Lamarcus Joyner NFL Draft 2014: Highlights, Scouting Report for St. Louis Rams S

Lamarcus Joyner, S, Florida State (HT: 5’8”; WT: 184 lbs)

St. Louis Rams (Rams trade 44th and 153rd pick to Buffalo Bills for 41st pick)

Second Round: 41st Pick 

NFL Comparison: Nickell Robey, CB, Buffalo Bills

Height	Weight	Arm	Hand
5080	184	31 5/8"	9 5/8"

40-yard dash	10-yard split	Vert	Broad	3-Cone	Shuttle
4.55	1.50	37.5"	10' 3"	7.26	4.40

Positives

• Feisty competitor who never takes a play off and raises the level of energy for the defense. 
• Could be the most experienced defensive back in the class after playing as a safety, slot corner and boundary corner in his time at Tallahassee.
• Top-notch instincts and awareness in both coverage and near the line of scrimmage that help overcome the lack of elite physical traits.
• The definition of playmaker; registered 5.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and two interceptions in 2013. Put him on the field, and great things can happen. 
• Effective pass-rusher due to great acceleration and quickness; can come off the edge and create pressure on the quarterback within mere seconds. 
• Has good footwork and light feet that are vital traits when covering slot receivers. 
• He's very fluid as a lateral athlete; possesses impressive hip flexion. 
• Mirrors receivers and has good hip movement to help overcome frame.
• Short-area burst is top-notch; closes quickly on the ball and receiver to limited yards after catch or to even knock the ball away. 
• Strong presence against the run, as he rarely over-commits to the gap and is a great tackler, using leverage and form to bring down larger ball-carriers.
• Understands how to win and play to his strengths. He returned for his senior season to play nickelback almost full-time, and the risk let him show his versatility and playmaking skills.

Negatives

• Below-average height and length for a defensive back likely limits him to a free safety or slot cornerback. 
• Can be caught out of position from roaming, although the payoff can be big as well because of his ball skills. 
• Frame makes matchups with big tight ends difficult, and offenses will flex them out or put bigger receivers in the slot to attack him. 
• He will resort to grabbing the receiver if he feels he is in poor positioning. Instead, he needs to turn to locate the ball more consistently. 
• Doesn’t have standout distance speed to help offset the lack of size, which makes him vulnerable in man coverage at the next level.
• Lacks strength to fight through screens and run blocking.
• Played on one of the most talented defenses in the country. Will he be as dynamic if his defense isn't as good? 
• Will need to be paired with a creative defensive coordinator to get the most out of him. Lining him up in one spot and being predictable will not get the most out of his skills. 

Year	Team	Tackles	PD	INT
2010	Florida State	23	4	1
2011	Florida State	54	7	4
2012	Florida State	51	6	1
2013	Florida State	69	4	2

Personal Notes

• Instead of declaring for the 2013 draft as a junior, Joyner decided to return for his senior season to finish his degree.
• Joyner was ranked the No. 1 player in Florida and No. 1 cornerback in the nation as a high school recruit.
• Twitter handle is @LJoynerNole20
• 2013 Unanimous All-American
• 2013 Jim Thorpe Award Finalist
• 2013 Ultimate Herbie Award Winner

Ratings Chart

Graph made by http://nces.ed.gov

Overall

Joyner is entering the NFL at a time when size and speed are premiums, so his physical skills could have him overlooked. Make no mistake about it: Lamarcus Joyner is a highly refined and talented player who can make an instant impact at either free safety or slot cornerback, much like 2013 standout Tyrann Mathieu. As a roamer in zone or playing near the line of scrimmage, expect to see Joyner create impact opportunities for the defense.

Draft Projection: Second round

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