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When the combine drills started in Indy, Virginia Tech prospect Kyle Fuller already was one of the top cornerback prospects in the draft. Once he finished his drills at the combine, his stock went up even further. He had a solid day in drills which showcased how fluid he can be. Fuller is a quality option at the end of round one and should be drafted right around the range of pick thirty.
The Basics:
Name: Kyle Fuller
Occupation: Cornerback
College: Virginia Tech
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 190 lbs
Broad Jump: 128 inches
40 yard dash: 4.49
Vertical: 38.5"
Bench Reps: 12
Pros:
- Good instincts
- Hard hitting and sound tackling
- Agressive in pass defense and stopping the run
- Physical with the ability to shed blocks
- Football pedigree (brother of Lions wide receiver, Corey Fuller)
- Has the ability to make up ground if beat off the line.
- Special teams contributor
Cons:
- Aggressiveness will need to be kept in check or he will over-pursue
- Can be caught flat footed
- Gets beat deep occasionally on long patterns.
- Had a groin injury last season that required surgery.
- Good speed but not top flight speed
Does he fit the 49ers?
Most of Fuller's game fits what the 49ers are looking for in a corner. He is a student of the game and it is evident on film he puts in hours studying receivers routes and tendencies. Not only is Fuller smart, but he always is tenacious. Finding a cornerback who hits with thump, and sheds blocks, aren't always easy to come by. He didn't play an a large amount of press coverage, but when asked to cover a receiver in a small cushion, he has been able do so. His arm length of 32 7/8" also fits the Baalke mold of a prospect. I'm not certain he's a man-press corner, and that is the biggest part of the evaluation as to whether Fuller fits the 49ers. I have seen enough of him to have the feeling he can become a solid man corner that can play press and be able to jam the receiver.
Do your homework:
Watch film of Fuller versus Rutgers, Marshall (featured below).
What They Are Saying:
- One NFL scout calls Fuller "the best pure cover corner".
- Mike Mayock ranked Fuller number three in his latest cornerback rankings.
Conclusion
Fuller is a quality option at the end of round one, and he will be drafted right around the range of pick No. 30. It really boils down to whether the 49ers believe he is the best corner available at No. 30, if he's still on the board. His 4.49 speed worries me a little, but he does appear to play fast with the pads on more often than not. I'm not sold on Fuller, but wouldn't second guess the pick either if he does land in San Francisco. What do you guys think?