M.J. Stewart NFL Draft 2018: Scouting Report for Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Pick

POSITIVES

—One of the best press cornerbacks in the class and bangs with his punch at the line.

—Short but stocky and thick with the strength to redirect receivers.

—Physical at the line of scrimmage and also excels as a tackler in the open field.

—Plays with the awareness and instincts to be assignment versatile; can handle both zone and man duties.

—Some scouts have suggested he'll move to safety in the NFL. Teams love his versatility.

NEGATIVES

—Lacks ideal height (5'10⅞") to play outside cornerback and doesn't have the speed to run well in the slot (4.54-second 40-yard dash).

—Short-area burst is average; not a twitchy guy and struggles some with hip tightness in transitions.

—Will struggle to run with top receivers.

—Doesn't have the height or vertical (35 inches) to compete with taller receivers.

MJ Stewart CB NFL Draft

OVERALL

If you want a physical, tough cornerback and are OK with a lack of height and average speed, M.J. Stewart has the goods to come in and be an early starter in sub-packages. He might never project as an outside corner, but he has a ton of upside in the slot.

GRADE: 6.50 (Round 2-3)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Logan Ryan, Tennessee Titans