FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Arkansas cornerback Dwight McGlothern.
2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Dwight McGlothern
Dwight McGlothern (CB – Arkansas)
6’2” – 188 lbs.
Background:
Four-star prospect who originally attended Louisiana State. Played somewhat sparingly in his first season there, then started six of ten games the following year, allowing 28/48 passing (58.3%) for 356 yards, four touchdowns, one interception, and eight breakups. Transferred to Arkansas and had a very solid 2022 campaign in which just 32/66 passes were completed (48.5%) for 372 yards, one touchdown, four interceptions, and eleven breakups. Got hurt a couple of times this year and was limited to nine appearances (one with just one snap played), finishing having allowed just 12/25 passing (48%) for 132 yards, two touchdowns, three interceptions, and four breakups.
Positives:
Very big cornerback with about two seasons of quality starting experience between two major programs. Plays a lot of off-coverage, usually with a backpedal, but will line up in press-man as well. Technique is one of his strengths. Pretty good balance and clean footwork when backpedaling. Knows how to use his length and power to pin opponents to the sidelines when defending outside releases from press. Has pretty good reaction times to stay connected at the route stem. Uses his hands well to feel routes and stay in-phase. Awareness and processing are very good when handling route combinations from zone. Ball-hawking type who does a nice job of reading the quarterback’s eyes from zone and undercutting routes; overall ball skills themselves are strong as well. Does a good job of taking on blocks, using his length and power to his advantage. Has developed into a very reliable tackler.
Negatives:
Misses with his hands at times in press coverage, and recovery speed may not be good enough to afford a mistake like that at the next level. Needs to gather when coming out of his backpedal. There’s a bit of wasted motion in his transitions at the top of the stem at times as well. Doesn’t really have explosive elements to his game. Committed ten penalties in 2022, although he was able to avoid them this year. Injuries this past season could call his durability into question to some extent.
Summary:
A tall boundary corner with very good awareness and ball skills when working in zone coverage, and who has the reliable tackling to match. Did work in press-man a fair amount on tape, but can struggle to get back in-phase when he misses with the jam, and may not have the athletic profile to easily stick with smaller, quicker corners. Still, his overall polish and physical traits should earn him some mid-round consideration for a team that plays to his strengths.
Projection: Round 4
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