Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Daequan Hardy (Penn St.) - 2024 NFL Draft Pick #219 by BUF

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Daequan Hardy (Penn State)

Position: Cornerback
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 180 lbs

Overview

Daequan Hardy is an athletic cornerback from Penn State, known for his quickness and ball skills. As a key player in the Nittany Lions' secondary, he has showcased his ability to compete at a high level in the Big Ten, making him an intriguing prospect for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Strengths

• Quickness and Agility: Hardy possesses excellent foot speed and agility, allowing him to change directions quickly and stay close to receivers.
• Ball Skills: He has demonstrated strong hands and the ability to make plays on the ball, contributing to turnovers and pass breakups.
• Experience: With multiple years of starting experience at a prestigious program, Hardy brings a level of maturity and understanding of the game.
• Versatility: Hardy can play both outside and in the slot, giving teams flexibility in how they utilize him on defense.

Areas for Improvement

• Size: At 5'9", Hardy may be considered undersized compared to other cornerback prospects, which could lead to challenges against taller receivers.
• Physicality: While he competes well, there are concerns about his ability to jam bigger receivers at the line of scrimmage.
• Consistency: There are moments of brilliance, but he needs to work on maintaining a high level of performance throughout games.

Projected Draft Round

Hardy is projected to be selected in the 3rd to 5th round of the 2024 NFL Draft, depending on his performance in pre-draft workouts and interviews.

Conclusion

Daequan Hardy is a promising cornerback prospect with the speed and skills to make an impact at the next level. While he has some areas to improve, his ability to create turnovers and his experience in a competitive conference make him an appealing option for teams looking to bolster their secondary.