2016 NFL Draft: Virginia’s Maurice Canady Scouting Report
By Jon Dove
Virginia’s Maurice Canady is a solid cornerback prospect who will hear his name called at some point during the draft weekend.
Virginia’s Maurice Canady is a big-bodied cornerback who uses his size to his advantage. He does a good job fighting through contact and coming up to support the run. Canady isn’t afraid to take on blockers in order to set the edge and force the runner back inside.
He has experience lining at several areas on the field including on the outside and in the slot. However, his size means he’ll likely stick on the outside in the NFL. Canady also has experience playing both zone and man coverage.
In zone, he plays with a low base which helps him remain balanced in his back pedal. This also allows him to use his short-area burst to click and close on the football. Canady is a reliable tackler who limits yards after contact.
His size and tackling ability means that some teams might consider moving Canady to safety if he doesn’t work out at cornerback. The fact he does a good job reading the quarterback while playing zone also helps with this possible transition.
However, teams will absolutely give him a shot at cornerback and likely ask him to play more man coverage than he did at Virginia. He has the overall speed, fluidity and size that evaluators look for in potential shutdown cornerbacks.
Canady brings added value as a punt returner where he shows some elusiveness and big-play ability. He also has a good understanding for fielding punts in that he secures the ball before he runs and doesn’t take unnecessary risk.
Draft Range- 3rd Round