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Maurice Canady, CB, Virginia: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Rodney Stokes Jr

Sep 19, 2015; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers cornerback Maurice Canady (26) catches the ball in the first half against the William & Mary Tribe at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers cornerback Maurice Canady (26) catches the ball in the first half against the William & Mary Tribe at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports /
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Maurice Canady is a talented, long corner that hails from the University of Virginia. As of recently Virginia has seen it’s share of defensive backs enter the league after Chris Cook and Ras-I Dowling. Canady is looking to follow their lead into the NFL.]

He has a long frame and has the build of the Seattle Seahawks Richard Sherman which allows him to easily defend jump ball passes. Aside from his experience as a corner back, Canady adds value as a punt returner as well.

He has the potential to be a steal in the draft but he has plenty of questions to answer before he’ll get his shot on the field.

School: Virginia

Position: Defensive Back

Height: 6’1

Weight: 193

2015 Season Stats: 37 tackles (three for loss), six passes defended

Strengths

Canady had a great 2014 season that registered three interceptions and 12 passes defended. Those stats earned him a 2014 second team All-ACC selection and a preseason first team All-ACC selection going into 2015.

He has the ability to cover a teams number one receiver on his best day and he’s flashed potential to be one of the better corner backs in this years draft class.

Canady may find his earliest installment on the field as a punt returner, this clip against William & Mary shows what he’s capable of

He has long speed and all the tools to be a starting NFL defensive back, whether that’s covering receivers or playing the high safety position.

Weaknesses

Canady struggles a lot in the tackling game. He has a soft approach to attacking receivers and would much rather run down an opponent than tackling them head on, a trait that requires giving up yards. Along with not approaching the ball carrier he isn’t a fan of taking on blocks and would much rather duck and dodge than engage.

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His production dropped immensely from his 2014 season, a year that registered three interceptions and 12 passes defended, down to only six passes defended and zero interceptions in 2015.

Although he ran a 4.49, he isn’t confident in his downfield ability to stick with receivers and often opens up before he needs to. This sets him up poorly against receivers with much better route running, especially on hooks and outs.

Canady, at the moment, lacks an aggressive trait in his body whether that be mental or physical. In order to compete in the NFL he’s going to need present a stronger presence on the field.

Outlook

Maurice Canady has a lot of raw potential but he is lacking in many other departments. It’s difficult to peg where he ends up as a prospect because he could buckle down and be an impact player or become lost among the masses. E

arlier in the article there was the reference of Canady as having a Richard Sherman-like physique. If he can find a coach that can bring out some tenacity in his game and a little edge, he can possess a similar skill set to Sherman in the future.

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