Florida’s Vernon Hargreaves III Scouting Report
Vernon Hargreaves III is the top cover cornerback in the 2016 NFL draft class and has a chance to be an instant game changer. He’s not only a terrific athlete but also a smart and instinctual player. Hargreaves may be one of the few rookie cornerbacks not to go through many growing pains.
His ability to see developing routes, read the quarterback and break on the ball makes him a major threat to create turnovers. Hargreaves has terrific hands and looks to pluck the ball away from his frame.
In the NFL, it’s not good enough just to provide tight coverage as most of the top cornerbacks also generate takeaways.
Hargreaves features the athleticism and football IQ to fit multiple defenses. His hip fluidity and change of direction allow him to play in-phase with the receiver and limit separation. He may lack ideal size, but isn’t afraid of contact and knows out to gain proper position.
His willingness to support the run and fight through blocks only increases his value. It also shows his tenacity and toughness. Hargreaves won’t shy away from a challenge and understands that defensive backs need to have short memories.
He isn’t the type of player who’ll lose his confidence; more like someone who’ll looks to erase his mistakes on the next play.
There’s a lot of hype surrounding Florida State’s Jalen Ramsey as the top defensive back in this draft, but my board looks different. Hargreaves’ instincts, sound technique and playmaking ability puts him safely ahead of Ramsey in my rankings.
Draft Range: Top-10