2015 NFL Draft: Steven Nelson Scouting Report

Sep 28, 2013; Corvallis, OR, USA;Oregon State Beavers cornerback Steven Nelson (2) before the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

If there is one player that is flying under the radar that should not be, it is cornerback Steven Nelson out of Oregon State. Before I get into specifics about Nelson as a player, let’s look at his athletic testing numbers from the NFL Combine through Mockdraftable.com.

STRENGTHS

The number one thing that sticks out to me more than anything with Nelson is his sheer competitiveness. He never backs down from a challenge and he gives 110 percent on each play. This will be an asset for him in his draft stock as coaches and scouts are constantly looking for those types of players. If you’re looking for the trash-talking, brash cornerback that you can get later, then Steven Nelson is your guy because of his never-say-die attitude. He seems to me as the kind of player that would keep kicking onside kicks in Madden when he is already up 63-0 just because he wants to flat out embarrass the opponent. His play definitely reflects that, and I think he is in consideration to be the most competitive cornerback of this class.

One of the major assets that is a part of Nelson’s repertoire is his tremendous ball skills. He shows the ability to high point the ball and either interfere the ball from going into the receiver’s hands or just flat out intercept it. When I watched him, all he did was make plays. As he is not the greatest athlete in the world, he makes up for that by taking good angles and almost knowing what route the receiver is going to run before he evens breaks it off. At the next level, don’t be surprised if he can create some havoc for quarterbacks and their interception totals with his turnover machine mentality and ball skills

The most underrated and overlooked part of a cornerback’s game is whether he can tackle or not successfully. Because of his aforementioned attitude, do you really think Nelson is going to back down from a receiver or running back running right at him? Negative, and I’m pretty sure he enjoys and takes pride in this aspect of the game. He also showed the ability to shed blocks to make the efficient tackle.

Another overlooked characteristic of cornerbacks today is if he can actually cover. The opinion of today’s NFL emphasizes the athleticism aspect of their game way too much. His cover ability is up there with some of the best cornerbacks of the class. He has the natural ability and instincts to cover anybody, anywhere, and anytime.

WEAKNESSES

As much as I love Steven Nelson, he also has his fair share of weaknesses which are bringing him down on some draft boards.

Despite being stronger than most cornerbacks in this draft class, he is fairly undersized for the position at 5’10”. He did out-battle Jaelen Strong for jump-balls in his game against Arizona State, but I have my concerns if he can win those battles at the next level, particularly in the red zone. Although I question his size to an extent, I unequivocally disagree with the people who say that Nelson is strictly a nickel corner.

As one of the more competitive if not the most competitive cornerback in the class, he is more prone to draw flags for pass interference, illegal contact, holding, etc. I saw him get away with too many holding penalties during the season, and in today’s NFL, I just cannot see that get past the officials. He must stay fundamentally sound and disciplined in order to not draw those backbreaking penalties and fulfill his overall potential.

A speed-demon wide receiver like Phillip Dorsett can create problematic experiences for Nelson as he does not have the fluid athleticism or recovery speed to keep up with a guy like Dorsett in man coverage. His hip-flexion is fairly average and that could be why he has tough times getting back to the receiver to close in on the ball.

To me, the primary hole in his game is his lack of premier athleticism. Today’s wide receivers are probably the most athletic players on the field for the most part, and if you can’t match it, then you’re going to be in a world of hurt per se. Yes, a 4.49 40 did ease some of my concern, but he doesn’t play like 4.49 speed on film.

PRO COMPARISON

LaDarius Webb, Ravens

IDEAL SCHEME FIT

Cover 2/Tampa 2

TEAM FITS

Dallas Cowboys

Nelson is the perfect mold of a Tampa 2 cornerback which is the exact scheme that is instilled Rod Marinelli’s defense. Not only that, but need me remind you, the Dallas Cowboys are in need of secondary help, particularly at cornerback. If Dallas doesn’t take one at 27, watch out for Nelson at 60.

Tampa Bay Bucs

Like the Cowboys, Lovie Smith follows the principles of the Cover 2 system that thrived so well in Tampa a couple years back. He can play the nickel cornerback in his rookie year before easing into the starting role for Alterraun Verner or Johnthan Banks. I’m trying not to get carried away here, but Lovie might find a poor man’s Ronde Barber with Steven Nelson.

Detroit Lions

He has already taken a pre-draft visit there so you know that Motor City is interested in his services. Teryl Austin is one of the best defensive coordinators in the game, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him use Nelson to the fullest in his defense. Nelson would be a valuable secondary chess piece in that Lions defense whether on the inside or outside.

ROUND PROJECTION

In my opinion, he should be a top 75 pick without any debate, but I am not the person making the decisions in the war room. I am of the belief that his ceiling is in the middle of the 2nd round, while his floor could be as low as the late 3rd round.

Next: Leonard Williams Scouting Report

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