[SAGA45]

Originally Posted by T-post Tom

Overview

Spoiler!

Next Gen Stats: 87

Three-year starter whose average size is overshadowed by skillful ruggedness, allowing him to contest throws from a variety of coverages. He's an elite competitor with a route-hugging mentality fueled by body control, foot agility, aggression and burst. He's a pesky press-man defender with the tools to excel in zone. He's willing to fly downhill and hit anybody near the football. He keeps his eyes on the prize and has an itchy, twitchy trigger to close throwing windows and make plays on the ball. He lacks lockdown traits but has lockdown talent and his competitive energy is contagious. He can play outside or from the slot and carries a very high floor with the potential to become one of the league's top corners at some point during his first contract.

Strengths

• Fearless, aggressive competitor.
• Tools to live in tight press man from start to finish.
• Patience and well-balanced to mirror and match a clever release.
• Swivels and stays connected to cross-face routes.
• Recognition of route combinations in Cover 3.
• Allowed 16 catches on 296 total passing snaps in 2021, per PFF.
• Body control and foot quickness allow for elite phase potential.
• Has the juice to bait throws and pounce on them.
• Natural feel for angles to the football.
• Twitched up with explosive burst to close.
• Precocious attacking the catch space.
• Tenacious in run support.
• Wipes out run after catch with decisive blows.
• Consistent coming to balance as open-field tackler.

Weaknesses

• Below-average size and length for CB1.
• Could struggle to defend throws from trail.
• Has potential to improve anticipation.
• Waits for release to begin before squeezing tight.
• Could have issues banging on big wideouts.
• Saw limited NFL-level challenges over last two seasons.

Sources Tell Us

"Of all the defensive backs that (former Washington) coach (Chris) Petersen recruited, he might be the best. The talent, athleticism and makeup are all really clean." -- Scouting director for NFC team

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/trent-mcduffie/32004d43-4482-4296-793c-79be74c0e9fd

You can tell Zierlein had to work to find negatives. That's an extremely positive sign.