Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Nate Hairston (Temple) - 2017 NFL Draft Pick #158 by IND

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Nate Hairston (Temple)

Position: Cornerback
College: Temple University
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
Weight: 197 lbs (89 kg)

Overview

Nate Hairston entered the 2017 NFL Draft as one of the promising defensive backs from Temple University. Known for his agility and ball skills, Hairston garnered attention for his ability to play both press and off-man coverage. He showcased a strong work ethic and versatility, making him an appealing prospect for NFL teams looking to bolster their secondary.

Strengths

• Physicality: Hairston is not afraid to mix it up, displaying a physical style of play that can disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage.
• Ball Skills: He has a knack for making plays on the ball, evident in his ability to generate interceptions and pass breakups during his college career.
• Agility: His quick footwork and ability to change direction make him a challenging cover for wide receivers.
• Versatility: Hairston can play in various coverage schemes, making him a valuable asset for defenses that employ multiple looks.

Weaknesses

• Consistency: At times, Hairston struggled with maintaining consistency in coverage, leading to big plays against him.
• Size: While 6'0" is respectable, some scouts were concerned about his ability to match up with larger, more physical receivers.
• Technique: He occasionally relied too heavily on his athleticism, which led to lapses in technique that could be exploited at the next level.

Draft Projection

Nate Hairston was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 2017 NFL Draft. Teams looking for depth in their secondary and players with potential upside were likely to take a closer look at Hairston, especially given his performance in college and the physical traits he displayed.

Conclusion

With the right coaching and development, Nate Hairston had the potential to become a solid contributor in the NFL. His combination of physicality and ball skills made him an intriguing prospect for teams in need of cornerback depth.