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Discussion: Carolina Panthers Select CB Corn Elder

Saca312

By Saca312,
in Carolina Panthers

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Saca312

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With the Carolina Panthers 5th Round Pick, they select Corn Elder, CB out of Miami. Looking to add competition and depth to the position, this was a must need grab in a deep class of solid cornerbacks.

A pure playmaker, he has the size of Captain Munnerlyn but some nice ball skills. A solid contributor who would bring competition to the secondary and solid depth.

(Following info from NFL.com)

Elder is one of many players that changed positions when they entered college -- and the move has paid off. He was a top 30 running back prospect nationally, however, coming out of Nashville as he was named Mr. Football Running Back of the Year for Tennessee as a junior and senior (2,618 rush yards, 39 TD). Given his size (5-foot-10, 180) and tenacious attitude, Miami coaches moved Elder to cornerback for his true freshman season in 2013 (seven tackles, missed two games with injury). He played often as a reserve, plus one start, in 2014 (34 tackles, three for loss, four breakups) before becoming a key member of the secondary as a junior (seven starts, 41 tackles, four for loss, two sacks, two INT, 11 pass breakups). Elder also returned both a kickoff and punt return in 2015. ACC coaches named him first-team all-conference for his play as a senior, as he made 76 tackles, 4.5 for loss, intercepting one pass and breaking up 12 others.

 

STRENGTHS

 Doesn't realize he's undersized. Plays physically and with good confidence. Patient from press with footwork and body control for extended mirroring of release. Gets into receivers and can take their route off-schedule. Sinks into receivers on outside release constricting the vertical throwing window. Plays variety of coverages and squeezes routes in all. Former high school basketball star with point guard quickness and little hesitation in his transitions. Twitchy click-and-close to the ball. Plus instincts and ready to pounce on throws from zone. Aggressive in run support striking through his target and running his feet through completion. Doesn't realize he's undersized. Plays physically and with good confidence. Patient from press with footwork and body control for extended mirroring of release. Gets into receivers and can take their route off-schedule. Sinks into receivers on outside release constricting the vertical throwing window. Plays variety of coverages and squeezes routes in all. Former high school basketball star with point guard quickness and little hesitation in his transitions. Twitchy click-and-close to the ball. Plus instincts and ready to pounce on throws from zone. Aggressive in run support striking through his target and running his feet through completion.

WEAKNESSES

 Will be too small to play outside in the pros. Lightweight and will get "big-boyed" by bigger slots who play with good route strength. Quicker than fast. Lacking a second gear and will give up some separation on intermediate and deep routes. Has issues defending the high throw. Tall receivers can go up and over him. Physical nature could create durability concerns if pressed into extensive run-support situations.

DRAFT PROJECTION

 Rounds 4-5

SOURCES TELL US

 "I love the player, but he's too small for what we are asked to look for. He falls below our minimum size requirements. But someone else is going to get a good player. I would fight for him if I could." - NFC North area scout

NFL COMPARISON

 Tavon Young

BOTTOM LINE

 Elder has the three Cs - composure, confidence and competitiveness. Elder has the instincts and reactive quickness to find his way to the football and his ability to mirror and match gives him a chance to handle slot duties in the NFL. Elder's most challenging opponent this offseason will probably be the combine scale. Elder's lack of size could hurt his draft stock, but his talent and toughness is NFL-worthy.

(From PFF)

Name: Corn Elder

School: Miami (FL)

Position fit: Slot cornerback

Stats to know: Missed just four of the 70 solo tackles he attempted in 2016.

What he does best:

  • Outstanding tackler. Finished the 2016 season with 66 solo tackles, tied for eighth among cornerbacks in all of college football, and missed just four.
  • Really impressive in zone coverage. Reads and reacts quickly to force incompletions.
  • Good athlete who possesses the speed to cover receivers downfield.
  • One of the best cornerbacks in the nation when it comes to his work against the run. Gets himself into the right position and secures the tackle more often than not.
  • Great fit as a slot corner in the NFL. Played just 48 snaps there in 2016, but allowed just 0.33 yards per route run.
  • Spent time at both, right and left cornerback, as well as in the slot.

Biggest concern:

  • Not a good fit in man coverage.
  • Prone to be beaten by double moves. Bites too hard on the initial move and is left for dust with the second.
  • Size can be a matchup problem against bigger receivers

Player comparison: Captain Munnerlyn, Carolina Panthers

Like Munnerlyn, Elder’s best fit at the next level is in the slot. Both are solid run defenders who don’t miss many tackles, and it wouldn’t be a shock at all to see Elder have a similar career to him at the next level, particularly if he lands with right team scheme wise.

Bottom line: Elder is a perfect fit for the slot in the NFL given his size and coverage abilities. He has struggled at times on the outside when having to deal with double moves, but really excelled at reading and breaking down the play in front of him. If he lands on the right team, and is played in the slot, he could have a big impact, even as a rookie.

 

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