As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Eli Ricks.
Check out all of our 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports & Prospect Profiles
2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Eli Ricks (CB – Alabama)
Eli Ricks (CB – Alabama)
6’2” – 190 lbs.
Background:
Five-star recruit who originally attended Louisiana St. Earned considerable playing time as a freshman, making seven starts in ten appearances and totaling 482 snaps. That year, quarterbacks were 13/28 (46.4%) for 237 yards, two touchdowns, and four interceptions when targeting him, and he broke up an additional four passes. Started the first six games of 2021 before sustaining a torn labrum which ended his year early. Passers went 11/17 (64.7%) for 136 yards, one touchdown, and one interception that year, with Ricks breaking up another pass. Transferred to Alabama and was limited by injuries to 384 snaps this past year, starting only five of eight appearances (384 snaps), but allowing only 6/19 passes to be completed for 77 yards, breaking up five throws.
Positives:
Was able to step into a major program and produce immediately. Offers an ideal combination of height and length. Solid athlete overall, particularly as far as his twitchiness and agility are concerned. Very good man coverage cornerback who opponents respect, rarely challenging. Has clean footwork to match releases at the line of scrimmage from press-man. Shoots out his hands forcefully to disrupt releases with the jam; brings a tough and physicality temperament to the game. Knows how to use his length to pin when playing near the sideline. Feels routes with his hands to stay connected. Balance and footwork on his backpedal from off coverage look good. Fast reflexes/reactions at the route stem. Able to stay glued on breaking routes over the middle of the field. Shows good route anticipation from zone and is capable of processing some combinations and breaking off. Able to get his head around and locate in time to make a play. Uses his length and flexibility to break up throws.
Negatives:
Sophomore year was less impressive than his freshman campaign, and struggled to stay healthy again in 2022. Frame is still on the lanky side; could have some early difficulty holding up against stronger pro receivers. Smoother than he is explosive, with speed that’s more solid than exceptional. Sometimes gets grabby at the stem and could end up getting flagged at the next level. Can be too conservative in off-coverage, limiting yards after the catch rather than putting himself in-phase. On-ball production has been inconsistent, although he’s rarely targeted. Some circuitous angles to the ball when coming up to defend against runs and screens. Tackling can be an issue; missed 18.2% of his career attempts.
Summary:
Didn’t have quite the collegiate career he was hoping for, but could turn out to be even better in the pros because of his rare combination of size, length, twitch, and fluidity. Could be a legitimate number one cornerback if he continues to add strength and cleans up his tackling, but teams will have concerns about his ability to stay healthy which could affect his draft stock.
Grade: Round 2-3
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