Jaire Alexander, Louisville: 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Louisville’s Jaire Alexander is an instinctive cornerback prospect who has a knack for creating takeaways.

Jaire Alexander has established himself as a dangerous playmaker who can impact the game on defense and in the return game. He features average size for the position with a solid build. However, Alexander’s aggressive style of play is what really jumps out.

He is a true ball-hawk who uses his instincts and quickness to generate turnovers. His ability to read the quarterback and break on the ball is a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Alexander does a great job undercutting the route for the interception.

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In man coverage, he is able to quickly get his head around and track the football. Alexander has the hands to pluck the ball out of the air, but needs to do a better job high pointing the football. He tends to let the ball come to him which won’t work at the next level.

The NFL is full of big-bodied wide receivers who really attack the football and will haul in contested passes if Alexander remains flat footed.

Overall, he appears to be a better fit in a zone scheme. This would allow him to use his ability to read and react on a consistent basis. It would also help mask what appears to be a lack of elite speed. Alexander will be outpaced on the outside by quicker receivers.

However, he does flash an explosive burst when returning punts. In this role, Alexander is a difference maker who is a threat to score every time he touches the football. He features excellent vision which helps him pick his way through traffic.

One concern about his return ability is that he will muff a few punts. He needs to do a better job remaining focused and securing the catch.

Alexander is a cornerback who will support the run. He routinely breaks down and remains balanced which makes him a reliable tackler. Louisville also asks him to blitz off the edge from time to time where he shows good snap awareness.

The big selling point for Alexander is his ability to create turnovers. Every NFL team is looking for a cornerback who can take the ball away. His testing numbers will play an important role on how high he will be drafted. He does flash good speed, but at times will get beat deep.