Marcus Peters: Washington CB NFL Draft Scouting Report
Washington CB Marcus Peters flashed the ability to become one of the best corners in this draft at the combine. He will look to improve that status on his pro day next week on April 2nd.
Below is a full 2015 NFL Draft scouting report with pro comparisons.
Stay tuned to NFL Mocks for full NFL Draft coverage leading up to April 30th.
Measurables and Combine Results
Peters came to the combine at the desired weight and height for an NFL corner. Here are his combine results and how he’s measured up to similar players.
Strengths: Peters has amazing ball skills, probably the best in the draft. He can track down and find the ball well in the air and positions himself well to contest it. He can jump in front or over the intended receiver, which helped him pick off 12 passes in his three seasons at Washington. Also look for Peters to come off on the blitz well and get consistent pressure on the quarterback.
He’s aggressive at the line of scrimmage and jams receivers early in the route.
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Weaknesses
On The Field: Peters’ lower body technique, especially his feet, needs extensive work. It isn’t necessarily awful, but it can get sloppy at times. This is something an NFL coach can figure out and fix. In run support, Peters makes the effort wanted, but can still miss the tackle because of his attempt to aim high at times.
When Peters is lined up in press coverage, he can be a little handsy, which may lead to penalties in the NFL. His small hand size will also affect his draft day results.
Off The Field: Off the field issues plague Peters draft stock. He admitted to failing a drug test in 2011, though the substance is unknown to most talent elevators. He has been suspended by the team multiple times for academic concerns, fighting with coaches and missing multiple practices during the 2014 season. He was also banned by the team from working out with the team for four weeks during the offseason prior to the 2014 season.
Peters was ultimately dismissed from the team in early November after another fight with an assistant coach. Washington Head Coach Chris Peterson was quoted saying “It’s never one thing. We’re not going to dismiss a guy because it’s one thing” about Peters’ suspension.
Oct 19, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Marcus Peters (21) intercepts a pass intended for Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jaelen Strong (21) during the first half at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Pro-Comparison: Peters is drawing comparisons to Denver Broncos CB Aqib Talib
Scheme Fits: Peters best in a man coverage scheme, when he can line up on the line of scrimmage and jam the receiver early in the play.
Projection: Marcus Peters is projected to be taken in second half of the first round. Some NFL scouts though are worried about his antics and lack of respect towards his coaches. One NFC personnel director was quoted saying that he “wouldn’t take him inside the first two rounds” because of his “emotional issues”. I still see a team taking a chance on him in the 20-32 pick range, although I wouldn’t be surprised to see him fall to the late 30’s on day two.