Despite missing his final collegiate year with an injury, Louisville’s Jaire Alexander has a legitimate case to be the top cornerback in the 2018 NFL Draft.
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Jaire Alexander had the potential to be the top cornerback prospect in the 2018 NFL Draft. A preseason All-American, Alexander’s name was frequently mentioned in first round projections entering the 2017 season. Injuries during his junior year, his final season at Louisville limited those aspirations. Nevertheless, Alexander’s future at the next level remains bright.
In three seasons with the Cardinals Alexander registered seven interceptions and 15 passes defended in 29 games. Louisville averaged 218.8 passing yards allowed in games in which Alexander played against FBS opponents. In the five games that he missed in their entirety, the Cardinals allowed 307.2 yards per game including 461 against Wake Forest and 384 against North Carolina.
Jaire Alexander shut down WRs when he was on the field in 2017 pic.twitter.com/wsUaI7JDxR
— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 9, 2018
Strengths
Alexander has the versatility and the quickness to take over in the slot immediately in the NFL. He plays with a high level of awareness and his speed enables him to recover quickly whenever an opposing player gets a step on him. Alexander reads the quarterback well and is able to anticipate where the ball is going and make plays in high leverage situations.
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He showcased that speed and quickness at the NFL Combine, running a 4.38 40-yard dash as well as posting some of the best marks among corners in the agility drills. He ran in the top five in the 20-yard shuttle and the 3-cone, which is critical for defensive backs.
Weaknesses
Injuries aren’t the only concern with Alexander, although they will be at the front of most team’s analysis. Alexander had a leg injury and a hand injury during his junior season, multiple issues will, and probably should, raise red flags during the draft process.
In his limited time on the field in 2017 Alexander lacked the aggressiveness displayed by some of the premier defensive backs in this class. He’s quick to break on the ball in the air, but needs to become more fundamentally sound when it comes to tackling the ball carrier in space and initiating contact.
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Draft expectations
Speed and quickness can’t be taught. Alexander’s athleticism and ability to read the quarterback are going to keep him from slipping too far on draft boards. If he gets much further than the end of the second round he’ll be a significant value pick.