2019 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Juan Thornhill, S, Virginia

One of the more versatile defensive backs in the 2019 NFL Draft, here is a scouting report on Virginia’s Juan Thornhill. 

Under head coach Bronco Mendenhall since 2016, the University of Virginia football program has presented toughness and grit and the program is definitely on the rise within the ACC.

One player during his tenure who has been at the precipice of that toughness and grit has been his All-ACC safety in Juan Thornhill.

There may not be any transcending safeties in this year’s class that can elevate an entire secondary but there are some really good ones and Thornhill is amongst that group. Let’s observe his skill set and what he can provide the team that selects him.

Height: 6’0 

Weight: 205 lbs 

Career stats: 208 tackles, 13 interceptions, 26 pass deflections 

Strengths: Thornhill is a three-year starter for the Cavaliers with a career-high in tackles (98) and interceptions (6) this past season en route to first team All-ACC honors…..Instinctive safety who is able to disguise coverage very well on the back end…..Showcases solid ball skills with interceptions and pass deflections; true nose for the football…..Versatile enough to play free safety in various coverages as well as line up in the slot against receivers/tight ends…..Able to provide physicality in the phase of tackling; not afraid to get dirty when defending in run defense….Consistent communicator as a safety; recognizes formations and play designs and able to change play calls and direct as a “quarterback” on defense.

Weaknesses: Does not check many boxes in terms of overall athleticism…..Overall size can be an issue when matched up in the slot against much bigger, athletic pass catchers…..Can improve tackling ability; seen throwing the shoulder more times than the conventional way of tackling….Closing burst as a tackler is average at best….Deep coverage needs him to open up his hips and react quicker.

Conclusion: Thornhill was pretty consistent in his overall play while at the University of Virginia.

His mistakes rarely resulted in big plays given up and in many cases, when the defense needed to make a play, there was Mr. Thornhill. At the NFL level, Thornhill will likely be one of those crafty safeties that is often in the right place at the right time. His tape displayed just that.

The versatility will also play a considerable factor as defenses are more tuned now to shake things up and provide a variety of options to defend. If Thornhill was taller, bigger, and faster, he would be a sure fire bet to be a top-20 selection. But that is not the case.

Thornhill carries the value to be an early day two selection and can be an early starter as a rookie.