Scouting the 2020 NFL Draft: Adversity has shaped LSU CB Kristian Fulton
Summary
Kristian Fulton leaves LSU with two years of starting experience at LSU. Battling through injuries and a suspension, Fulton showed his desire to make it to the next level. He continued to work on his craft while he was suspended by practicing with the team every week. That mark on his record remains, but it shaped him into a better player and man.
Playing two years at LSU in a man coverage heavy system, Fulton enters the NFL with good height and length. He has the most success when playing in press-man coverage with the ability to take on top receivers using his outstanding footwork and hip flexibility to match receivers at the line of scrimmage knocking off their timing. Staying on the receivers hip pocket even through tight breaks, Fulton displays the ball skills to challenge passes thrown his way.
With exceptional route recognition and awareness from an off or zone coverage, Fulton has the opportunity to be just as talented in those areas with some work. He will need to clean up some of his technique, but he has the athleticism and mental processing to be a top-end zone corner. His lack of desire to contribute against the run might be a problem for some teams, which could lead to him falling down the board much like Greedy Williams did a year ago.
Lack of play strength limits him when attempting to shed blocks against the run. Fulton also struggled when faced up against bigger, more physical receivers during his time at LSU. Adding some mass and conditioning will be paramount if a team wants him to take on bigger opponents in the NFL.
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Kristian Fulton projects to be an early second-round grade. While his man coverage is one of the best in the country when it comes to staying attached to the receiver, he will have to show improvement against the run, against bigger receivers, and clean up his technique when playing off the line of scrimmage. Fulton looks to have a long career in the NFL with a high starter ceiling, but he will need some development early on.