With The First Pick
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2018 NFL Draft: Mike Hughes Scouting Report

By Jon Dove

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Mike Hughes #19 of the UCF Knights and Darius Slayton #81 of the Auburn Tigers battle for the ball in the first half during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Mike Hughes #19 of the UCF Knights and Darius Slayton #81 of the Auburn Tigers battle for the ball in the first half during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Central Florida’s Mike Hughes is one of the faster rising prospects in the 2018 NFL Draft class.

Mike Hughes is cornerback prospect in the 2018 NFL Draft who can also be categorized as a playmaker. This is an explosive athlete who jumps off the screen with his quickness. His burst shows up both on defense and special teams.

Hughes is an electric return man with 3 touchdowns this past season. He is ready to contribute immediately on both kick and punt returns.

His return ability is special, but Hughes has also developed into a very capable cover corner. He plays an aggressive style of defense always attacking the football. Hughes doesn’t let bigger receivers gain position and will fight through contact.

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His toughness extends to the running game where he doesn’t hesitate to deliver a big hit. It’s this aggressive style that will curb some concerns regarding his smaller frame and height. The one negative with his tackling is that he needs to wrap up more consistently. Too often he just throws his body at the ball carrier.

In coverage, Hughes plays with excellent balance and a low pad level. This allows him to easily change direction and keep in-phase with his target. He does a good job locating the football and feeling developing routes.

His quick-twitch ability allows him to click and close on the football. Hughes has the balls skills to be a turnover machine at the next level. This combined with his experience in the return game makes him a threat to score whenever the ball touches his hands.

Hughes has the making of an excellent slot corner who can play on the outside in traditional sets. Don’t let his size fool you; this is a player who will show up on tape and routinely make game changing plays.

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