Zack Sanchez NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Panthers Rookie

POSITIVES

A three-year starter at Oklahoma with 15 career interceptions, Zack Sanchez has the production, traits and impact at a major program to get an early look from teams.

A junior entry into the draft, Sanchez has speed and instincts when the ball is in the air. He closes on the ball in a hurry and has the timing down to bait quarterbacks into poor throws and then pounce to create a turnover. Sanchez held his own against Big 12 talents Josh Doctson and Corey Coleman.

Sanchez does a great job of meeting the ball and winning at the moment of truth. He’s long enough to go up and get jump balls and has the quickness to slip underneath a route and make a play between the quarterback and the receiver. He has a natural feel for the position and the timing to jump routes.

Matched up against speed, Sanchez has the ability to go deep down the field and has proved throughout the last three seasons that he's a top-tier producer among the corners in this class.

NEGATIVES

A thin frame doesn’t help the fact that Sanchez missed eight tackles in 2015 and 18 in the last two seasons. He’s just not a physical player when asked to bring down ball-carriers. The lack of size and strength may have teams viewing him as a slot cornerback more than an outside player.

Sanchez made plays on the ball, but he also gave up plays. College Football Focus charted him allowing five touchdowns (to seven interceptions) this past season while allowing a completion percentage of 57.3.

Because Sanchez likes to bait quarterbacks into errant throws, he opens himself up to being out of position when the pass connects. That happened in college and will happen more in the NFL if he can’t close the gap between himself and his man.

An overaggressive player at times, Sanchez makes big plays and allows big plays. If a team can live with his gambles, he could be an instant producer in the slot and eventually a starter on the outside.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 185 lbs.

40 Time: 4.48s

3-Cone: N/A

Short Shuttle: N/A

PRO COMPARISON: Antonio Cromartie, Free Agent
FINAL GRADE: 6.49/9.00 (Round 2-3—Future Starter)