2025 Draft: CBs

[manxman2601]

I love the play-recognition in the first tweet

 

[bakes781]

S Carolina CB O'Donnell Fortune is really interesting to me. Bearing in mind that Vrabel's Titans were much more of a zone coverage team this scouting report sells me on him hard:

SCOUTING REPORT: SUMMARY​

The tape shows a corner custom-built for the modern NFL's emphasis on pattern-match coverage. Fortune's anticipation jumps off the screen - watch him bait quarterbacks by showing soft coverage before closing explosive gaps to make plays on the ball. His background as a safety bleeds into his cornerback play, particularly in quarters coverage where his spatial awareness and route recognition skills create turnover opportunities. That versatility showed up repeatedly against Alabama, where he seamlessly transitioned between man and zone responsibilities while recording nine tackles and an interception against elite competition.

Put Fortune in a Seattle-style coverage system and watch him thrive. His length, football IQ, and natural feel for zone coverage scream Cover 3 cornerback, but he's more than just a deep-third defender. The film reveals a defensive back who excels at pattern-matching from press alignment, using his length to disrupt releases before smoothly transitioning to match vertical routes. His Shrine Bowl domination wasn't surprising - it simply confirmed what dozens of game tapes had already shown about his ability to mirror receivers and close on the football.

After studying over 500 snaps of Fortune's 2024 tape, I'm convinced he's being severely undervalued. The athletic testing numbers don't tell the full story - this is a corner who consistently shows up in big moments and makes plays that alter games. His ceiling in a pattern-match heavy scheme is that of a high-end CB2 who can match up with X receivers while providing plus zone coverage ability.

O'Donnell Fortune Cornerback South Carolina | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

Rating: 81.8 Rank: #29 Forty: 4.58 The tape shows a corner custom-built for the modern NFL's emphasis on pattern-match coverage. Fortune's anticipation jumps off the screen - watch him bai...

www.nfldraftbuzz.com

He will likely need to improve on this 40 time: 4.53 to be considered a starting CB but he would be a great addition on 3rd and long situations.

 

[manxman2601]

He will likely need to improve on this 40 time: 4.53 to be considered a starting CB but he would be a great addition on 3rd and long situations.

I don't think speed is quite so important for a zone CB although obviously it would be nice to see him in the 4.4s. I only go with this comp because they mention the Seahawks in that scouting report but Richard Sherman ran a 4.6.

 

[manxman2601]

 

[WaterfallJumper]

Funny how prospect fatigue sets in after a while. I went back to study some of Johnson, and he's just such a joy to watch. His route diagnosis and ability to trigger downhill is stunning. Reminds me of a bigger Asante Samuel. Click and close in the flat like that for a player of his size is so rare. Best 1-2 corner lineup in the league if we drafted him. He can press TEs, too. Questions about his long speed don't worry me as much as they do some evaluators. He's an easy choice in the top ten.

 

[manxman2601]

Funny how prospect fatigue sets in after a while. I went back to study some of Johnson, and he's just such a joy to watch. His route diagnosis and ability to trigger downhill is stunning. Reminds me of a bigger Asante Samuel. Click and close in the flat like that for a player of his size is so rare. Best 1-2 corner lineup in the league if we drafted him. He can press TEs, too. Questions about his long speed don't worry me as much as they do some evaluators. He's an easy choice in the top ten.

I haven't watched him. I know the knock on him is his speed but aside from that, everyone raves about him.

 

[bakes781]

I haven't watched him. I know the knock on him is his speed but aside from that, everyone raves about him.

Speed is essential for that role though so I'm gonna need to see what he can do at Indy

 

[manxman2601]

Trevor Sikkema on Travis Hunter:

1. Says he likes the Champ Bailey comp for him.
2. Says that if Hunter had concentrated solely on CB throughout his career he'd be confident that he would the highest graded player he'd ever evaluated.

 

[bakes781]

 

[manxman2601]

He's been one of the drafts big risers. When I started looking at this draft he was valued in the 3rd-4th range and now he's a late first candidate.

 

[WaterfallJumper]

Few things I like more when scouting prospects than seeing strong jams and agile mirroring. It's just so satisfying to see a good corner at work. I like four or five in this draft, which is more than usual for me. Lots of good options in the 20 - 50 range.

 

[manxman2601]

Shavon Revel’s surgeon says he should be fully fit by training camp.

 

[bakes781]

After heating he's met with the Pats twice now I wanted to share the clips from the Senior Bowl practices.

 

[bakes781]

I don't think speed is quite so important for a zone CB although obviously it would be nice to see him in the 4.4s. I only go with this comp because they mention the Seahawks in that scouting report but Richard Sherman ran a 4.6.

He didn't run at the combine so the jury is still out.

 

[bakes781]

He didn't run at the combine so the jury is still out.

Not shown here but Upton Stout ran a 4.5 40

 

[bakes781]

 

[WaterfallJumper]

Not shown here but Upton Stout ran a 4.5 40

Hairston was still accelerating by the end. Clearly has a different gear. I'm definitely intrigued. Can't have too many good DBs.

 

[bakes781]

I wouldve thought Upton would appear near the top at 10 yard spilts

 

[State]

Makin’ some money, Robert.

 

[bakes781]

Makin’ some money, Robert.

I heard BB already claimed him for his next NFL gig lol