Brandon McGee Scouting Report: NFL Outlook for Miami CB

Brandon McGee

St. Louis Rams

Fifth Round: 149th Pick

The University of Miami has had some talented defensive backs in the NFL draft, and Brandon McGee may be the next of the bunch. 

Let's take a look at McGee's scouting report and how he'll fit into the NFL.

Strengths

As one of the quickest cornerbacks in this year's draft, McGee should get plenty of looks for just his straight-line speed alone. However, McGee has more than just his speed to offer NFL teams.

McGee has solid footwork to go along with good body control when playing the ball. He's got a solid frame at 5'11" and 193 pounds to stick with bigger receivers in the NFL.

He's also a fundamentally sound tackler in the open field. His competitive nature, experience and leadership are all quality traits.

Weaknesses

McGee needs to get physically stronger. Too often he'll get overpowered by more physical receivers.

He'll struggle with planting his foot when driving on the football. He loses his balance and struggles with inconsistent play, too.

Tools

With a 4.40 40-yard dash at the 2013 NFL Scouting Combine, McGee ran the sixth-fastest time of all defensive backs. His 6.71 three-cone drill time was also amongst the fastest for defensive backs.

He does a good job at utilizing his speed and agility when defending receivers.

Intangibles

McGee was a two-year starter for Miami and was a captain during his senior season in 2012. He started 25 career games during his four years and played in another 19 during his entire collegiate career.

He has no off-field incidents and should be a positive addition to an NFL roster.

System

Played mostly man coverage during his time at Miami. He played quite a bit of off-coverage, but also pressed at the line of scrimmage.

He didn't see much time in zone schemes in college, but has the instincts and skill set to eventually be successful in this system.

Playing the Ball

McGee will sometimes struggle to get his head turned around when the ball is in the air. This causes him to create unnecessary contact and draw penalties.

McGee does, however, possess the ability to go up and get the ball when he does turn his head. He's competitive in jump-ball situations and 50-50 balls.

Against the Run

There is an aggressiveness and willingness to McGee's game against the run. He rarely gives up on a play and has the speed to chase down the ball-carrier from behind.

McGee can also tackle in the open field. He does a good job and gives good effort when attempting to wrap up an opponent.

Man

McGee will struggle to get a good jam on receivers when in press coverage. He does, however, have fluid hips and the ability to turn and run with receivers.

McGee can also play off the line of scrimmage, and this is really where he is more effective. In this type of defensive set he can use his speed and quickness to be a better defender.

Zone

Didn't play a lot of zone coverage while at Miami. However, he's shown the instincts and ability to read a quarterback's eyes to have success in this type of coverage.

Tackling

McGee has good technique and consistency when tackling the ball-carrier. He does a great job of always attempting to wrap up an opponent, even if he isn't always successful.

The biggest problem with McGee is that he struggles to shed blockers in the open field to make a play on the ball.

Technique

McGee has fluid hips and quick feet. He will, at times, struggle with keeping his feet under him during his backpedal. This causes him to lose his balance and get himself into trouble in coverage.

His natural ability simply isn't enough to get him back into position when his technique fails him.

Future Role/Scheme Versatility

McGee's speed makes him an intriguing prospect because he has the ability to turn and run and keep up with faster receivers down the field.

I'm not sure if he is physical enough to be left on the outside without help, but he definitely has the skills and overall mentality to be a contributor in the NFL. He would be best used in man coverage against a team's speedier receiver.

Round/Team Matches

Houston (4.27)

Philadelphia (5.3)

Detroit (5.4)

Carolina (5.15)