2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jacob Parrish (CB – Kansas State)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Kansas State cornerback Jacob Parrish. And check out our entire 2025 NFL Draft Guide.

2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jacob Parrish

Jacob Parrish (CB – Kansas State)

5-foot-10 | 183 Pounds

Background

Jacob Parrish was a two-star recruit and Kansas native who rotated in for over 300 snaps as a freshman, finishing with 14 tackles and three breakups. Took over a starting role the following year and posted 44 tackles, four interceptions and nine breakups. In 2024, tallied 50 tackles, one interception and seven breakups to conclude his collegiate career.

Positives

Productive two-year starter. Played both press-man and zone as a boundary cornerback for the Wildcats. Plays with good balance and knee-bend. Shows clean footwork at the line to match releases from press coverage. A quick player with impressive coordination. Handles inside releases and in-breaking routes effectively. Does a good job of placing his hands and using them to feel routes.

Parrish’s route anticipation is a strength. His clean footwork allows him to stay connected through the stem. Knows how to use the sideline to his advantage when defending against outside releases on the short side of the field. Speed doesn’t look elite, but was able to stick with receivers on deeper routes during the games reviewed. Has good eyes and maintains appropriate sight lines in zone.

Processes route combinations well from zone and is quick to sniff out screens developing. On-ball production has been surprisingly good for a smaller cornerback — a testament to his overall positioning and anticipation. Able to slip past some would-be blockers because of his balance and low center of gravity. Willing run supporter. Has been surprisingly reliable as a tackler throughout his career. Has also had a little bit of success as a blitzer.

Negatives

On the smaller side for a pro cornerback, which will likely have some teams viewing him as a slot-only option, where he has relatively less experience. Even when his coverage is tight, teams have had some success targeting him, as he doesn’t always have the length to make a play on the ball and can be shielded by bigger receivers.

Parrish was penalty-prone this past season, being flagged seven times, which can occur as a result of contact when he’s late to get his head around down the field. Can be a bit of an ankle-grabber at times. Reliable tackler, but doesn’t have a ton of stopping power. His radius is somewhat limited. Could be more consistent about breaking down in the open field. Was able to get it done when coming in hot during the games reviewed, but the approach looked a bit risky at times.

Summary

A compact, savvy cornerback who has an impressive combination of quickness, technique and route anticipation, which allowed him to play bigger than his listed size. Parrish is also a surprisingly reliable (ankle) tackler.

Will likely be looking at a move inside to the slot as a pro, where his size is more appropriate, but looks like he might be able to contribute relatively quickly there owing to his overall polish and feel. Stands a chance of going on Day 2. Shouldn’t slip past the fourth round.

Projection: Round 3/Round 4

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