2021 NFL Draft cornerback rankings: Patrick Surtain II leads strong group
By John Blair
5. Greg Newsome, Northwestern
6-foot-1, 190 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: First round
Northwestern’s Greg Newsome has had back-to-back strong seasons, which could be enough to earn himself a first-round draft grade. In 2019, Newsome led the Wildcats and finished second in the Big Ten with 11 pass breakups. He built on that strong season in 2020 when he was named first-team All-Big 10 after allowing over 50 yards receiving in a game only once that season.
Part of the reason Newsome has risen so much up draft boards lately is his strong numbers at his Pro Day. These numbers include a 4.38 40-yard dash and a vertical jump of 40-inches. When watching his game he shows good awareness as well in Northwestern’s cover-3 defense. Yet another reason why teams are so high on him is his ability to make plays on the ball evident by his 20 pass breakups over the past two seasons.
One concern teams have with Newsome is that he did not face very many top-level receivers while at Northwestern. This past season he did not face any receivers who will be drafted on the first or second day of the 2021 NFL Draft. Another issue with him is he has battled injuries each year he has been in college, including a groin injury that limited his time in the Big Ten Championship game.