2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Quincy Riley (CB – Louisville)

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

2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Quincy Riley

Quincy Riley (CB – Louisville)

6-foot-0 | 195 Pounds

Background

Quincy Riley spent the first three seasons of his collegiate career at Middle Tennessee, playing in three games before redshirting in 2019. He then started five out of six games the following season (2020), posting 14 tackles, four breakups and two interceptions. Started seven out of nine games in 2021, with 33 tackles, five interceptions and nine breakups before he transferred to Louisville.

Rotated in heavily for the Cardinals in 2022 (two starts), with 27 tackles, two breakups and three interceptions (one touchdown). Became a full-time starter the following season, posting 49 tackles, 12 breakups and three interceptions. Over 10 games this past season, Riley totaled 33 tackles, 13 breakups and two interceptions.

Positives

Well-built cornerback who looks the part and has five years of production under his belt between two programs. Most often plays on the field side, with a mix of press-man, off, shuffle and bail techniques. Technique and fundamentals in coverage look as polished as you would expect given his experience. Has a nice, controlled backpedal with good form and quick feet. Looks fast shuffling to depth from a bail technique.

Riley is patient at the line to match releases. Wasn’t asked to jam opponents at the line much, but shows accurate placement and good extension. Does a nice job of using his hands to feel routes developing. Anticipation skills look solid as well. Shows impressive burst and explosiveness when planting and driving on the spot. Gets his head around early to locate the football when his back is turned. From zone coverage, does a nice job of diagnosing route combinations. Recorded interceptions and made a ton of plays on the ball over the past two seasons — a testament to his aggressive ball skills. Willing to stick his nose in and get physical with opponents as a run supporter.

Negatives

Will be a 24-year-old rookie after spending six years in school. Had a nice 2024 campaign, but got picked on a little more often than he had over the previous couple of seasons. Not the most physical corner in the class. Shows a bit of trouble navigating through congestion, which could make him susceptible to rub routes and picks.

Riley can be jolted on contact by bigger opponents and has trouble consistently holding the point of attack in the screen and run games. Tends to try and work around blockers rather than engaging, which can lead to inefficiencies in his pursuit. Tackling can be an issue, as he’s missed nearly a fifth of his career attempts and over a quarter of his attempts in 2024. Lapses into hitting relatively frequently. Doesn’t always see what he’s hitting.

Summary

One of the most experienced, polished cornerbacks in the class, Riley combines impressive fluidity with technique and ball skills — traits that have allowed him to develop into one of the top man-cover corners in the class.

While Riley is a little bit older than your typical prospect and isn’t the most efficient run supporter or most reliable tackler, his ability to stay in-phase, locate and make plays on the ball stands out. Possibly a second-round grade in my book, but it seems like he might end up being more of a third-round pick. Will likely have more appeal to man-heavy teams.

Projection: Round 3

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