Chamarri Conner made some impressive plays for the Kansas City Chiefs across the team’s opening games, but the defending Super Bowl champions should still consider upgrading their nickel role this offseason. Several second and third-round options are available, including a recent riser.
Illinois defensive back Xavier Scott put together some amazing film in the Fighting Illini’s first five games, vaulting himself onto the national radar. He almost singlehandedly beat Kansas. In that game, Scott picked off two passes, including a pick-six, and strip-sacked the quarterback on the final play.
Scott plays in the nickel and outside at corner, but his 5 foot 11, 190-pound frame makes him project as a full-time slot defender in the NFL. Despite his limited size, Scott plays an aggressive brand of football. He wraps up and drives through tackles in the run game and arrives with force at the catch point.
🔶 8 tackles
🔶 1 sack
🔶 1 FF
🔶 2 INT
🔶 1 TDXavier Scott balled out in @IlliniFootball's upset win over No. 19 Kansas.#B1GFootball pic.twitter.com/ZMibGeUQ2V
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 8, 2024
Scott lacks elite speed but is a fluid mover with nice footwork. His football IQ is among the best for draft-eligible defensive backs. He navigates switch releases and wide receiver stacks well to locate his man and quickly get in phase.
Scott operates well in man and zone coverages, but his instincts and processing shine when allowed to play off the line of scrimmage. He reads the eyes of quarterbacks and baits them into bad throws. Scott’s timing and closing burst help him undercut passing lanes. His mastery of leverage lets him sneakily drop under a receiver’s route and cut off the throwing lane.
Illinois faces Purdue on Saturday, October 12 at 2:30 p.m. CST The game is a great opportunity for Scott and the Fighting Illini to rebound after losing to Penn State.