Detroit Lions 2017 NFL Draft Watchlist: Utah vs. Colorado

Cornerbacks

Senior cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (#4, 5’11”, 205) is a three-year starter who splits his time outside on the edges and inside over the slot. Awuzie read and reacts at an NFL level, and shows excellent technique in coverage and run-support. In the video below, you can see his stickiness in coverage, quickness to turn and locate the ball, and cause a pass break up.

The well-rounded corner enters the season as a day three prospect but has driven his stock into day two and possibly even round two.  Teams will fall in love with his position flexibility, aggressive nature in tackling, and overall passion for the game.

On the opposite corner is another senior, Ahkello Witherspoon (#23, 6’2″, 190). Entering the season as a fringe draftable prospect, Witherspoon’s stock is on the rise. At a legit 6’2″, several teams looking to play copycat with the Seattle Seahawks will be interested. After a month into the season, PFF noted him as a player “on the rise“:

"Witherspoon’s 84.5 coverage grade ranks 24th in the nation, and he has three passes defensed and an interception on those 25 targets. Like most long corners, he can get turned around on underneath routes, but he’s done a fine job staying on top of deep routes and making plays on the ball."

Safety

Tedric Thompson (#9, 6’0″, 205) plays strong safety at Colorado but may be too small to stick there in the NFL. He’s good at attacking the ball and ball carrier, but he too often finds himself slightly out of position. Scouts have been looking for him to improve his coverage skills as he seems destined for a reserve safety role in the NFL.

A day three prospect, Thompson has seen his stock rise with the Buffaloes success, but there are improvements he needs to make to his game before NFL coaches will trust him as an every down player on Sundays.