Over the next few weeks, we are going to be taking a look at a handful of draft prospects leading up to the 2022 NFL draft.
With the Chargers having needs at various positions, we will do our best to evaluate the players that we feel fit the team precisely.
Today, I take a look at Washington cornerback Kyler Gordon.
Kyler Gordon | Washington | #2 | R-Junior | Mukilteo, WA | 5’11.5” | 194
40-yard Dash: 4.52
Bench Press: N/A
Vertical Jump: N/A
Broad Jump: N/A
3-Cone Drill: N/A
20-Yard Shuttle: N/A
Career: 2021 All Pac-12 First Team, receiving honorable mentions in his previous two seasons. Former two-way player who played running back and wide receiver in high school. Compiled 97 tackles (4.0 for loss), two interceptions, and 12 pass breakups in 29 games.
Red Flags: None
Strengths: Twitchy, flexible corner whose game is built around his athletic advantages. Proficient in press, off-man, and zone coverage as a versatile option both outside and inside. Bail technique is smooth and urgent. A suction cup to the receiver’s hip even through multiple breaks. Lateral explosion is frantic with minimal latency. Processes releases quickly in close proximity off the line. Arms extend with force and tactical intentions – doesn’t panic tug at the opponent’s jersey. Feet, hips, and head all mirror the route in one fluid motion. Mentality to eliminate vertical opportunities at all cost made him nearly impossible to stack. Competitive motor and brings the punch to matchups. Speed and evasiveness as a blitzer to shoot around obstacles and into the backfield. Can become a missile in run support. Eyes rarely betray him watching the quarterback.
Weaknesses: Tackles with his head first, arms second. Lenient with his cushions and his bait often worked against him. Unproductive in the turnover department. 40-yard dash fails to reflect the athlete on tape. Movements are more reactive than anticipatory and overwhelmingly rides his athleticism to the whistle.
Final Word: A spontaneous cannonball with an instantaneous fuse, Kyler Gordon processes the developments in front of him a few clicks faster than his teammates. Gordon is tough to shake and boasts a resume with minimal blemishes in a premier Washington secondary. His athleticism, hip fire, and comfortability executing various coverages will allow him to slide into every NFL system.
Fit Likelihood: High
Grade: 2nd
Film Highlights:
Gordon’s exceptional athleticism on display as he makes up ground and flies in front of the ball on a downfield throw.
Kyler Gordon is a bite late moving his feet, but once he recovers he stays in phase then flips his hips to make a play pic.twitter.com/Bdh75Rm3JF
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) March 30, 2022
Gordon with the perfect mirror of his assignment against Utah in 2020, earning him a pass breakup.