DeQuan Menzie to Chiefs: Video Highlights, Scouting Reports and Analysis

Alabama cornerback DeQuan Menzie has the legitimate potential to turn out to be a true steal. He possesses the size and initial quickness to excel in certain zone coverage systems.

As a starter in Nick Saban's multiple defensive fronts, Menzie has an above-average understanding of various coverage schemes and techniques. The 5'11", 202-pounder is tenacious enough to act as an effective press corner against the big and physical wideouts in the NFL.

Versatility is one of the finest aspects of Menzie's game. He has operated in the slot and even spent time at free safety in certain packages. Flexibility is an important requirement in the modern NFL defensive back, given the proliferation of bigger flankers and more athletic tight ends.

Sports Illustrated emphasizes Menzie's issues in man coverage:

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Struggles making plays with his back to the ball and does not correctly position himself against receivers. Does a bit of trailing in coverage.

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It is a poor range of movement and lack of genuine vertical speed which prevents Menzie from working well in off-coverage technique. These weaknesses are highlighted by CBS Sports:

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Has below-average measureables for the position and lacks ideal length. Has only average long speed and lacks the natural change-of-direction skills and vertical ability to play blanket man coverage. Lacks natural explosion to make up for false steps.

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However, Menzie's instincts, timing and physicality make him a perfect fit as a slot corner in press and zone coverage. He offers the natural aggression to rough up slot receivers and disrupt the timing of third down pass patterns.

Menzie is an excellent blitzer, a useful trait for a slot corner. He can be used as part of a fire zone blitz from nickel and dime fronts.

A willingness to attack and good tackling technique make Menzie a stout and competent run-defender. He can be an asset at close quarters, and in a defensive system which uses corners as force players against the running game.

He may lack elite athleticism for the pro game, but Menzie's versatility, toughness and intelligence give him more than a good chance of contributing early in the NFL. His experience in a complex defense makes Menzie a perfect fit for the hybrid playbooks today's pro defenses are choosing to rely on.

Pick Analysis 

A Top-100 talent on B/R's Big Board, this is a solid choice for Kansas City. Hard to ever argue with picking up a solid SEC defensive player.