching Yiadom is his length. At 6’1, he also posses a rangy frame and ball-skills that make him a constant threat when it comes to 50-50 balls. Bigger wideouts have trouble getting off the line due to the long barrier that sits in front of them. Yiadom has the toughness to match and while most gangly corners tend to be a one-trick pony, Yiadom forces himself into contention with some strong punches at the line and great awareness when playing from off.

Bizzarely, Yiadom is actually one of the more exciting prospects I’ve watched. He drives hard in his tackles and pursuit and brings special teams experience to the table as well. So why isn’t he touted to go on day one of the draft?

Unfortunately, it comes down to technique. His length means he can stand a little tall in his back-pedal and his movement is often quite tight. It doesn’t help that he doesn’t have the deep speed needed to make up for lost time if beaten, meaning that as a breakfast corner who needs that advantage at the beginning of the route to succeed, he could struggle in the NFL if he’s forced to recover. Getting off blocks in the run-game will also be a big focus of improvement in the future.

However, if teams are willing to take a gamble on a developmental prospect, Yiadom has all the physical tools needed to become a ballhawk in the future and the attitude to take that next step. If he lands in the right system, Yiadom would be a great CB2 to watch in the future.

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2014 13 0 0 0 1 0 2015 18 0 0 0 4 1 2016 26 2 1 0 10 0 2017 53 1 0 0 7 2

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

4.52 seconds 8 reps 120 inches 4.18 seconds

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 6’1, 190 lbs

PROJ ROUND 3-4 KAMRIN MOORE

BOSTON COLLEGE

A teammate of Isaac Yiadom at Boston College, Moore compliments the skillset of his running-mate relatively well. While Yiadom is well-rounded and has the length to develop into a ballhawk, Moore brings the boxes left unticked to the table.

At 5’11, 200 lbs, Moore is a much stockier cornerback and his play represents that. Physical in his technique and never one to shy away from getting down and dirty in the run, Moore hits like thunder and remains feisty throughout the routes. One of the biggest positives seen on tape was his ability to get off blocks when defending the run or trying to snuff out screen passes.

He’s able to keep a wide base which means getting off the line can be difficult for opposing receivers and while he may not be a ballhawk or someone that thrives at the point of the catch, he is a corner who will thump the ball out of a receivers chest at a moments notice.

His press technique isn’t as refined as some of the other corners in the class and mirror-and-match would certainly need improving at the next level. It’s clear that Moore is a corner who lives and dies at the beginning of the route and he could well make for a solid nickel corner at the next level if drafted into a system that allows that role to move around and contribute in different aspects.

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2014 24 1.5 0 1 4 0 2015 25 2 0 0 3 0 2016 43 1.5 0 0 5 2 2017 50 2 0 0 9 0

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

4.52 seconds 8 reps 120 inches 4.18 seconds

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 5’10, 203 lbs

PROJ ROUND 6-7 CHRISTIAN CAMPBELL

PENN STATE

Campbell slowly became a reliable cog in the Penn State Nittany Lions’ defensive machine, going from starting one game as a true freshman, to making a big impact in the Rose Bowl with 6 tackles against USC. But will his growth continue into the NFL?

The one thing Campbell has in his favor is his frame. At 6’1, 194 lbs, with long reaching arms, Campbell is very much built for NFL competition. Nimble on his feet and fluid in transition, his footwork is clean, concise and will often push him back into contention on deeper routes. His length enables him to blanket receivers at the line and really disrupt those shorter routes where the extra step or two is key for the wideout.

Campbell’s issues come on deeper balls. He’s not the most composed corner and will often scrap and use his length to his advantage if beaten. This is fine if controlled, but there are a few too many flags on big-time plays due to holding and defensive pass interference. However, this is an issue for many rangy corners and this alone wouldn’t see his stock drop dramatically.

What’s keeping him as a day three pick is his all-or-nothing nature. Campbell will put all his chips on the table and fly into tackling angles or bank on the receiver running a certain route, only to be burned and give up a big play. Confidence is key, but patience and a processing of the game at the next level would need to be implemented for success.

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2014 10 1 0 0 2 1 2015 16 1 0 0 2 0 2016 31 1 0 0 6 1 2017 45 2 1 1 9 2

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

14 reps

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 6’1, 195 lbs

PROJ DAY 3 TONY BROWN

ALABAMA

Bama’s nickel cornerback has the frame of a safety and is built for the rigors of the NFL. A DB who thrives in run support, Brown plays physical and he plays hard…but that won’t be enough for him to succeed at the next level.

To be eager in run-support is one thing, but to go flying into bigger backs voluntarily and leave a thumping impact is another. Brown can draw comparisons to many current NFL safeties, with his versatility to be moved in and around the box…but unlike a player such as Malcolm Jenkins, that’s where his real strengths are born and die.

Brown is a brilliant athlete who brings plenty of acceleration to the table, but his coverage technique is rusty. There’s a lot of stiffness in his change of direction and this often leads to speedy slot receivers leaving him on the back foot, fighting his way back into the route.

It’s not just his hips that are a little tight, but it’s those quick bursts laterally, on curls, or even picking up pick plays and slants that can really open up a world of concern with his play.

Not to mention that there were a few off-the-field issues including a reported failed drug test that are sure to flag up in the draft evaluation process.

If he lands in an environment where zone coverage is a focus and there is an emphasis on controlling an area of the field, those raw fundamentals may improve. If they do, Brown has all the tools to be a real weapon a few years down the line. If not, he can still provide excellence on special teams and commitment in the run that few corners in this class can.

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2014 9 0 0 0 1 0 2015 16 1 1 0 2 0 2016 32 2.5 0 0.5 0 2 2017 39 1 1 1 2 1

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

4.35 seconds 14 reps 31.5 inches 126 inches 6.78 4.11

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 6’0, 198 lbs

PROJ ROUND 4 BRANDON FACYSON

VIRGINIA TECH

Injuries have plagued the career of this Virginia Tech Howie, but it didn’t stop him from starting 11 games in 2017, racking up 19 tackles and five pass breakups in his final year before deciding to take the leap to the NFL level. At 6’1 and 203 lbs, he has impressive size and plenty of experience to his name.

Currently projected as a day-two pick, Faceyson is a corner who feasts at the end of the play shown by the fact he is now the all-time Virginia Tech leader in passes defensed. His great length allows him to break up 50/50 balls or leap over the top of routes if he’s lost a step to punch the ball out of harms way. Because of his supreme length, quarterbacks often stay away from challenging Faceyson because of how small the window for success will be. A press-corner who has become very versatile since arriving on the scene in 2013, Faceyson’s ability to play aggressive on the boundary and show great awareness make him a threat to pick off a slightly wobbly or stray pass on any given play.

However when it comes to the NFL, he will need some help over the top. He doesn’t have the elite speed of some and will lose out to zippier wideouts on a regular basis. While he’s fantastic in trail technique and keeping the ball in front of him, his ability to diagnose routes and react accordingly is a little less than impressive, with Faceyson often a fraction of a second behind the play, meaning receivers can burn him down the field before he has a chance to recover.

Faceyson is a willing tackler in the run and certainly wears his heart on his jersey. But with the speed of the game ever-changing and crisp route-runners becoming more and more coveted, he would need some elite safety help and blankets around him if he is to make an immediate impact at the next level. However, he could make for a nickel corner worth watching in years to come.

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YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2013 27 2 1 0 8 5 2014 6 0 0 0 5 0 2015 31 1 0 0 10 0 2016 48 4 2 0 11 0 2017 19 2 0 0 5 0

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

4.53 seconds 16 reps

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 6’1. 203 lbs

PROJ MID-ROUNDS GREG STROMAN

VIRGINIA TECH

Faceyson’s running-mate, Greg Stroman was almost the perfect compliment to him during their time as Hokies. Stroman was the more esteemed athlete, while Faceyson was able to handle the physicality demanded by the Virginia Tech scheme. Stroman’s history as a dual-threat quarterback bled into his college career and ended in an All-ACC Selection in 2016.

We hear about cornerbacks needing to be versatile, but the special teams prowess brought to the table by Stroman is eye-popping. In 2016, not only did his 3 picks and 10 pass breakups turn heads, but with 460 yards on kick returns and 221 and a touchdown on punt returns, he became a multi-dimensional threat. Last season, he would amass 397 yards and 2 scores on punt returns.

It would be no surprise that the lightning footwork, accurate anticipation and fluent movement displayed as a returner carry over into his game as a corner. In my opinion, Stroman could well be one of the steals in this class. He looks so comfortable in his back-pedal that he’s able to sit back and let the receiver come to him, fully knowing his agility and burst will be more than enough to turn and run or adjust to a breaking route. He may have some of the smoothest hips of any DB in this draft and his strength of putting his foot in the ground and close in on breaking routes is borderline top two rounds worthy.

At 5’11, Stroman height may not be towering, but he’s a corner who fights through the route and will be glued to the receiver by the time the ball is thrown. A ballhawk in every sense of the word, Stroman is a cornerback who embodies VT’s DB prowess.

The only setback is his leaner frame that would lend itself to big mismatches at the next level and could be more than problematic when it comes to defending the run. He’s not a run defender by any stretch of the imagination and thrives on an Island, but he would likely need to be drafted into a cover-2 system, that will allow him rule his own stretch of turf and allow the more physical and bigger built corners pick up the slack in the run. With that said, if teams want a dangerous press corner, Stroman is up there with the best.

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2014 3 0 0 0 1 0 2015 24 0.5 0 0 4 2 2016 14 0 0 0 10 3 2017 20 0 0 0 11 4

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

4.48 seconds 16 reps 33.5 inches 113 inches 4.45 seconds

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 5’11, 182 lbs

PROJ ROUNDS 4-5 D’MONTRE WADE

MURRAY STATE

‘Football is Football’ has become a phrase all too common nowadays. Small school sleepers are coveted among teams and Wade could be one of those names to fit the mold. After leading the Ohio Valley Conference with six interceptions in 2017, it’s clear that D’Montre Wade can ball.

Wade has a slightly thicker frame than most which means his sturdy base and strong legs enable him to hold his ground in press coverage, The four-year starter is patient in his back-pedal and doesn’t look out of place against slippery receivers.

Playing with a chip on his shoulder, Wade fights in every play and utilizes his 32” arms to feel his way around the route tree and will assertively throw his presence into play at the top of the play. What he does really well is force opposing receivers to walk the tight rope and has a sixth-sense for finding the ball.

Unlike many corners in this class, Wade isn’t a reliability in the open field either, with his thicker base and composed mindset allowing him to sit and accurately position himself to become a brick wall against ball-carriers, with 50 tackles in 2016.

The concern here is naturally that the FCS level of receiver will be drastically different to that which he will fact in the NFL. While he thrives in press, he tends to give up a little too much leniency in zone and off looks which would be punished if NFL wideouts were given such a big window to dominate in. Playing conservative in off-coverage is fine if you’re confident in the route selection and your ability to tie the knot, but with NFL receivers and the complexity of schemes that lay ahead, the additional spacing he optionally gives up could haunt him at the next level.

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2014 26 N/A 0 0 5 1 2015 8 N/A 0 0.5 9 0 2016 17 N/A 0 0 18 6 2017 16 N/A 0 0 13 4

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

4.57 seconds 15 reps 35.5 inches 120 inches 4.40 seconds

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 5’11, 206 lbs

PROJ ROUNDS 4-5 MJ STEWART

NORTH CAROLINA

There’s a lot of intrigue around UNC’s lockdown corner, mainly because people can’t decide if this 5’11, 200 lbs, corner would be better suited to playing over the top or outside. But make no mistake, this is not a bad discussion to have.

Stewart is as versatile as they come, playing inside, outside, as a pass-rusher, run-defender or a ballhawk. A unique prospect in every sense of the word, Stewart has enough girth to his frame to handle run-support with ease, but has enough athleticism and confidence to survive on an island and show flashes of becoming a true cornerback sniper.

One scout told me that Stewart has ‘all the potential in the world’ and that’s because his presence on the field is partnered with a leader away from it, who loves grinding in every practice and film room session. It’s rare to see Stewart make a mistake in technique and it’s clear that he studies the game more than just at face level.

With 41 passes defensed in three years (12 in 2017), it’s clear that he really finds his stride when the ball is thrown his way. As physical as they come, Stewart can push tight ends into mistakes in the nickel, or can sink his hips deep into routes for optimal traction. Instinctive is a word often thrown around when it comes to cornerbacks, but it’s really impressive to see a corner be as quick to dissect breaking routes, as he is to detect a running back or find the ball when playing in the box.

The problem comes in overall talent. As of right now, he can be left on his back foot a little too often and isn’t the smoothest in technique. If he wins at the line, it’s game over. But while he can recover relatively well, he will have trouble doing so at the NFL level due to a lack of top speed which could haunt him in the NFL. Bizarrely, for someone who is labelled as a lockdown corner, he didn’t record an interception in his last two season’s. Stewart is certainly a day-two talent who has the coach ability and potential to become a player built in the vein of D.J Swearinger.

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2014 26 0.5 0 0 4 2 2015 62 2.5 1 1 14 4 2016 66 3.5 2 0 11 0 2017 45 5 0 2 12 0

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

4.54 seconds 18 reps 35 inches 118 inches 6.9 seconds

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 5’11, 200 lbs

PROJ ROUND 3 DUKE DAWSON

FLORIDA

After watching Teez Tabor and Quincy Wilson take flight and leave the Gators nest, it was time for Duke Dawson to take over the starting reigns. He impressed in that opportunity, earning first-team All-SEC honors, starting 11 games and leading the team in interceptions. But the question now becomes, can Dawson succeed in the NFL like his former teammates?

Surprisingly, I actually see a lot of strength in Dawson where others see weakness. Many view Dawson as an overly aggressive corner that gets left snagging, grabbing and putting all his chips on the table. This can lead to missed tackles, huge amounts of separation and a very jittery and rigid technique. The simple answer is that if he’s drafted into a system where off-coverage is the name of the game, his strengths will overpower his weaknesses.

Dawson is a monster when it comes to power. He can punish smaller receivers and loves blanketing the line of scrimmage and making life difficult for receivers to succeed on timing routes. Where he really comes up strong is on shorter and intimidate routes, which is conversely a problem for a lot of corners in this class. He may not have the smoothest hips or change-of-direction, but his click-and-close is very impressive.

He can handle himself in run support and does have value as a tackler in that area, so long as he can find the benefit in wrapping as opposed to thundering in like a wrecking ball.

Teams will see plenty of upside in Dawson, who has played in the nickel and outside during his time as a Gator. His tight frame makes for a great tackler and his PBU’s speak for themselves. If the rest can get ironed out or he can land in a spot where his strengths are played to, he’s a name worth keeping an eye on.

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2014 14 1 0 0 1 1 2015 9 0 1 0 0 0 2016 24 3.5 1 0 7 1 2017 34 2 0 0 9 4

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

4.46 seconds 15 reps 6.9 seconds

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 5’11, 197 lbs

PROJ ROUND 3-4 DANNY JOHNSON

SOUTHERN

Another FCS sleeper, Johnson broke onto the scene in 2016 when he tied for the FCS lead with 7 interceptions. As far as ballhawks go, Johnson may be one of the most productive at his level, with 17 career picks. But the great thing about Johnson is that it’s not just the picks, it’s the way he gets them.

The 5’11 corner boasts a 35’ inch vertical which allows him to propel into 50/50 balls, while his impressive Football IQ enables him to dislodge balls at the point of the catch, knowing exactly where the pigskin is going to be. An excellent athlete, Johnson quite literally trampolines around the field with precise timing and isn’t afraid to mix it up with taller wideouts, knowing he’s going to perfect his arial ability and become a problem.

Not only that, but he was a force on special teams too, scoring on a punt return as well as even both throwing and receiving a pass. Talk about versatility…

The problems with Johnson is that technically he’s a little rigid. This is to be expected at the FCS level, with many aspects of his game simply just looking out of sync. His backpedal looks tight which means opening his hips can often take a fraction longer and cause him to miss a step or two. He struggles to bring down receivers as a tackler and instead wraps around and will wait for re-enforcements to arrive.

With that said, Johnson has the heart and arial ability to be a menace if allowed to develop and could be an impact player right away on special teams. But it’s the fundamentals that will need to be worked on if he’s to take that jump.

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2014 40 NA NA 0 11 3 2015 38 NA NA 0 7 3 2016 57 NA NA 0 9 7 2017 55 NA NA 0 12 3

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

4.44 seconds 15 reps 35 inches 123 inches

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 5’10, 185 lbs

PROJ ROUNDS 5-6 PARRY NICKERSON

TULANE

Another small school sleeper, Nickerson is one of those prospects who again is stacked with potential but just has the force of nature working against him.

Nickerson ran the 40-yard dash in 4.32 seconds at his Pro-Day which for a cornerback is astounding. It shows up on tape as well. The 5’10 CB plays hard and with great recovery speed, is able to fly up the field and make a play if beaten. It also means he’s able to soar over to teammates in need when playing in zone.

The speed is met with a fine finesse too. He has fantastic burst and when it comes to pressing at the line, he’s a force to be reckoned with. The zippy footwork Nickerson brings to the table allows him to play with a sense of confidence needed to succeed on an island. He blankets himself over receivers and plays so loose that even double-moves or quick breaks are no problem for him.

However, while he’s extremely aggressive and physical, he also relies on his hands and arms to feel his way down the route tree. This doesn’t hurt in terms of penalties, but it does mean that bigger wideouts can throw him off guard, with his smaller frame giving wideouts an opportunity to box him out and capitalize on comebacks and curls.

This is also an area of weakness for Nickerson, who plays with his back to the ball a little too much which can go hand-in-hand with his grabby style of play.

The Tulane trail specialist has proven himself as a force around the ball, but with deep burns at the current level and bigger wideouts already proving to be a problem, there’s a long road ahead…but one that could spring plenty of surprise at an alarming rate.

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2013 7 0 1 0 0 0 2014 51 2.5 0 0 6 6 2015 46 3.5 1 0 8 4 2016 29 0 1 0 9 0 2017 55 2 0 0 8 6

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

4.32 seconds 15 reps

GE

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 5’10, 182 lbs

PROJ DAY 3 MICHAEL JOSEPH

DUBUQUE

Michael Joseph is definitely a candidate for everyone’s biggest draft crush. Tales of the D3 prospect who has shown the heart and resiliency of a Lion began to flood the internet toward the end of last season and when he Senior Bowl arrived, Joseph’s stock began to rise rapidly.

At 6’1, 187 lbs, it’s easy to see why many teams are so high on this deep sleeper and when it comes to character, you won’t find any stories of off-the-field drama here. Just passion, accountability and humility. When it comes to his play on the field, it’s even easier to get excited.

With 15 interceptions in the last three years, Joseph has garnered a ballhawking reputation. In the few game tapes available, it’s clear that his instincts and physical approach to the game pay off time and time again. His consistency to high-point the ball and use his 34’ vertical to snag it out of harms way really jumps off the screen. A blazing 40-time helps his case too, giving him an extra element of surprise to his game as he can battle through foot-races. With smooth hips and versatility on his side, Joseph has all the raw tools to be molded into an NFL corner.

The transition won’t be easy however. Going from D3 to the NFL is tough at any position, but the level of wide receiver and the speed in which the game moves will be a huge hurdle. Technically, there’s a lot of work to be done as well. His back-pedal is a little tall and while his feet are twitchy, they’re a little too on edge. This means he’s simply keeping a narrow base and taking a few too many steps, preparing to break or anticipating a moment to put on the afterburners. Receivers try to take advantage of the added space ahead of them and at the next level that could be a huge problem.

Joseph’s story is incredible and at this stage, to write him off would almost be criminal. It’s clear that the D3 darling has what it takes to dominate at the cornerback position, but will teams take a flyer on him in day 3?

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2015 44 NA 1 NA 4 3 2016 68 NA 1 NA 7 4 2017 56 NA 0 NA 8 8

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

17 reps 34 inches 6.89 seconds 4.2 seconds

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 6’1, 180 lbs

PROJ DAY 3 TARON JOHNSON

WEBER STATE

If it’s a rapid cornerback that you’re looking for, Taron Johnson may be the perfect fit at a cheap cost too. A projected day two pick, the Weber State corner is now most commonly known as the DB who was hit in the head by a football at the NFL combine, but he brings much more to the table than 5 seconds of fame.

A former receiver, Johnson’s 5’11, 192 lbs, frame is a little undersized, but what he lacks in mass, he makes up for in speed. Johnson is like a bullet when bursting to the ball. It’s not just his physical speed either, mentally, his processing to pick up screens, dissect breaks and protect his lair in zone coverage is staggeringly impressive. When you combine the two, you have a zippy corner with lightning speed who hits like a freight train and isn’t afraid to get down and dirty. With 42 pass breakups to his name, it’s clear that Johnson can be a threat at the point of the catch too.

The only real knock on his game is unfortunately his size. He can often get boxed out or lose field position to bigger wideouts and while his speed is blistering, the NFL will exploit the long-distance vertically which could challenge him and force a grabby nature.

Johnson is a true value pick. It’s rare to see a corner move so fast and process the game so well without really making many errors. Johnson will be an intriguing name to watch when training camps begin, to see just how he fares in a viciously competitive environment where burning mismatches aren’t just the name of the game, but overall survival.

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2015 44 0 1 0 12 2 2016 48 0 0 0 12 0 2017 49 3 2 2 9 3

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

4.5 seconds 17 reps 33 inches 118 inches 7 seconds 4.28 seconds

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 5’11, 192 LBS

PROJ DAY 2 SIRAN NEAL

JACKSONVILLE STATE

Neal is one of the more interesting prospects in this year’s cornerback class because the deeper you dig, the more you find. A two-time first-team All-Ohio Valley Conference honoree, Neal played as a linebacker for Jacksonville State in 2016 before shuffling up to a cornerback in 2017. However, he still played as a nickel during 2016 before moving to a full-time DB role in his senior year, garnering 39 tackles, one interception and a team-leading 11 passes defensed.

At 6’0, 206 lbs, it’s not hard to see why Neal was moved around the defense so frantically. He has the size and mindset to be aggressive in the box and can pop ball-carriers with ease. Neal is definitely a striker. A soldier on the front-lines. As a player just learning the cornerback position, it’s natural to see him pick up runs, screens and be used on blitz plays.

With a new beginning comes new challenges. While Neal is probably one of the most willing to storm down and help in the trenches, his technical prowess could limit him to a nickel role at the next level. He has the tenacity to become reliable in press and drives his feet forward into punches which is something few corners do due to the risk of being humiliated.

But when it comes to defending breaking routes or slants etc, he doesn’t quite have the vision or anticipation to keep up with some of the quicker wideouts faced. As a utility player, Neal would be a great pick up in the bottom rounds of the Draft, but it could be a while before he’s trusted on his own outside or even in the nickel due to just how raw his skillset is.

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2014 32 0 0 0 3 0 2015 40 0 0 0 4 1 2016 80 0 0 0.5 5 1 2017 39 3 0 0 12 1

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

4.56 seconds 17 reps 40.5 inches 122 inches 7 seconds 4.28 seconds

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 6’0, 206 lbs

PROJ DAY 2 JAMARCUS KING

SOUTH CAROLINA

While many will remember the beating placed on him by Mike Williams, Jamarcus King may be among the most athletic ballhawks in this class. To instinctively find the ball and confidently peel off of assignments to leap into the path of the ball is just stunning. You can see the remnants of a budding wide receiver career bleed into his play and the 6’1 frame certainly helps him utilize that.

A long, press corner who has the athletic ability and the one-play mindset to really develop at the next level, King uses his frame to become really disruptive at the line, maintaining a wide base and using a throttling punch to keep wideouts at bay. The ballhawking is obvious. With 2 picks and a team-leafing 12 PBU’s in 2017, King honed in on his instincts to see deep into a quarterbacks eyes and wreck havoc accordingly. In fact, with 27 pass breakups and 5 picks in his last two years, there may be no more prolific corner at the point of the catch.

King does lack significant speed, posting a 4.7 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. His low center of gravity doesn’t help him accelerate into transition and often means his overall fundamentals are slow and disjointed. This can cause huge problems when forced to click and close or change direction. His lean frame also makes tackling a slight issue. He certainly has the mindset for it, but his tackling is so sporadic that it would be wise to either coach conservativeness of ripe technique.

King is a very raw prospect and if he’s allowed to play in zone coverage or in the nickel, he could have a high chance at making some preseason noise. But there is a huge list of things that will need improvement before he finds time on the field during the regular season.

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2016 56 3 1 0 9 3 2017 41 1 0 1 12 2

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

4.7 seconds

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 6’1, 186 lbs

PROJ ROUNDS 5-6 GRANT HALEY

PENN STATE

Penn State’s slot cornerback is primed for a similar role at the next level if a team decides to take a later flyer on him. But that decision hinges on a balancing act. For every positive in Haley’s play, there is a contrasting setback that could take a large amount of time to iron out.

As a slot cornerback, your responsibilities are marginalized in some ways and expanded in others. Having to pick up slot wideouts, big tight ends, help in the run game and protect the middle of the field, good footwork, play recognition and reaction times are key. Haley has all of these qualities and as a four-year special teams ace, he also adds tremendous value on that front. Haley started every game in 2017, picking up 40 tackles and breaking up 10 passes in the process, demonstrating those traits and his ability to read a dropback hastily and close on the path of the ball. Haley always has a tendency to be around the ball, which for a cornerback is often something rare to find.

The reason he’s projected to go so low however is what happens when he is indeed around the ball. His lean build doesn’t compliment his skillset at all and his tackling technique and reliability is anything but encouraging. His instincts when the ball is in the air on a vertical route are less than polished, with his primary focus being on keeping the receiver in reaching distance. Haley’s play isn’t bad, it’s just that his coverage is raw. He is a little too patient when playing away from the ball and the tunnel vision with the receiver in question would only come back to haunt him at the NFL level.

Don’t get me wrong, the man who returned a blocked field goal for a touchdown will be a brilliant special teams player, but that will be the way he has to make the team in order to earn those corner opportunities. YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2014 18 0 0 0 2 1 2015 42 1.5 1 0 6 2 2016 39 2 0 0 5 0 2017 40 3 0 2 9 2

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

4.44 seconds 15 reps 34 inches 119 inches 6.51 seconds 3.94 seconds

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 5’9, 190 lbs

PROJ ROUND 7 AVONTE MADDOX

PITTSBURGH

Maddox is everything you could want in a nickel cornerback. Speedy, willing and as reactive as a nuclear weapon. His small frame is misleading, with the Panther packing quite a rapid punch after posting a 4.39 40-yard dash time at the NFL combine.

Currently projected to go in the heart of the NFL Draft, Maddox is a very well-rounded corner who is fluid in his movement and aggressive when it comes to tackling. Someone who wants to be in the heart of the action, Maddox was still able to end his career with 51 passes defensed despite being undersized, which says a lot about his desire and drive to outwork whoever stands in front of him.

Injury concerns do shroud his stock however, with Maddox missing five games over the last two years and like several other corners in his class, his aggressive mindset can often sting him when all chips are placed on a bursting toward a route that then breaks the other way. Oddly, Maddox doesn’t initiate a lot of contact when in press coverage. He is smooth in his back-pedal, but he keeps his arms compact and his frame ready to pounce (like a Panther?) as opposed to trying to stake his claim and make his presence felt.

His short-area quickness is astounding, but with patience being something that has evaded his play for a while now, Maddox is a 0-100 cornerback who may not have the size to get away with it at the next level. As an athlete, he’s the complete package and you’ll find it difficult to find anything other than applause when people discuss his personality in other reports.

But with a potential rebalance of technique, Maddox would be best suited to a team who play cover-3 or frequently roll out an extra DB, just to give him that breathing room needed to find his feet, knowing that if he does begin to make mistakes at the line due to being urged to punch a little more often, he will have a safety blanket behind him. Maddox is everything you want in a nickel corner, he just may take a little longer to blossom.

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2014 32 0 0 0 3 0 2015 75 1 0 0.5 12 3 2016 49 8.5 0 2.5 8 3 2017 27 4 3 4 11 2

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

4.39 seconds 13 reps 37 inches 125 inches 6.5 seconds 4 seconds

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 5’9, 180 lbs

PROJ DAY 2 DAVONTAE HARRIS

ILLINOIS STATE

The NFL Draft is less than one month away and excitement among fans, analysts and prospects alike is at an all-time high. For many players eagerly awaiting the next chapter in their lives to begin, this time can often be the most important and most daunting they’ve experienced. But for Illinois State product, Davontae Harris, trusting the process is something that comes easy.

While some prospects begin playing Football from an early age or are born into families who live and breathe by the pigskin, Harris fell in love with the game naturally. The defensive back didn’t grow up idolizing any player in particular or with a dream of being drafted, but he saw an opportunity as a sophomore at high school to get on a team in the basketball offseason and the rest was history.

“I had a really big standout year in my Junior season.” Harris said, looking back on his time at Wichita South High School. “In the city I grew up in, it was really hard to get recruited at the D1 level. Most people that came out that I knew of went down the JUCO route and then went to a D1 level school. It didn’t even hit me until the beginning of my Senior year when coaches were in contact with me and I’d see people in college who I was on the same level as athletic wise.”

But just as the stars were beginning to align, Harris sustained one of the strangest and most agonizing injuries imaginable. A cleat ripped through both his large and small intestine at the beginning of his senior season, punching a huge hole in the road that was heading towards a D1 scholarship.

“That was different for me. It was an unexpected blessing.” Harris said, surprisingly composed. “That shifted my whole mindset towards what made me who I am now. The reason I say that is because at the time I thought my playing of sports in general would be over. All the doctors had never heard of it and nobody I’d spoken to had heard of an injury of that magnitude. To be able to come back that year and run track and do things I had done before made me do those things with more thanks. Those opportunities were once taken away from me and God was able to give back what I thought was permanently taking away from me, I had to make the most of it”.

But even after such a debilitating injury, Harris continued down the path he had previously began to walk down…and one university accompanied him down that path, Illinois State. The university kept pursuing Harris, taking a chance on the defensive back after seeing his athletic potential. For the future All-Missouri Valley Football Conference First-Team selection, that meant everything.

“It made me fall in love with the university even more.” He said. “A guy from Wichita form Kansas who they didn’t know too much about, they still took a chance on me and gave me a full scholarship. It made me appreciate them and appreciate my opportunity even more.”

The transition from the high school game to the college game can be difficult for even the most esteemed prospect. But Harris wasn’t a decorated recruit and didn’t have an extensive football background. As opposed to jumping straight into hot water, the corner optionally redshirted with patience and process in mind. “I had to learn the game for what it was. In High School, I played my game using my natural ability but at the college level it was about your knowledge of the game.” Harris explained. “That was the reason why I redshirted. I had to put myself in a position where I understood the game and I could play at the speed they needed me to play.” For a player to optionally take that step back and see the bigger picture is a rare trait, but it’s something that transposes into both the person we see today and the player. Confident in his own ability and as understanding as they come, Harris possesses an inner serenity that doesn’t just help slow down the game, but also everything else around him. With that in mind, it’s safe to say he doesn’t lack drive either.

“It was one of those things where I went in with a chip on my shoulder from a learning standpoint because I knew I was behind the curve. I had to elevate my game in a way other people didn’t. I had to be more patient and utilize that redshirt year as a time to grow into a better player and a person, which molded me into the leader I became.”

His last two seasons for the Redbirds would turn many heads. Starting 11 of 12 games at cornerback in his final season, he ranked #1 in the MVC for passes defensed (13 pass breakups and 2 picks), averaging 1.36 per game. The ballhawk tendencies go hand-in-hand with his 6’0, 205 lbs frame, but with 59 tackles and 5.5 for a loss, Harris also brings an exceptional level of versatility. Harris described himself as wanting to be an ‘impact player’, regardless of the opposition he faced. The numbers back that up and then some.

Just like his time in High School, it wasn’t until late on in his career that it dawned on Davontae that he could make it to the NFL level. Agents began trying to acquire his talent toward the end of his time at Illinois State and his DB coach told him that his form was draftable. It would almost come as a shock then that a Senior Bowl invite evaded Harris.

“For a really long time I was hoping and praying I’d get the Senior Bowl opportunity because I felt that was the highest level of a senior game, where I would get the most exposure and teams could evaluate me playing at that level.” Harris said. “I took it for what it was and my perception of it was going to the East- West shrine instead was my process. Everyone’s process is different and as long as you take care of your opportunities, you’ll be successful regardless.” Trusting the process is something that will sit very well with Philadelphia fans, but if there’s just one thing slightly more ‘Philly’ than a process worth trusting, it’s an underdog. Harris ticks that box as well.

While he didn’t receive a Senior Bowl invite, he was invited to the NFL Combine. But he went into Indianapolis with a chip on his shoulder and it wasn’t because of the Senior Bowl snub. A write-up prior to the event had him listed as a ‘very average athlete’. Something that clearly didn’t sit well with a player who prided himself on his athleticism and versatility. Harris took a screenshot of that scout report and made it his phone wallpaper. Before every drill, every day, every workout, he would glance at that quote and remind himself that he was everything that scout report said he wasn’t.

Harris blitzed the NFL combine.

A 4.43 40-yard dash turned heads, while turning in 22 reps at 225 lbs at the bench press certainly raised eyebrows. His 32.5 inch vertical and 6.96 three cone drill put the icing on a cake that was rising in the oven.

The Philadelphia Eagles, like every NFL team have shown keen interest in Harris, with the value found in the later rounds becoming ever more important. The Eagles have shown heavy interest in a handful of safeties this offseason already and it would hardly be surprising to see them take a chance on Harris. If there’s one thing that Philly loves, it’s versatility…and that’s a quality Harris has in abundance. “If they went out and told me the only way you could make this team is by kicking or punting, I would go out there and do it and try to be the best at my position.” Harris said. “I’m a DB and can play anywhere on the field. I don’t really mind. A lot of teams are looking at me as a safety or a nickel, but those are positions I’m more than capable of playing.” One thing really took be my surprise when talking to Davontae, at least for a moment before I realized that it’s simply the person he is. Even now, in the most important time of his life, Harris spends his free time trying to give back to the community that raised him.

“I have workouts every morning at this facility back home and work out from around 11:30-12:30.” Harris told me before opening up on a passionate subject. “Beyond that, my middle school I went to, I go back and set up different ways to go back and speak to kids and give back to the community that I came from, that’s my focus right now. Letting Kids know the position I’m in is very doable for them as well.”

So what separates Harris from everybody else in such a loaded draft class? “A great person first, someone that’s team oriented who smart and focused on winning.” Harris replied when I asked him what teams would be getting should they draft him. “A kid who’s smart and will play physical, fast and great. Someone who is accountable and you’ll never have off-the-field issues with. Someone who’s focused on the team being successful in all aspects.”

This isn’t just about making a living for Davontae Harris, it never has been. It’s about understanding the process and working on his own timing as opposed to comparing himself to others or letting his hunger override his humility. DEE DELANEY

MIAMI

This was probably the most upsetting scout report I’ve compiled. During his time at the Citadel, Delaney was a two-time All-American and it wasn’t hard to see why. At 6’1, 194 lbs and with an impressive amount of speed to his game, Delaney was just a nightmare at the FCS level. With 11 picks in his final two years, Delaney was a monster. It was no surprise that the Miami Hurricanes came knocking, poaching him from the Citadel for his senior season with the team needing immediate CB help.

Unfortunately, the parity between the FCS and ACC would shine through, dimming Delaney’s achievements and dominant play so far. At the Citadel, Delaney was perhaps the most dangerous athlete on the field at times, gliding like a gazelle and peeling off of man-coverage to make stunning receiver-like plays on the ball. At Miami, it was a very different story.

The setbacks were exploited time and time again. As a corner who thrives at the top oft he route, his struggles at the line of scrimmage were highlighted. His feet became sticky in press coverage, his footwork static in zone and his awareness dwindled, with his eyes zoning in on the quarterback a little too often, ignoring receivers blazing past his nose.

However, he is very quick and willing to get involved in the run game, while at least throwing his hat into every play, regardless of the frame of the wideout standing opposite him. There are upsides to Delaney’s game, but with a very rigid backpedal, heavy feet and all signs of the ballhawk we saw at the Citadel being reduced to a corner asked to play outside of his comfort zone, he may struggle to get picked up in the late rounds, but would be an intriguing UDFA pickup.

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2017 39 1.5 0 0 1 1

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

4.46 seconds 13 reps 32.5 inches 120 inches 6.95 seconds 4.25 seconds

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 5’11, 200 lbs

PROJ ROUND 7/UDFA RASHARD FANT

INDIANA

Confidence and ruthlessness are two qualities that don’t exactly evade this Indiana starter. But with great power, comes great responsibility. What you love to see in a defensive back is a player who is never phased. Whether he’s just given up a touchdown, a penalty, or a big play, there is only one Rashard Fant when it comes to coverage…and he’ll let you know about it on every single play.

This, understandably comes with a blessing and a curse. The blessing bring that he allowed a stunningly low 36% of passes thrown his way to land in a receiver’s hands (per NFL.com) and as a man-coverage specialist, he’s almost remarkable. His footwork may actually be some of the best in class and his movement is so fluid, it’s like he’s a swivel chair. Receivers will often try to turn him and end up right back where they started, with the cornerback stood in front disrupting the play. His play-speed makes recovering from errors a little easier and when it comes to the point of the catch, you can almost bank on Fant leaping across the balls path to make a play on it…which brings us to the curse.

As a ballhawk, Fan is stunning. As a complete corner, not so much. His leaner frame and reckless tackles are one thing, but he’s simply too grabby which led to refs almost making it rain with penalty flags. In a class where discipline among corners is very high, unfortunately Fant lacks it nearly altogether, being flagged 21 times during the last three seasons.

His technique is inconsistent and when he loses the first step or his aggression works against him, panic sets in and Fant ends up just killing the play altogether. Even in situations where he’s won and has an advantage, he can still end up blowing it all away with a lack of discipline.

He isn’t a physically dominant corner and makes his mark at the top of the route. Fant is a ballhawk with some incredible footwork and speed, but his discipline setbacks may force teams to look elsewhere.

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2014 22 0 0 0 5 0 2015 52 1.5 0 0 22 1 2016 34 1.5 0 0.5 17 3 2017 24 2.5 0 0 9 1

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 5’10, 175 lbs

PROJ ROUND 7/ UDFA HENRE TOLIVER

ARKANSAS

Toliver is a veteran among these young corners, with his first flash of potential coming back in 2014 against a wideout by the name of Julio Jones. A lot has changed in that time and the SEC has helped to mold a credible corner who could hold up at the next level. But while Toliver will flash fantastic fundamentals, his play is that off a jack-of-all-trades, master of none.

He has the size (6’0, 188 lbs,) needed to be successful and the subtle quickness that will be demanded of him. His click-and-close is surprisingly fast and he’s able to plant his foot in the ground and change direction at a moments notice. Crossing routes and pick-plays don’t intimidate Toliver, who takes them all in his stride and defends the 5-15 yard range brilliantly.

But with a lack of length at disposal and some poor positioning when the ball is in the air, Toliver has a long way to go when it comes to defending vertically. His short-area quickness isn’t supported by deep speed and this will sting him. He’s a conservative corner who won’t neccesarily throw himself into harms way or give himself an opportunity to make a play unless the moment is perfect. There is almost no mirror-and-match, Toliver instead tries to punish the receiver early, but if it doesn’t work, all the tricks in the book have been used.

He has plenty of upside as someone who has held his own in the SEC with reasonable stat lines, but he just doesn’t have that explosive confidence or playmaking mentality seen in many in this class.

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2014 18 1 0 1 1 2 2015 55 4 0 0 8 1 2016 45 1 0 0 6 1 2017 43 1 0 0 6 3

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

4.63 seconds 6 reps 32.5 inches 117 inches 7 seconds 4.15 seconds

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 6’8, 188 lbs

PROJ ROUND 7/ UDFA ANDRE CHACHERE

SAN JOSE STATE

Chachere is an athletic corner who has many of the traits of a mid-round pick. But between 2016 and 2017, it’s almost as if a coach put the leash back on the collar and created a more conservative corner. He wasn’t as willing on 50/50 balls and started to focus on blanketing the receiver more than using his vertical to push the ball out of harms way. That doesn’t mean there isn’t room for growth.

As a result, Chachere is one of the most composed corners you’ll find in this year’s crop. The football IQ is high here and it’s clear in his pattern reading and ability to smell out his man in bunch formations or trick plays. You’ll rarely see him make a mental mistake or physically slip due to a last-second decision, because he’s usually the first on his assignment and will remain glued to it. Receivers will try to throw him off with the naughtiest of moves, but Chachere is zen throughout route progressions and stays light on his feet to help him float down the route. The 2017 tape shows a corner who is almost so relaxed that there is a quiet confidence in his play…but then there’s the setbacks.

Had he blended this with the leaping, diving, more imposing play of 2016, we could be looking at a third round status here. Instead, Chachere would allow some big plays because he’s reluctant to put his hand into the fire, risking a burn. Receivers would just cut across his face and focus on forcing a foot-race as opposed to really challenging at the line of scrimmage. The deep ball became a problem and this new serene mindset saw a corner who would still challenge the run, but fly in for legs as opposed to wrapping and smothering.

I think there’s a lot of unheralded potential here. If a team can bring the best out of Chachere, he could be depth player for years to come in the right scheme.

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2014 1 0 0 0 0 0 2015 39 2 1 1 8 2 2016 36 0.5 2 0 14 4 2017 46 2 0 0 4 1

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

4.49 seconds 13 reps 38 inches 123 inches 6.78 seconds 4.07 seconds

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 6’0, 197 lbs

PROJ DAY 3 CHRIS JONES

NEBRASKA

Jones has the makeup of a true cornerback sleeper. The honorable mention All-Big ten selection in 2016 is athletic, disruptive and very productive around the ball. He could well have been labelled as a day2/3 pick if not for a torn meniscus tear that shot a dart in his 2017 season. Jones rebounded from the adversity well, to play in seven games, amassing as many tackles and knocking away three passes. Not only that, but just days before the Combine, a large influence in his life, his Grandfather, passed away. Jones has had a bumpy path to the NFL Draft, but has overcome everything in his way as he aims to make his Grandfather proud.

Jones has the long-armed, well-built frame that teams covet and he loves to show it off. He’s one of the few corners who really can kill a route in the first few steps out of press coverage, with a solid use of hands that really utilizes his impressive length and strength. When the ball is in the air, Jones high points it well and will always be in contention to make a big play.

His backpedal is a little tight and his posture is taller than ideal. This means that his footwork is uncoordinated and there’s no real rhythm to his movement which makes it easy for receivers to put him on ice. The big questions surrounding Jones involved the comeback. How would he fare after returning from the injury? The ball production dipped and while he was a willing tackler, the angles taken were often high-risk or complete misses which caused predictable problems.

I’d hate to pin any of the problems on the injury, but the tape prior to the torn meniscus was certainly more explosive. I think medicals are going to play a big role here, but teams love to take a shot on corners like Jones and it’s clear he can be a force on special teams or in press coverage. But perhaps a defense that protects their corners with plenty of help over the top would be a good fit until he can find his feet and be trusted on an Island.

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2014 7 0 0 0 0 0 2015 25 2 0 1 5 2 2016 37 3 0 1 10 3 2017 7 0 0 0 1 1

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

4.57 seconds 14 reps

AGE

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 6’0, 200 lbs

PROJ UDFA JORDAN THOMAS

OKLAHOMA

Thomas has an eye for the ball and great skills around it, but with poor tackling form and multiple arrests on his resume, it’s going to be interesting to see how much value teams place in his tape as the draft approaches.

Thomas leaps like a Salmon. With a great cornerbacking frame, he will jump his way into routes and times his leaps precisely. Exceptional hand-eye coordination mirrors that of a receiver and he’s one of the few in this class who has the balance of short-area rapidity and a refined confidence that he’s going to come down with a big play when the ball is in the air.

But then come the arrests, the injury history and the unfortunate decline in play. He gave up a lot of deep passes due largely to overzealous tackling angles and poor discipline. He tends to almost wander off when in zone-coverage and struggled when challenged vertically. He’s perfectly competent inside the numbers, but when forced to battle deep down the field, he can’t stay pressed for long without losing momentum.

There’s a lot of work to be done for Thomas if he wants to soar at the NFL level and he’ll need a team who can condition him with tough love.

YEAR TACKLES TFL FF SACKS PD INT

2014 26 0 0 0 4 0 2015 46 0 0 0 4 5 2016 49 2 0 0 17 2 2017 27 2 0 0 2 1

COMBINE 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump 3-cone Shuttle

4.64 seconds 4 reps 38 inches 124 inches 6.28 seconds 3.94 seconds

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 6’0, 187 lbs

PROJ DAY 3