Wayne Lyons, CB, Michigan: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Defensive backs with size and athleticism are always in high demand. The 2016 NFL draft will prove no different. Question is does Wayne Lyons have more than just raw physical ability?

Position: CB

School: Michigan

Year: Senior

Height: 6’1″

Weight: 196 lbs

History:

Originally projected as a safety coming out of high school, Lyons was a four-star recruit who committed to Stanford and eventually shifted to cornerback. He was class valedictorian, class president three-straight years and member of the National Honor society. He helped the Cardinal win an Orange Bowl in 2011 and then a Rose Bowl in 2013. Transferred to Michigan to reunite with Jim Harbaugh for his final college season.

STRENGTHS:

• Good size for the position and long arms to match up with bigger receivers.
• Shows a smooth backpedal and ability to flip his hips and run.
• Seems much more comfortable in press-man given his length and athleticism.
• Willing tackler. Shows decent technique and rarely lets the ball carrier out of his grasp once he’s latched on.

The size, long arms and athleticism all show up here. Even though the receiver makes the catch initially, Lyons is able to chase him down and wrap him up before extra yards become a problem.

• He shows good technique by pulling himself in tight after he gets an initial grip, forcing the wide receiver to either go down or slow enough to wait for help.

WEAKNESSES:

• Spends most of his time in off-coverage, during which he shows a lack of instinct and ability to be decisive in his reaction to the plays in front of him.
• While he doesn’t fear physicality, receivers are able to block him often. Needs to get better at shedding blocks.
• When in press he tends to get too grabby with his hands, leading to bad penalties.

At first Lyons does a good job of extending his hands, getting the early jam on the receiver. The mistake begins when he doesn’t stop playing physical with the receiver. It leads to a pass interference call that results in a 1st down.

• Receivers who are quick and run good runs tend to fool him consistently. Too many times they were able to get wide open when matched against him.

Pro Comparison: Will Blackmon

Lyons has the physical skill set to make it at the next level, but there is nothing inherently special about him. He doesn’t make a ton of big plays, doesn’t play blanket coverage but offers some intriguing some intriguing traits that could lead to more if he falls into the right system. That finally happened for Will Blackmon in Washington, his fourth team as he posted career numbers and boasts similar traits to the rookie.

Projection: 5th to 7th rounds

He was a steady starter at Stanford but played just four games at Michigan and has just three career interceptions in college. At present he’s a decent tackling corner who has some upside in coverage. Chances are he’ll be a late round selection whom a team will see as a project and special teams help.