Intro:
Welcome to the fourth and final day of the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Today the cornerbacks and safeties take the field for drills and workouts. If the last three days have told us anything, it’s that the 2020 NFL Draft class is deep, talented, exciting, and promising. I am expecting much of the same today from the defensive backs.
The San Francisco 49ers had one of the best secondaries in the league in 2019. Led by Richard Sherman and Jimmie Ward, the unit was fierce, played a physical brand of football, and helped the team win plenty of football games. Even in a unit as strong as the 49ers had, there still needs to be some considerations for the future. While Richard Sherman was one of the best corners in football this past season, he will be 32 when the season kicks off in September. There are also questions about cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon after getting bench on multiple occasions. Does the coaching staff have faith in the 24-year-old? Lastly, at safety, Jimmie Ward will be a free agent. We have discussed the limited salary cap the 49ers have to work with. Losing Ward would sting, and like Arik Armstead and Emmanuel Sanders, the team would ideally love to have Jimmie Ward return.
With all of these considerations in mind, let’s jump in and meet the defensive backs who will be featured on the final day of the scouting combine. Again, as a friendly reminder, I will be highlighting prospects who are a fit for the 49ers as well as those the team can realistically select at their draft positions with some ideas of possibly trading out of that 31st spot.
Who are YOU excited to see on day 4 of the NFL Scouting Combine? Please share in the comments below!
2020 NFL Combine:
Location: Indianapolis, IN | Lucas Oil Stadium
Day 4: Cornerbacks & Safeties.
Time: 11:00 am PT
Channel: NFL Network
Live Stream: NFL.com
Defensive Backs (Cornerbacks & Safeties):
Damon Arnette, DB, Ohio State
» Grayland Arnold, DB, Baylor
» Trajan Bandy, DB, Miami
» Essang Bassey, DB, Wake Forest
» Julian Blackmon, DB, Utah
» Antoine Brooks Jr., DB, Maryland
» Myles Bryant, DB, Washington
» Terrell Burgess, DB, Utah
» Shyheim Carter, DB, Alabama
» Jeremy Chinn, DB, Southern Illinois
» Nevelle Clarke, DB, Central Florida
» Rodney Clemons, DB, SMU
» Brian Cole II, DB, Mississippi State
» Kamren Curl, DB, Arkansas
» Cameron Dantzler, DB, Mississippi State
» Ashtyn Davis, DB, California
» Javaris Davis, DB, Auburn
» Grant Delpit, DB, LSU
» Trevon Diggs, DB, Alabama
» Kyle Dugger, DB, Lenoir-Rhyne
» Jalen Elliott, DB, Notre Dame
» Jordan Fuller, DB, Ohio State
» Kristian Fulton, DB, LSU
» Alohi Gilman, DB, Notre Dame
» Jeff Gladney, DB, TCU
» A.J. Green, DB, Oklahoma State
» Javelin K. Guidry, DB, Utah
» Bryce Hall, DB, Virginia
» Harrison Hand, DB, Temple
» Jaylinn Hawkins, DB, California
» C.J. Henderson, DB, Florida
» Lavert Hill, DB, Michigan
» Darnay Holmes, DB, UCLA
» Noah Igbinoghene, DB, Auburn
» Dane Jackson, DB, Pittsburgh
» Lamar Jackson, DB, Nebraska
» Jaylon Johnson, DB, Utah
» Brandon Jones, DB, Texas
» BoPete Keyes, DB, Tulane
» Xavier McKinney, DB, Alabama
» Josh Metellus, DB, Michigan
» Chris Miller, DB, Baylor
» Tanner Muse, DB, Clemson
» Michael Ojemudia, DB, Iowa
» Jeff Okudah, DB, Ohio State
» James Pierre, DB, Florida Atlantic
» Troy Pride, DB, Notre Dame
» J.R. Reed, DB, Georgia
» John Reid, DB, Penn State
» Amik Robertson, DB, Louisiana Tech
» Reggie Robinson II, DB, Tulsa
» Stanford Samuels, DB, Florida State
» Josiah Scott, DB, Michigan State
» L’Jarius Sneed, DB, Louisiana Tech
» Geno Stone, DB, Iowa
» A.J. Terrell, DB, Clemson
» Daniel Thomas, DB, Auburn
» Stantley Thomas-Oliver, DB, Florida International
» Kindle Vildor, DB, Georgia Southern
» K’Von Wallace, DB, Clemson
» Antoine Winfield Jr., DB, Minnesota
Cornerbacks to watch:
Cameron Dantzler, DB06 (CB) – Mississippi State
Height: 6’2” – Weight: 188 lbs.
Arms: 30 5/8” – Hands: 9”
As far as meeting the standards the team seeks at the cornerback position, no one seems to fit more than Cameron Dantzler. The long and rangy cornerback had quarterbacks looking elsewhere to complete their passes. Dantzler has tremendous athleticism while playing at a high physical intensity level. He seemed to play his best football against the higher leveled competition (See LSU and Alabama) tape. Uses his wingspan, and total length to screen and prevent toss-up passes from being completed. Will stay toe-to-toe with receivers on their routes at all three levels on the field. Dantzler is a sound and fluid runner through his hips. He has great anticipation and awareness. Dantzler has the physical traits and style of play that the 49ers seem to seek out for their secondary. The more I watch Dantzler, the more I can envision him in the 49er secondary. I will not be at all surprised if the team selects Dantzler.
Bryce Hall, DB13 (CB) – Virginia
Height: 6’1” – Weight 200 lbs.
Arms: 32 ¼” – Hands: 9 5/8” – Bench Press: 11 Reps
Bryce Hall offers size and length that scouts and evaluators seek at the next level. Hall is a clean tackler, and for his size, has great speed tracking down the ball at the catch point. On tape, Hall demonstrates great burst off the snap and along the line of scrimmage. Often times on tape, Hall is tasked with covering in man to man coverage and holds his own more often than not. Plays with physicality and his extremely competitive game in and game out. Hall is a standout in the secondary. I also happen to love his recovery speed, especially for someone with his measurables. At times Hall will allow the receiver too much space in coverage. Will not always play up to his size, and the frame that he possesses Is a work in progress against the run with room to grow. More seasoning is needed with his instincts and anticipation with where the pass and play are going to occur.
Trevon Diggs, DB08 (CB) – Alabama
Height: 6’1” – Weight: 205 lbs.
Arms: 32 ¾” – Hands: 9 3/8”
The younger brother of Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs. Trevon Diggs plays an aggressive and physical brand of football that we have grown accustomed to with many Alabama defensive backs. On top of that, Diggs’ measurements are excellent and are what scouts and evaluators seek at the next level. His frame is what the 49ers front office desires when scouting cornerbacks. So far this season, Diggs has recorded 22 tackles, three interceptions, and five passes defended. Diggs is a reliable and robust cover corner who has great instincts and anticipation. Can have a ballhawk mentality and isn’t afraid to throw his body up to contest jump balls in one to one matchups. He has good speed for the position and will run naturally and fluidly through his hips. Diggs’ stock is on the rise and by the draft time, could well be out of the 49ers range. However, in November, he has value right at the end of the first round and would be a great fit in the 49ers’ secondary.
C.J. Henderson, DB15 (CB) – Florida
Height: 6’1” – Weight: 186
Arms: 31 5/8” – Hands: 9” – Bench Press: 20 Reps
C.J. Henderson has great size and measurables for the position. His speed allows him to stay with receivers and prevents separation on extended plays at the second and third levels on the field. While his numbers look quiet this year, Henderson had been dealing with a leg injury that kept him out of action at some point. For a corner his size, Henderson has outstanding speed and runs fluidly through his hips. He has fantastic athleticism and plays physical. Has the ability to read the quarterbacks eyes and trust his instincts, anticipating where the ball is going. Henderson is a willing contributor in run support, running downhill with great straight-line speed. He needs to do a better job at finishing his tackles quicker. However, coaching can push him at the next level.
Kristian Fulton, DB09 (CB) - LSU
Height: 6’0” – Weight: 197 lbs.
Arms: 30 5/8” – Hands: 9 1/8”
The former 5-star recruit plays an aggressive and physical brand of football, and his style fits the demand of the competitive SEC conference. Since 2018 Fulton has only allowed a 40 percent completion rate. Fulton has good height and measurables for the position, and his straight-line speed can keep him on pace with receivers at all three levels on the field running fluidly through his hips. Most importantly, Fulton has developed the instincts, intangibles, and football IQ needed for the next level. Fulton has great initial burst and foot agility. Reads receivers well, and anticipates their route, looking to cut and throw them off to eliminate them from the play. Fulton is a physical corner that can be an instant contributor for the 49ers.
Essang Bassey, DB03 (CB) – Wake Forest
Height: 5’9” – Weight: 191 lbs.
Arms: 31” Hands: 7 7/8” – Bench Press: 12 reps
If we are going from an experience factor, then nobody in the country has played more snaps at the position than Essang Bassey. Bassey has had a productive collegiate career. He put his name on the map his sophomore year and doubled down for an outstanding junior year. While his senior season was quiet for his standards, he still found positive production on a team that otherwise didn’t have a talented defensive unit. Bassey does a great job isolating the receiver in man to man coverage and often will throw them off of their route. While he has posted a high volume of incompletions, he is susceptible to the deep ball from time to time. Bassey isn’t a finished product. However, he seems to have well-rounded abilities for the position. With more coaching, he can develop into a quality corner at the next level.
Amik Robertson, DB28 (CB) – Louisiana Tech
Height: 5’9” - Weight: 183 lbs.
Arms: 30 ¼” – Hands: 9”
Right away, the biggest turn-away will be Robertson’s size. I understand he doesn’t quite meet the measurables for what the 49ers are seeking in their defensive backs, but lets at least learn more about this intriguing prospect. Size or not, the volume is still there. Robertson plays a physical brand of football and will play bigger than his size on the field. Many times, he was able to knock receivers off of their routes and put them on an island. His speed is also a major plus, and along with his physical nature, Robertson will challenge receivers at all three levels on the field. His fluid hips and initial burst will translate well at the next level. He will undoubtedly need to adjust to bigger and strong receivers at the pro level. However, his physical play will help with that learning curve.
Dane Jackson, DB19 (CB) Pittsburgh
Height: 6’0” - Weight: 190 lbs.
Arms: 30 3/8” – Hands: 8 ¾”
The senior out of Pittsburgh has put together a well-balanced collegiate career. His numbers and stats are not eye-popping; however, he was a strong presence in the Panther secondary. His speed, particularly his straight-line speed, ball-tracking abilities, and open-field tackling, are his best attributes. Leadership and playing by example are other strong traits of Jackson. He is a raw prospect who is far from a finished product. However, there is enough for a team looking to add defensive back depth and the willingness to develop him further. Jackson is a day three selection.
Safeties to watch:
Xavier McKinney, DB52 (Safety) – Alabama
Height: 6’0” – Weight: 201 lbs.
Arms: 30 7/8” – Hands: 8 5/8” – Bench Press: 19 Reps
IF McKinney falls towards the backend of the first round, and IF the San Francisco 49ers do not trade out of the first round, then this is a match made in heaven. The 49ers should run to the podium with the selection card—one of my favorite prospects in this upcoming draft. McKinney really is the do-it-all defensive back. He has demonstrated his ability to play in cover 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4. He can play cornerback outside the numbers and play in nickel and dime formations. He is best suited as a free safety but has the stamina to play strong safety as well. His aggressive nature and physical play makes his presence known on the field. He is such a fluid and dynamic athlete and reminds me a lot of another former tide player, Pittsburgh Steelers’ Minkah Fitzpatrick. He has great burst and change of direction in open space. Can cover a lot of field quickly. Has the versatility to line up in any formation and spot in the secondary. His football instincts and toughness are both a major plus. McKinney is a first-round lock. I think the 49ers will have a big decision to make if he falls to 31. Do you select a player who is a seamless fit or trade out of the pick for more draft capital?
Grant Delpit, DB45 (Safety) - LSU
Height: 6’2” – Weight: 213 lbs.
Arms: 30 3/8” – Hands: 9 1/8”
The tall, lengthy, and physical safety fits the mold in what the 49ers seek in their secondary. Delpit has a superb football IQ and excellent instincts and anticipation for where the play is going to occur. For his size, Delpit has excellent straight-line speed and can track down and keep up with the speediest receivers at all three levels on the field. He will run fluidity through his hips, with natural strides. Is not afraid to fight for contested jump balls with receivers in one to one opportunity. His combination and blend of size and speed top off his elite playmaking abilities. Plays a vital, physical role in defending the run, and will make his presence known inside the box. There were some concerns about Delpit down the stretch. For one, he was injured with a high ankle sprain. His tackling has been inconsistent and will need to be cleaned up as he transitions to the next level. Durability and better tackling are areas to watch for.
Ashtyn Davis, DB44 (Safety) – Cal
Height: 6’1” - Weight: 202 lbs.
Arms: 30 ½” – Hands: 9 3/8”
The defensive back out of Cal brings with him elite straight-line speed, and the ability to track down the football. Davis has a smooth backpedal and puts himself in great positions to track down passes and cut receivers off of their routes. He has an amazing recovery speed. His awareness in zone coverage is spot on. Plays physical and tough, even against receivers who outsize him. Davis began his career as a walk-on and has slowly built up his resume and now his draft stock. He has a good blend of athleticism and football instincts. Can track down the football and can knock receivers off of their routes. He has risen the ranks, and Davis looks to be a day two, and dare I say fringe day one prospect at the safety position.
Kyle Dugger – DB46 (Safety) – Lenoir-Rhyne
Height: 6’1” – Weight 217 lbs.
Arms: 32 7/8” – Hands: 10 3/8” – Bench Press: 17 Reps
Now, here’s a prospect you probably never heard of. Kyle Dugger is a name you should get to know. The small school prospect has the physical features and frame that evaluators seek at the pro level. Don’t let his small school presence fool or scare you. Dugger plays a physical brand of football and has a natural blend of size and speed for the position. Will get physical inside the box against ball carriers, and will cover a lot of field against the pass. Has demonstrated his ability to defend at all three levels on the field. Dugger has added value as a punt returner on special teams. Dugger could be the next sneaky good small-school defender who can make a presence at the next level.
Julian Blackmon, DB36 (Safety) – Utah
Height: 6’0” – Weight: 187 lbs.
Arms: 31” – Hands: 9”
Julian Blackmon had a solid and productive career in his home-state, Utah. Has developed a physical and strong frame that scouts and evaluators seek at the next level. Has a good natural blend of size and speed for his position. Has collected nine interceptions over the last three years. Blackmon can read the quarterback’s eyes and has great recognition and anticipation for where the pass is going. He is quick to close distance and finishes hits with authority, playing a physical brand of football. Has added value with starting cornerback experience. Blackmon demonstrated his ability to cover both wide receivers and tight ends. Blackmon is disciplined, poised, and seasoned at his position, and should only continue to grow as he transitions to the next level.