Discussion: Carolina Panthers select CB Corn Elder

[SOJA]

OVERVIEW

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.

ANALYSIS

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.

[RockyTopVol]

I like Elder. I actually assumed he had already been picked.


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[rhyslloyd]

Wanted Desmond King but guess I keep on getting fug straight in the butt

You seem like the type of guy who doesn't mind.


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[DecrypticShadow]

A CB that can make clean open field tackles? I'll take it. 

[JARROD]

Slot guy behind munnerlyn that can be mentored and has an attitude and can tackle so awesome.


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[juliosantos]

I think he can play outside