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.
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—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.
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
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.jpg?w=480 "Titans Camp Football")
