2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Chris Culliver, South Car.
By Editorial Staff
Chris Culliver– CB- South Carolina
6-0 197lbs Senior
Stats:
2007- played wide out/ 809 kick return yard
2008- 60 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 3 INTs, 3 pass break ups
2009- 62 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 9 pass breakups
Pros:
Chris Culliver is a very good athlete trying to make the conversion to the cornerback position. He possesses good speed and has above average height. He does a nice job using his speed to stick close to the wide out. He is a converted wide receiver and he brought with him very good hands. He is aggressive when the ball is in the air and has the ball skills to be a threat to make the pick every time. As a freshman he was named All-SEC for his kick return skills.
Cons:
While Culliver possesses all the needed ability to be a good corner he still needs to develop the proper skills. He struggles getting in and out of his backpedal which has resulted in wide outs getting open when they run good routes. He struggles to diagnosis plays quickly and is sometimes out of position. He isn’t the most willing run defender and his slender build contributes to the problems as a run defender.
Thoughts:
Culliver is still learning but has good ability and size. NFL teams will like his aggressive attacks on the ball and his above average hands. He also plays against top level talent each week and that is something that NFL teams take into consideration. He brings added value as a kick returner.
Projected Round:
Culliver could find himself in the 4th-6th round discussion right now but with a solid season he could see his stock rise.