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2021 NFL Draft: Syracuse CB Ifeatu Melifonwu puts himself on map

By Cory Kinnan

KALAMAZOO, MI - AUGUST 31: Ifeatu Melifonwu #23 of the Syracuse Orange in action during a game against the Western Michigan Broncos at Waldo Stadium on August 31, 2018 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Syracuse won 55-42. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
KALAMAZOO, MI - AUGUST 31: Ifeatu Melifonwu #23 of the Syracuse Orange in action during a game against the Western Michigan Broncos at Waldo Stadium on August 31, 2018 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Syracuse won 55-42. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Ifeatu Melifonwu puts himself on the 2021 NFL Draft radar

It is a great feeling to have football back, and an even better feeling to evaluate players as they vie for a rise to their 2021 NFL Draft stock with a solid season. One of those prospects who put on a show an inserted themselves onto the map is Syracuse cornerback Ifeatu Melifonwu.

The younger brother of former second round pick Obi Melifonwu, Ifeatu possesses tantalizing size for the cornerback position, listed at 6-foot-3 and 213 pounds. Up against North Carolina’s dynamic duo of wide receivers Dyami Brown and Dazz Newsome, Melifonwu got into some trouble early on, but settled in nicely.

Melifonwu looks to pad resume before 2021 NFL Draft

Entering his Redshirt Junior year, Melifonwu is coming off of his first full season as a starter for the Orange. In nine games a year ago at the cornerback position, Melifonwu racked up seven passes defended and two interceptions for head coach Dino Babers’ defense. For his career entering 2020, Melifonwu has recorded a total of 13 passes defended and two interceptions.

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As NFL teams are looking to defend the pass with greater prevalence in today’s game, you can never have enough cornerbacks on your roster. One with the tantalizing size and traits of Melifonwu could see his name rise up boards as he prepares for Week 2 of his 2020 season.

How did Ifeatu Melifonwu look vs. UNC?

Melifonwu finished his week one performance against the Tar Heels with two pass break ups and four solo tackles. On one of his pass break ups, Melifonwu stuck in the hip pocket of Brown, ripped across his hands, and popped the ball into the hands of his teammate for an interception.

The Draft Network’s Joe Marino took down some notes on the lengthy Melifonwu:

"“Smooth athlete with terrific length. Blend of length and ball skills leads to disruption at the catch point. Breaks on the football with good timing, showcasing the ability to drive forward on the ball and track it over his shoulder. Flashes the ability to win in press coverage and he’s willing to crowd the frame of receivers early.”"

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Getting a large portion of man coverage reps on tape, Melifonwu was able to use his size, length, and physicality to his advantage. If he can continue to prove he has fluidity in his hips despite his size, click and close in an efficient manner, and ball skills, then NFL teams will come drooling over him by the time the 2021 NFL Draft rolls around.

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