Cobie Durant (South Carolina St.) - 2022 NFL Draft Pick #142 by LAR
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Pre-Draft Analysis for Cobie Durant - 2022 NFL Draft
Position: Cornerback
College: South Carolina State
Player Overview
Cobie Durant was recognized as one of the standout cornerbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft class, demonstrating impressive skills and production during his collegiate career at South Carolina State. He showcased a blend of speed, agility, and ball skills that made him a standout performer at the FCS level.
Strengths
- Coverage Skills: Durant exhibited exceptional man-to-man coverage abilities, utilizing his quick footwork and fluid hips to stay with receivers.
- Ball Skills: He had a knack for making plays on the ball, evidenced by his ability to intercept passes and break up throws.
- Speed: Durant's straight-line speed allowed him to keep up with faster receivers, making him a viable option in both zone and man coverage schemes.
- Versatility: He demonstrated the ability to play both outside and in the slot, adding to his value as a defensive back.
Weaknesses
- Size: At just 5'11" and around 180 pounds, Durant's size could be a concern against larger NFL receivers.
- Experience Level: Coming from a smaller college program, there were questions about how well he would transition to the higher level of competition in the NFL.
Overall Assessment
Cobie Durant was considered a promising prospect with the potential to develop into a solid NFL cornerback. His combination of athleticism, skills, and instincts made him an appealing option for teams looking to bolster their secondary. While there were concerns about his size and level of competition, many analysts believed that Durant could thrive in the right system, particularly as a nickel cornerback or depth option on the outside.
Projected Draft Range
Durant was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft, with some analysts believing he could even go earlier depending on team needs and his performance in workouts leading up to the draft.