Nick Nelson NFL Draft 2018: Scouting Report for Oakland Raiders' Pick

POSITIVES

—Active, instinctive corner who led the nation in pass breakups in 2017.

—Good returner who can make an impact on punt team.

—Fast when closing on the ball against the run or pass. Aggressive and balanced when making a play.

—Instincts allow him to live around the ball without great size or speed. Smart player.

—Is tough enough to get dirty on underneath routes; he'll jam and fight at the line and put a body on a receiver throughout the route.

NEGATIVES

—Short-armed (30¾") with below-average speed (4.52-second 40-yard dash) that could translate to issues in man coverage. Might be a zone-only candidate.

—Scouts said his pro day and combine performances cost him a round on their boards.

—Suffered a torn meniscus during a private workout with a team.

—Isn't a hitter. Flies at ball-carriers but doesn't secure tackles.

Nick Nelson CB NFL Draft

OVERALL

The knee injury might push Nelson down to a late-Day 3 selection, but before that, he looked like a good nickel prospect with special teams value. He's now more of a redshirt pick, but he has a bright NFL future.

GRADE: 5.80 (Round 4)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Ryan Smith, Tampa Bay Buccaneers