Scouting the 2020 NFL Draft: Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU

Kristian Fulton could be one of the first cornerbacks off the board in the 2020 NFL Draft if the LSU corner replicates his stellar 2018 this coming season.

Only one cornerback was selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, but the 2020 class appears blessed with a greater depth of talent at the position and LSU’s Kristian Fulton could vault himself into the contention to be taken in the first 32 picks with a strong senior season.

Fulton was magnificent as a junior for the Tigers. He allowed just six combined first downs and touchdowns in 2018, according to Pro Football Focus, the lowest mark among corners returning for the 2019 season, and had nine pass deflections and an interception as a junior.

Having those kind of numbers next to your name when playing in the SEC will naturally attract attention, and the former five-star recruit was a tough man to ignore last season as he made his presence felt with his aggressive style of play.

At 6’0″ and 192 pounds, Fulton has ideal size for the position as well as the requisite athleticism, showing fluidity in how he turns his hips and changes direction. It is his physicality at the catch point, however, that stands out most.

Fulton rarely gives ground when competing for the football, though he frequently toes the line between physical coverage and pass interference. More nuance may be required for Fulton to avoid falling on the wrong side of that line in the NFL, but there is no doubt he has the instincts to thrive in the pros.

He does an excellent job in transition and consistently gets a great break on the football, though he has a habit of getting there a touch early.

In terms of outside attention, Fulton played second fiddle to Greedy Williams last year. Williams had been seen as a potential first-rounder but eventually went in the second round to the Cleveland Browns with his stock having been affected by worries over his effort level, particularly in run defense.

That is unlikely to be an issue for Fulton, who is just as aggressive in run support as he is in pass coverage. He shows no hesitation in attacking downhill against the run and looks to hit low and wrap up where he can. The same mindset is evident when he comes on corner blitzes, Fulton having displayed the ability to survive contact from blockers when pursuing the quarterback.

What is likely to be of concern to NFL teams is Fulton’s injury history — he had offseason foot surgery after being hampered by ankle issues towards the end of 2018 — and off-field troubles. Fulton missed the entire 2017 season after he was suspended for a failed drugs test.

But, playing in one of the most secondaries in the country, NFL franchises will be more willing to overlook those issues if Fulton puts together a full season of tape as impressive as his 2018 film was. He will be under close scrutiny in 2019 and is a strong bet to hear his name called on day one next April if he responds in the right way.