Steven Nelson NFL Draft 2015: Scouting Report, Grade for Kansas City's Rookie

STRENGTHS

Steven Nelson left his mark on the Senior Bowl, where he stood out all week and in the game. Nelson has a compact, short frame that's backed up by a physical swagger on the field. A former JUCO player, Nelson is an ideal zone coverage cornerback with physical tendencies. He's smooth breaking back to the ball and has the eyes to find the pass and quickly get in position to make a play on it. His feet on plant-and-drive technique is very good. He's strong enough to be a factor jamming receivers at the line of scrimmage and brings that same mentality to tackling. Nelson has good ball skills thanks to nice closing speed and good hands.

WEAKNESSES

A lack of height may be an issue for many teams. Nelson isn't a long or tall cornerback and can try to compensate for that with his hands, which will lead to holding penalties in the NFL. He likes to gamble and doesn't show great understanding on double moves or breaking routes, as he can get lost and turned around easily. With a lack of top-end speed and less than ideal height and length, Nelson begins to look like a scheme-specific zone cornerback who will most likely start his career in the slot.

2014 STATISTICS

Tackles   Passes Defended    Interceptions 

PRO COMPARISON: Leonard Johnson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Like Nelson, Leonard Johnson was a smaller prospect with good film but limited upside and traits.

FINAL GRADE: 5.45/9.00 (Quality Backup)