NFL Draft 2017: Five Late-Round Hidden Gems

Damontae Kazee is one of the best nickel cornerbacks in the draft. Kazee finished 2016 with seven interceptions after posting eight interceptions in 2015.

Kazee has excellent instincts. He isn’t big for the position, but he does well in run support because of his instincts. His ability to create turnovers also speaks to his instincts.

The Falcons defensive coordinator Marquand Manuel is a former defensive backs coach, so he obviously saw something he liked in Kazee. Another prospect well-known for his ballhawking abilities, Desmond King, was available at this selection. If the Falcons were looking more for a safety, maybe King would have been the pick here. King lacks the speed to be a cornerback at the next level.

Kazee might receive a shot at safety, but he is a much better fit at nickel cornerback. In addition to being strong in run coverage and creating turnovers, Kazee does well in anticipating shorter routes, something crucial to the nickel corner position.

The one area where Kazee struggles is on deeper routes. He will need to work on his back pedal for the next level. That said, he will compete to have essentially a starting role (in nickel packages) as a fifth round pick.