Julius Brents (Kansas St.) - 2023 NFL Draft Pick #44 by IND
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Pre-Draft Analysis: Julius Brents
Position: Cornerback
College: Kansas State
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 198 lbs
Overview
Julius Brents emerged as one of the standout cornerbacks in the 2023 NFL Draft class, showcasing a unique blend of size, athleticism, and technical skills. His experience at Kansas State, combined with his physical attributes, made him an attractive option for NFL teams looking to bolster their secondary.
Strengths
- Size and Length: Brents possesses excellent height and arm length, allowing him to contest passes effectively and match up against larger wide receivers.
- Physicality: He is not afraid to play press coverage and can be very physical with receivers at the line of scrimmage.
- Ball Skills: Brents has demonstrated strong ball skills, with the ability to make plays on the ball and create turnovers.
- Versatile Experience: Played both outside and in the slot, demonstrating versatility that is highly valued in today’s NFL.
- Strong Tackler: He is willing to support the run and make tackles, showing a tough mentality and good fundamentals.
Areas for Improvement
- Footwork: While he has the physical tools, his footwork can be inconsistent, which may lead to struggles against quicker receivers.
- Change of Direction: Needs to improve his lateral quickness to handle agile route runners effectively.
- Experience Against Elite Competition: While he performed well in college, the transition to the NFL will require him to adapt to a higher level of competition.
Projected Draft Position
Julius Brents was projected to be selected in the second to third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, with teams valuing his potential as a starting cornerback with the ability to develop into a standout player in the league.
Conclusion
Brents’ combination of size, physicality, and playmaking ability make him an intriguing prospect. With the right coaching and development, he has the potential to become a key contributor in the NFL.