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Corn Elder, CB, Miami: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Kyle Sumner McKinnon

Sep 13, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Arkansas State Red Wolves tight end Warren Leapheart (82) has his pass broken up by Miami Hurricanes defensive back Corn Elder (29) during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Miami won 41-20. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Arkansas State Red Wolves tight end Warren Leapheart (82) has his pass broken up by Miami Hurricanes defensive back Corn Elder (29) during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Miami won 41-20. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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After emerging late last season, will a strong senior year be enough to vault Corn Elder into the top rounds of the draft?

The Miami Hurricanes have little going for them this coming season. Outside of star quarterback Brad Kaaya, there isn’t much the team can hang its hat on. Cornelius Elder, better known as “Corn”, hopes to change that.

The senior cornerback enjoyed a nice breakout season for the Hurricanes in 2015. He snagged two interceptions, was tied for fifth in the ACC with a team-high 12 passes defended, and even returned a punt for a touchdown.

Will another productive year from Elder be enough to earn him a selection in the opening four rounds of the NFL Draft? Let’s take a look.

Vitals

Ht: 5-10

Wt: 180 pounds

Class: Senior

Hometown: Nashville, TN

Prospect Video

Strengths

Elder isn’t the tallest or stockiest corner in college football, but he’s long and plays bigger than his size. The Nashville native isn’t afraid to take on opposing ball carriers and can tackle as well as any defensive back in the ACC. His 41 total tackles, including two sacks, last season prove as much.

When it comes to pass coverage, Elder showed great improvement is said area in 2015. As we mentioned earlier, he recorded a dozen pass defenses and displayed good instincts in terms of timing up when the ball was supposed to arrive. Tack on a pair of long arms and solid closing speed, and it’s easy to see why Elder was considered the best corner in the country for a period of time.

Weaknesses

At the next level, size could become a real issue for the 5-foot-10, 180-pounder. He has to work on himself physically and add some more muscle before pre-draft workouts begin.

While the Miami standout possesses the tools necessary to succeed in the NFL, he’s still not the most polished prospect at his position. Especially in pass coverage, Elder needs to sharpen up his footwork, discipline, and general field awareness in 2016.

Verdict

With only one real season of work under his belt, Elder heads into what is essentially a make-or-break year.

If the senior corner builds on the foundation he set up for himself in 2015, then there’s nothing to really worry about. A late-round pick will surely await Elder should he regress or show no signs of improvement.

Based off of what we’ve seen thus far, though, Elder is on the right track. He can be expected to get selected anywhere between the second and fourth round..

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