Kenneth Acker (SMU) - 2014 NFL Draft Pick #180 by SF
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Pre-Draft Analysis for Kenneth Acker - 2014 NFL Draft
College: Southern Methodist University (SMU)
Position: Cornerback
Strengths:
- Coverage Skills: Acker displayed solid man-to-man coverage ability during his college career. He showed the capability to stay with receivers and contest catches effectively.
- Ball Skills: He had a knack for making plays on the ball, evidenced by his interceptions and pass breakups. Acker demonstrated good hands and awareness in contested situations.
- Speed and Agility: Acker possessed good speed and agility, allowing him to stay with faster receivers and change direction quickly.
- Work Ethic: Known for his dedication and commitment to improving his game, Acker was recognized for his work ethic both on and off the field.
Weaknesses:
- Size: At 6'0" and approximately 190 lbs, Acker was considered slightly undersized compared to some of the more physical cornerbacks in the draft.
- Experience Against Top Competition: While he had a solid college career, Acker faced questions about his ability to perform against elite-level talent, as SMU did not consistently compete against top-tier programs.
- Tackling: His tackling technique needed improvement. Acker occasionally struggled with wrapping up and finishing tackles, which raised concerns about his ability to contribute in run support.
Overall Assessment:
Kenneth Acker was projected as a mid to late-round selection in the 2014 NFL Draft. His combination of coverage skills and ball-hawking ability made him an intriguing prospect, but concerns about his size and tackling limited his draft stock. Teams looking for depth at cornerback or a developmental player with potential may have considered Acker a worthwhile investment.