Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

KeiVarae Russell (Notre Dame) - 2016 NFL Draft Pick #74 by KC

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Pre-Draft Analysis for KeiVarae Russell (2016 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:

• Name: KeiVarae Russell
• Position: Cornerback
• College: University of Notre Dame
• Height: 6'0"
• Weight: 192 lbs

Overview:

KeiVarae Russell was a standout cornerback at Notre Dame, known for his athleticism, ball skills, and competitive nature. He faced some challenges during his college career, including a one-year suspension, but he returned strong and showcased his abilities in his final season.

Strengths:

• Physicality: Russell is an aggressive cornerback who is not afraid to engage receivers and contest catches.
• Ball Skills: He has demonstrated the ability to make plays on the ball, recording several interceptions during his college career.
• Speed and Agility: Russell possesses good straight-line speed and quickness, making him effective in coverage against both fast and agile receivers.
• Versatility: He has experience playing both outside and in the slot, giving defenses flexibility in their schemes.

Weaknesses:

• Inconsistency: At times, Russell has shown inconsistency in his technique, particularly in press coverage, which could lead to difficulties against more polished route runners.
• Injury History: His time at Notre Dame was marred by injuries, raising concerns about his durability at the professional level.
• Awareness: While he is a physical player, there are moments where his awareness in zone coverage could improve, leading to big plays by opposing offenses.

Draft Projection:

KeiVarae Russell was projected to be selected in the 3rd to 5th round of the 2016 NFL Draft. His combination of size, speed, and experience made him an intriguing prospect for teams looking to bolster their secondary with a player who has the potential to develop into a reliable starter.

Conclusion:

KeiVarae Russell was seen as a talented cornerback with the potential to contribute at the next level. Teams valued his physical traits and experience playing in a high-profile program like Notre Dame, hoping that he could refine his skills and become a key player in their defensive backfield.