Cherry's 2017 Draft Scouting Notebook: Inevitably Quitting After 25 Prospects

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Tau Lotulelei

4-3 Outside Linebacker

UNLV

Senior

Age 22

6'0"

235 pounds

4.76 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Solid frame, and has the athletic profile you like for the position. Has the skills to be used in coverage, although he can't run step-for-step with most receivers or tight ends. Can shoot through the gap well when he sees an opening, and can come back across the formation to get involved.

Negatives

Plays small, and rarely finds his way into the play through pure force. Will too often lose his feet and not find a way to get through the line. Inconsistent motor, and runs hot/cold way too often.

Overview

Solid outside linebacker who can have an impact in both the running and passing game despite being slightly undersized for the position. He has the baseline speed and strength to make a living in the league, and could eventually become a starter.

Grade

4.0 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him listed as a seventh rounder, and I think he's going to end up being a late round selection if he is selected at all. He isn't nearly the physical package that a lot of late round projects are, so a team would need to really fall in love with his game and the plan they have for him. He could be a very low end starter, but he will likely spend his time as a backup or depth guy.

Edited March 27, 2017 by Chernobyl426

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Marquel Lee

4-3 Inside Linebacker

Wake Forest

Senior

Age 21

6'3"

240 pounds

4.78 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Good at navigating traffic and finding his way through blocking. Has the speed to play in coverage when necessary. Has the strength and size to succeed in the NFL. Tough to get away from if he wraps up and attempts to finish the tackle.

Negatives

Struggles to wrap up and bring down his opponent. Prefers to go at weird angles and dive for tackles, rather than connect and drive through on connection. Too often gets off-track when trying to hunt the ball-carrier, and will make mistakes in which direction he moves. Takes bad pursuit angles, and will get his ankles broken by a good ball-carrier. Doesn't seem fully aware of what's going on each play.

Overview

Solid height/weight/speed prospect that needs to refine his game to be successful at the NFL level. All of the physical attributes are there, but he plays scared a lot of times, and doesn't do a good job of just getting involved with the play. His tackling has serious flaws, as he takes atrocious angles to the ball way too often.

Grade

3.8 - Potential backup

Projection

I don't see him being drafted, and if he does it will be a late-round selection for a team that believes in the measurables he brings to the table. When you look purely at how he played on tape, he wasn't nearly as productive as he should have been given his athleticism. He's a priority UDFA if he does go undrafted, but the odds are he will be taken as a depth guy with hope to build up his game.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Ben Boulware

4-3 Inside Linebacker

Clemson

Senior

Age 22

6'0"

238 pounds

4.85 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Strength is through the roof. Hits like a man amongst boys, and can bring opponents down with arm tackles. Strong frame, and a good tackling form.

Negatives

Sluggish in pursuit, and will give up entirely on plays at times. Very one-dimensional, and struggles when he isn't asked to come downhill. Too easy to knock off his line, and can get pushed out of the play by a good blocker. Lacks the athleticism to succeed in anything but run defense at the next level. Will play lazy at times, and lose opportunities.

Overview

Boulware lacks the traits to be anything more than a practice squad guy or depth player at the next level. He doesn't have the athleticism or strength off blocks you want for a run defender. If you can't peel off blocks to make a play, you're effectively useless, regardless of your size. If Boulware were to refine his game, he could develop into a very solid depth piece, but right now his entire game is reliant on being the bigger guy and tackling on strength.

Grade

2.7 - Potential depth player

Projection

He should go undrafted, although some teams may consider him in the later portions of the draft due to his history as team captain on the national championship team. Most of his love is going to come from playing on that team, and not his actual abilities on the football field.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Dylan Cole

4-3 Inside Linebacker

Missouri State

Senior

Age 22

6'0"

233 pounds

4.68 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Has the athleticism to play in coverage. Strong tackler, and rarely struggles to bring his opponent down. Not an arm-tackler, and uses good form to bring the ball-carrier to the turf. Can get off of blocks, and find his way back into the play. Versatile enough to play both inside and outside.

Negatives

Not always great at navigating his way through traffic. May lose track of the ball-carrier at times, and start playing hesitant because of it. Faced FCS competition, and the strength difference between his opponents and the NFL is huge. Will get overwhelmed at times in coverage due to misunderstanding assignments.

Overview

Solid prospect who will need to refine his technique in coverage and adapt quickly to the NFL passing game if he wants a shot. His tackling is there already, and he's versatile enough to be slotted in all over behind the defensive line. With a little bit of work, he's a decent starter.

Grade

4.9 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him listed as a fifth rounder, and I firmly believe he will be selected somewhere within the third day of the draft. All the physical tools are there to become a starter. In worst case scenario, he is a very solid depth guy that fills out your roster.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Ben Gedeon

4-3 Inside Linebacker

Michigan

Senior

Age 22

6'2"

244 pounds

4.75 40-yard dash

Positives

Strong frame, and has the size to bully NFL ball-carriers. Very good form tackler, and doesn't rely solely on his upper-body strength to win battles. Surprisingly nimble for a bigger guy. Has the ability to hold up in coverage, and plays with great awareness in the passing game. Impossible to get away from once he gets a hold of the ball-carrier.

Negatives

Not a sideline-to-sideline backer, and will struggle when asked to chase down the ball-carrier. Takes poor angles to the ball at times when trying to meet the ball-carrier downfield, and will run himself out of the play because of it. Not a gap-shooter, and doesn't come downhill with much speed.

Overview

NFL size linebacker who does a good job of imposing his physicality on the other team. He loves to lay a hit on the opponent, but won't make mistakes with his tackling form. Very light feet for his size, and can navigate through offenses well to find the ball-carrier. Overall a sneaky good prospect who could start immediately at the next level.

Grade

5.4 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

I have him listed at the very end of the third round, though I would feel fine with him falling into early day three discussion. He has the overall game to immediately take over a starting job in the NFL, although teams may not be comfortable selecting a guy who plays so heavy that early in the draft. He's certainly getting drafted though.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Keith Kelsey

4-3 Inside Linebacker

Louisville

Senior

Age 22

6'0"

233 pounds

4.92 40-yard dash

Positives

Solid tackler, and has prototype frame for a guy who you want to bring downhill in run defense. Good at wading through traffic to find the ball-carrier.

Negatives

Very likely the slowest linebacker in this class. Lacks pursuit ability due to sheer lack of athleticism. Will struggle to be more than a run-stuffer at the next level, and will be limited in his role at that. Zero ability to hold up in coverage. Doesn't do a good enough job jumping off of blocks to get involved when asked to blitz. Can typically be avoided by agile runners.

Overview

Limited prospect who lacks any of the characteristics you'd like for a guy to be anything but a practice squad player at best. His numbers are absolutely atrocious from an athletic standpoint, and he can't do anything but play the run at an average level. He's a camp roster guy.

Grade

1.9 - Potential Practice Squad Player

Projection

He should go undrafted, and I am nearly 100% sure that he will.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Jalen "Teez" Tabor

Cornerback

Florida

Junior

Age 21

6'0"

199 pounds

4.62 40-yard dash

Positives

Has the versatility to play both man and zone schemes. Excels in both press and off press. Does a great job of mirror footwork off the LOS, and will go step for step up the first five yards with a wideout. Flips hips well and turns to match his man. Has the size you want for a #1 CB. Doesn't get overly handsy downfield, and won't draw flags for interference. Great read & react skillset.

Negatives

Not a strong tackler, and will miss easy tackles due to poor form and arm-tackling. Limited speed has some calls for concerns. Not a strong asset in run defense, and rarely makes an impact coming down on the run. Doesn't assert physical presence when the play is in the air, and will get outbattled by bigger guys.

Overview

Typical CB1 who lacks the physical presence or the athletic profile to be a freak of nature, but makes up for it with consistently good coverage skills. He's incredibly polished in mirroring guys. The struggles in the run game won't make him as appealing as some more physical CBs, but everything is there for him to be a very good starter.

Grade

6.9 - Potential Pro Bowler

Projection

I have him graded out as a late first rounder right now, as I do think he has all of the technique and natural talent to be a top cornerback at the next level. I don't think he is in that top tier of talent like Sidney Jones is, but he's still going to be one of the first cornerbacks off the board as long as teams don't get too bogged down by a poor performance at the combine and Florida pro day.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Damontae Kazee

Cornerback

San Diego State

Senior

Age 23

5'10"

184 pounds

4.54 40-yard dash

Positives

Fearless tackler, willing to come downhill and make a hit. Strong in general, and can bring guys down pretty easily, especially for his size. Can snap off of blocks to get the ball-carrier. Plays aggressive, and isn't afraid to play the ball over the receiver. Great body control, and can contort to win matchups where he is the size underdog. Rarely gets thrown off his line by the ball-carrier, and plays smart with his angles.

Negatives

Much less effective when asked to play off press. Limited size will result in losing some matchups to bigger receivers. Doesn't fit the bill of a #1 CB based on measurables alone.

Overview

Ferocious defender who has no qualms with getting physical and playing dirty. Loves to scrap, and makes you fight for every yard you earn. Lacks the measurables to go up against big receivers on a consistent basis, but has the instincts and tackling to be one of the best cornerbacks in the league when given fair size matchups. He's not going to mirror the wideout with footwork, but has every intention to be breathing down their neck from a snap to snap basis.

Grade

8.4 - Perennial All-Pro

Projection

I have him listed as going top 10, and I do think he should go first round. The size is going to be concerning for a lot of teams, but he has everything else to his game to make him worthy of a day one selection. With Sidney Jones being injured, I could get behind Kazee as one of the first cornerbacks off the board on draft night.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Corn Elder

Cornerback

Miami

Senior

Age 22

5'10"

183 pounds

4.55 40-yard dash

Positives

Great at converting speed into power when coming downhill to make a tackle. Solid form, and can take out the ball-carrier one-on-one. Maintains speed down the field, and has great pursuit abilities in the run game. Good in run support, and has the ability to break quickly on the play. Blows up screens often, and finds a way to disrupt the offense on designed one-read plays. Keeps eyes on quarterback, and can track the ball well as it comes his way.

Negatives

Somewhat clunky transitions at times, and will get his hips locked up too easy. Plays stiff in coverage when he is asked to track guys. Not as scheme-versatile as you'd like, and will struggle when asked to play man coverage. Doesn't have the footwork or the natural coverage ability to hold up in one-on-one situations against receivers in man.

Overview

Solid zone cornerback who does a good job when asked to read what the offense is doing rather than trying to go head-to-head against a wide receiver. Good tackling and acceleration, although he lacks top end speed. Likely unable to play inside due to inability to track guys in man-to-man situations. Solid starter given the right situation and the right scheme to work under.

Grade

5.3 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

I have him listed as going early in the fourth round, and I expect him to end up going somewhere in that early day three range. He's going to need the right team to coax production out, but if he lands in the right situation he is a very capable corner #2.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Marshon Lattimore

Cornerback

Ohio State

Sophomore

Age 21

6'0"

193 pounds

4.36 40-yard dash

Positives

One of the most naturally gifted cornerbacks to come out in years. Incredible long speed, and can run with any receiver out there when heading vertically down the field. Very smooth hips allow for easy transitions, and quick adjustments. Tackles with force, and will put his entire weight behind hits.

Negatives

Struggles to get off of blocks when the ball-carrier is headed his way. Doesn't mirror with footwork, and can play lazy at times. Doesn't wrap up when tackling, and instead prefers to launch the shoulder out in hopes of landing it.

Overview

Incredibly natural and smooth cover guy who can succeed regardless of scheme. Comfortable working both on and off press. Does a great job of using his athleticism to track down receivers and keep them under lock and key. Doesn't have great skills in the run game, but will throw his body behind tackles when given the opportunity to do so. Needs to work on his run support, but that's about it.

Grade

7.9 - Potential All-Pro, Perennial Pro Bowler

Projection

He should be selected in the first round, and I firmly believe that he will. I think he's going to come off the board in the top ten picks, and maybe even the top 5. He's not as technically sound as Sidney Jones, but all the tools are there to be a dominant corner from day one at the next level.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Tre'Davious White

Cornerback

LSU

Junior

Age 22

5'11"

192 pounds

4.47 40-yard dash

Positives

Great athlete. Good at tracking the ball and playing it in the air. Does a good job of getting his head around to find the ball. Has all the measurables to be a solid piece in the run game. Great anticipation of passes, and knows how to follow the quarterback's eyes to make a play on the ball. Scheme versatile, can play both in man or zone. Clean movement, and rarely gets caught up on himself.

Negatives

Doesn't have the press abilities of a top-end corner. Doesn't always make an impact in the run game, and will too often just sit out on the play rather than get involved. Doesn't have the tracking abilities to keep up with faster receivers, and will get beat if asked to run man against guys who can simply outrun him.

Overview

Solid coverage guy who can play in almost any type of defense. Doesn't have the physicality to win in press, although he makes up for it by having incredibly smooth transitions in coverage. Clean hips, and will keep himself in matchups solely due to his ability to adjust his body. Lacks the ability to do much in run defense largely because he simply plays uninterested, and doesn't try to get involved in the scrum.

Grade

5.8 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

I have him listed as a third round guy as of now. I don't think he is nearly good enough overall to be worth a round two selection, especially considering the depth of the class, but I do think he will develop into a solid starter at the next level almost regardless of the team he goes to. His game is very easy to plug and play with.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Joshua Holsey

Cornerback

Auburn

Senior

Age 23

5'10"

190 pounds

4.48 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Incredible recovery speed. Does a great job of getting his hand in to make a play on the ball. Great at watching the quarterback's eyes to make a play on the ball. Has the athleticism to compete with taller wideouts, and routinely beat bigger SEC WRs. Great understanding of his assignments, and rarely goes where isn't supposed to. Good at avoiding excessive contact early on in the play. Attacks the ball in air, and typically can bat it down.

Negatives

Undersized for an outside corner. Doesn't do a great job tackling, and rarely gets involved in the running game. Not a lockdown corner, and can't track guys as well as some of the top corners in this class. Footwork can be iffy at times. Likes to play loose and lose the inside track on receivers. Content to sit and wait on the ball-carrier to get down field in the run game.

Overview

Smaller corner who plays like a #1 CB. Fiery game that is reliant on a strong attack the ball mentality that coaches will love. Does a great job of using his natural athleticism to go up and fight for the pass. Does a great job of recognizing what the offense is doing and bending his game to be aggressive and exploit that. Not a great player in the run game, and is typically content to just sit on blocks and wait for the ball-carrier to get to him.

Grade

6.3 - Potential Pro Bowler

Projection

I have him listed as a second rounder, and while I don't think he will go that early in the actual draft, I think that's where his value will actually lie. He's an immediate starter no matter where you want to line him up at, but he has the tenacity and style of play to compete with bigger guys on the outside. Immediate impact player for your secondary, and worthy of a day two selection for sure.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Chidobe Awuzie

Cornerback

Colorado

Senior

Age 21

6'0"

202 pounds

4.43 40-yard dash

Positives

Solid frame, and has the strength to win as a tackler. Good at mirror first few steps off the line. Compact frame that functions well for the position. Can fight for the football in the air, and does a good job of watching the quarterback's eyes.

Negatives

Struggles to keep up consistently in coverage, and will lose in press situations. Will miss tackles due to poor angles, and throw himself out of play with improper tackling form. Too often dives at ankles rather than going for the waist.

Overview

Very physically gifted corner who hasn't put everything together yet from a technical perspective. He has the size, strength, and speed to be a very good corner at the next level. If he cleans up his tackling and is used in a proper scheme, he could be a good starter from day one. He's much better outside of press coverage than in it.

Grade

4.9 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him listed as a fifth round prospect at this point, and I think he is going to end up staying in that range. He isn't nearly polished enough for what you'd like from a corner coming out of college. All of the tools are there, but the current product is just a day three selection.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Jalen Myrick

Cornerback

Minnesota

Senior

Age 22

5'10"

200 pounds

4.28 40-yard dash

Positives

Has the deep speed to run with anyone. Good at flipping hips and mirroring guys in coverage. Great at sticking to assignment and understanding his job. Has the versatility to play both on and off press. Great athlete, and has the talent to develop his game further.

Negatives

Doesn't get his head around, especially on deep passes. Will struggle to get his hands up to knock the ball out. Not a great tackler, and will be limited in run defense at the next level. Not yet developed with his technique in maintaining pressure without being too handsy.

Overview

Solid athlete who could start immediately due to the natural abilities he brings. He won't consistently win jump balls due to bad positioning, but all of the tools are available to him. If he develops his technique and learns to play the ball rather than the receiver he has the ability to be a very good corner.

Grade

5.0 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

I have him listed as going at the very bottom of the fourth round right now. The problems with his game from a technical standpoint are too large to ignore, but he is still one of the better corner prospects in this class. An early day three pick makes sense for what he brings to the table.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Dwayne Thomas

Cornerback

LSU

Senior

Age 23

6'0"

186 pounds

4.49 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Great reaction speed and ability to adjust on the fly. Good tackler, and can get downhill in run defense to make a play. Always watching for quarterback's eyes, and will make a play on the ball solely due to awareness. Great to put in the slot, and will succeed if asked to play on the inside. Can get off of blocks to get involved when the ball-carrier is coming up the field.

Negatives

Doesn't play with the size or athleticism to be a #1 corner at the next level. Not lockdown in coverage, and can't mirror receiver like you'd want.

Overview

Solid slot corner who has the ability to do damage in run defense, and doesn't have huge holes in his game in coverage. While he isn't going to be shadowing a team's top target, he can match up with most receivers in the league and experience some success. Good tackler, and plays with fire.

Grade

5.3 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

I have him listed as an early fourth rounder, and I feel very confident that he will be taken sometime during day three. He has all the tools to be a solid slot corner, and if he goes to the right team he can be utilized all over the place. He's pretty scheme versatile, and can be used in both press and off press.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Kevin King

Cornerback

Washington

Senior

Age 22

6'3"

200 pounds

4.43 40-yard dash

Positives

Long frame, and has the length to cover guys even when trailing behind. Solid tackler, and does a good job utilizing his size to impose himself on the ball-carrier. Typically tackles with good form, and rarely bites for ankles. Has the ability to play both on and off press, and can succeed regardless of scheme. Very fluid with his movements, and never gets stiff like a lot of other tall corners.

Negatives

Not a natural with his footwork, and will struggle to mirror guys effectively. Can get crossed up at times, and fall behind in his coverage. Not as consistent with getting his head around, and won't react to the ball in proper timing.

Overview

Great height/weight/speed prospect who has all the physical tools to succeed, but may struggle out of the gate due to a lack of refinement in his coverage technique. He's incredibly versatile, but there a huge holes in his game when it comes to playing the ball and working off of the receiver. Solid tackler, and can be an asset in run defense.

Grade

5.9 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

I have him graded out as a third rounder with borderline second rounder potential. He's a very good overall package, and should be an immediate starter just based on his physical attributes alone. If he can get his hands and feet coordinated with the rest of his body, he's a dangerous player.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Marlon Humphrey

Cornerback

Alabama

Sophomore

Age 20

6'0"

197 pounds

4.41 40-yard dash

Positives

Strong as an ox, and can drag the ball-carrier to the dirt with ease. Plays strong in run defense. Does a good job of getting involved on screen plays, and can work his way into the backfield. Great in press, and will lock up wide receivers easily at the line of scrimmage. Good form tackler, and rarely bites for ankles.

Negatives

Struggles against the deep ball, and has serious concerns about his ability to keep up over the top. Plays stiff in coverage, and will fail to keep up with receivers who have good footwork. Struggles to go up and fight for the football in the air, and lacks the overall athletic profile you'd like. Doesn't have the footwork to effectively mirror receivers.

Overview

All the potential in the world to be a dominant CB1 who beats up on guys in short yardage situations, although he needs serious improvement in his coverage down the field to be considered a top prospect at the position. He's phenomenal in run defense, and can take on almost anyone in a one-on-one situation. He might honestly benefit from a move to safety if he continues to struggle with keeping up on routes.

Grade

5.2 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

I have him listed as going early in the third day, although he could sneak into the latter portion of day two. He's just not polished enough to be a great starter out of the gate, although he could see immediate action due to draft status.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Rasul Douglas

Cornerback

West Virginia

Senior

Age 21

6'2"

209 pounds

4.59 40-yard dash

Positives

Does a good job of pushing receivers to the outside down the field, and maintaining the inside track. Versatile enough to play both on and off press. Perfect size for a #1 CB, and does a good job of using his size to limit opposing receivers.

Negatives

Takes poor angles to the ball, and will miss out on easy plays in run defense because of it. Gets latched onto blocks too easily, and can't break off when the ball-carrier comes his way. Seems almost hesitant to go for tackles. Not as good at mirroring receivers as you'd like, and tends to play a good distance off of them in coverage.

Overview

Good measurables that don't translate on tape. He is limited with his tools in coverage, and typically relies on being the bigger man to succeed in coverage. He does a poor job in run defense, and struggles to tackle all-around. He's scheme versatile, but it doesn't mean much when he struggles to cover so often.

Grade

4.6 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him going at the end of the fifth round. While he certainly has starter potential, I don't see him being an immediate contribution to any team at this point. He's going to need time to adjust his game and fix his footwork to be a solid corner at the next level. Good day three investment with the potential to turn into a good corner down the road.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Breon Borders

Cornerback

Duke

Senior

Age 21

6'0"

186 pounds

4.53 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Solid tackler, and does a good job of using his size to impose his will on the ball-carrier. Has the size you want for the position, and plays with the range to make plays that would typically be outside of a cornerback's area.

Negatives

Doesn't have the footwork to mirror top wide receivers. Always a step behind on inside routes, and can't keep the interior track on coverage. Lackluster in coverage in general, and will struggle to keep up with any decent receiver. Gives up separation way too easily. Doesn't play with much physicality in press, and will likely need to be used off press to have success at the next level. Stiff in the hips, and gets turned around too easily.

Overview

Solid project with all of the tools from a physical perspective to succeed at the next level, but none of the technique. He plays way too stiff to effectively cover guys in one-on-one situations, and doesn't assert himself in press. He's worth a roster spot in training camp, but may be used at most as a practice squad stash throughout the actual season until his game improves.

Grade

2.5 - Potential Depth Player

Projection

I have him as going undrafted, and he should go undrafted by all means. He doesn't have the overall game yet to be worth a draft pick. However, if a team falls in love with him, they could be willing to spend a late day three pick to stash him on the practice squad with.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Channing Stribling

Cornerback

Michigan

Senior

Age 22

6'1"

188 pounds

4.60 40-yard dash

Positives

Scheme versatile, and can play both zone and man schemes. Plays with great length, and does a good job of utilizing it to shadow receivers effectively. Does a good job of keeping pace on deep routes, and can go step for step with receivers when he isn't asked to flip his hips. Solid tackler, and does a good job of putting his weight behind form tackles. Does a good job of getting downhill when he needs to make a play.

Negatives

Plays relatively stiff, and can't make quick cuts. Doesn't have the press abilities you'd like for a bigger guy, and will get beat off the line by receivers with clean footwork. Plays too handsy at times, and will draw flags due to grabbing onto receivers to slow them down.

Overview

Great upside player who has the length to succeed at the next level, although he isn't athletically gifted as the top corners. He could end up being a starter down the road, but at this point he isn't refined enough in coverage to be an immediate starter. In the right scheme that allows him to work largely off press in zone coverages, he will be incredibly successful.

Grade

4.6 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

I have him currently listed at the very end of the fifth round, although that could go either way by the time the final board is revealed. Stribling has the length to be a starting corner, but he needs to fix the technique in his coverage. He's worth a day three pick in hopes the scratches can be buffed out and a quality starting corner can show through.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Jhavon Williams

Cornerback

Connecticut

Senior

Age 24

5'10"

190 pounds

4.56 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Great form tackler. Plays physical. Has the upper body strength to bring down the ball-carrier. Does an excellent job with understanding his assignments, and playing them properly. Good particularly in zone coverage, and transitions well. Good at coming downhill to make a play.

Negatives

Struggles when asked to play press, and can end up losing to more physical players. Doesn't have the speed to effectively shut down guys in man coverage, and will struggle to speedier corners with quicker footwork. Doesn't do a good job of playing the ball in the air, and may struggle when asked to take on guys who have the height advantage on him.

Overview

Limited upside corner who has the ability to come in and be a solid player from the jump that you stash for depth in your cornerback group. He doesn't have the long term prospects that some of the late round picks elsewhere might, but his skills in the run game and potential to play special teams should earn him a shot in the league.

Grade

4.4 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him as a middle of the pack sixth rounder right now, although he could dip a little bit further as the board continues to fill out. He doesn't have upside that you like from a later round guy, but what he brings to the table right now may be enough to get him drafted. Immediate contributor on special teams, and a good depth piece in general.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Cordrea Tankersley

Cornerback

Clemson

Senior

Age 23

6'1"

199 pounds

4.40 40-yard dash

Positives

Dominant tackler, and will toss the ball-carrier to ground like he's nothing. Good form in his tackling, and does a good job of wrapping up and driving through on his hits. Has the length to dominate in coverage, and can use his size to keep in the play.

Negatives

Typically struggles when asked to play press, and can't keep up with receivers who have good footwork. Plays stiff, and struggles when asked to move laterally instead of going in a straight line. Struggles when asked to keep coverage tight, and can't go man-to-man well.

Overview

Strong tackler who does a good job of asserting himself in run defense. He may honestly be better suited to safety as he would fit better coming downhill to make plays. He has great measurables for the position. He's just too sluggish and indecisive in press to be an effective corner outside certain systems. The lack of versatility harms his long-term prospects on the outside assuming he goes to a team that wants to use him as anything other than a zone corner off press.

Grade

4.7 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him listed as a fifth rounder if he is playing at cornerback, but I see the appeal of his game. He has all the tools physically, but just doesn't have the footwork to keep up in coverage consistently. I'd love to see a team take him and put him in the right system, or convert him to safety. It'd be fun to see what he could do on the back end, and his prospects might be better there long term. I would likely rate him higher if I projected him at safety, but I don't have enough tape to back him there at this point.

Edited March 30, 2017 by Chernobyl426

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Howard Wilson

Cornerback

Houston

Sophomore

Age 20

6'1"

184 pounds

4.57 40-yard dash

Positives

Incredibly strong tackler, and does a good job of utilizing his frame to push guys around. Has good form, and wraps at the waist. Has the versatility to play both man and zone. Able to pursue downfield. Great anticipation when coming back on the ball, and does a good job of reading the quarterback's eyes. Good ball skills in general, and does a high-pointing it. All the measurables to be a #1 corner.

Negatives

Doesn't do a good job in press, and may struggle if asked to play guys tight off the line of scrimmage. Doesn't have the cleanest footwork, and may struggle on occasion with taking on faster guys.

Overview

Has every tool to be a top cornerback, and maybe even the best one from this class. He's dominant in nearly every area of his game. He can tackle well, and use good form. He has the abilities to go up and play the ball in air. He tracks well, and does a good job of watching the quarterback's eyes. He's the total package.

Grade

7.6 - Perennial Pro Bowler, Potential All-Pro

Projection

He should be a first round selection, and that's where I'd have him. Everything points to him being a dominant corner at the next level, and he could very well end up lining up against #1 WRs on sunday.

[Cherry 1,302]

 

The Basics

Quincy Wilson

Cornerback

Florida

Senior

Age 22

6'1"

211 pounds

4.54 40-yard dash

Positives

Long frame that fits well for a #1 cornerback at the next level. Has the all the measurables to succeed. Can play with range in coverage, and make plays that would normally be out of his frame.

Negatives

Struggles in run defense, and doesn't tackle with good form. Too often biting at ankles, and blatantly missing the target. Somewhat awkward with how he handles his frame, and will get twisted up on his own legs at times. In general struggles with coverage, whether it's on or off press. Doesn't have the footwork to maintain against top receivers, and will get shredded. Doesn't play aware all the time, and will have moments where messes up his assignment.

Overview

The tape just doesn't back up the measurables, and Wilson has serious holes all throughout his game. For a guy who is talked up as a great physical player who does damage in the run game, he is pretty lackluster with his tackling. The length is there, but he just doesn't have the coordination for the NFL game at this time.

Grade

2.4 - Potential depth player

Projection

I don't think he should get drafted. He obviously will, as some people think he should go as high as the first round. That said, I just don't see the technique to be good enough to start, or even be a great depth player at the next level. I'm not high on his pro prospects at all, to say the least.

Edited March 31, 2017 by Chernobyl426

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Sojourn Shelton

Cornerback

Louisville

Senior

Age 22

5'9"

177 pounds

4.51 40-yard dash

Positives

Solid ball skills when he is playing jump balls, and has the hands to make a play on the ball. Does a good job of reading the quarterback's eyes when he's in zone.

Negatives

Lacks prototype size, and will struggle when asked to play outside because of it. Doesn't do a good job of getting his eyes back around when he is in coverage. Struggles to tackle, and typically needs help to slow down the ball-carrier. Not an asset in run defense. Can't play the press at all, and will get dominated when asked to play at the line of scrimmage. Will have lapses in his coverage when he is in man-to-man and can't consistently keep up with his guy.

Overview

Limited package overall, and may only be useful on special teams duty or as a camp body at the next level. He is an NFL athlete in terms of measurables, but he doesn't play with nearly enough awareness for his size. The mental abilities aren't enough to overshadow physical weaknesses.

Grade

1.4 - Potential Practice Squad Player

Projection

He should go undrafted, and I would assume he will. He doesn't have anything to his game that makes him worthy of a draft pick, and it's likely he doesn't make it out of the camp rosters.