2021 NFL Draft: 3 Prospects in the first-round mix after Senior Bowl

3. Ifeatu Meilfonwu, CB, Syracuse

Syracuse cornerback Ifeatu Melifonwu already had a growing fan club supporting him as a potential first-round pick, and he should have more backing him to be taken early following his efforts in Mobile.

Measuring in at a little under 6-foot-3 and 212 pounds, Melifonwu has great size and length for a defensive back and flashed intriguing athletic traits during the week of practice.

He showed the ability to mirror and turn his hips fluidly to maintain tight coverage, while his smoothness out of his backpedal allowed him to efficiently close to the ball when playing off coverage.

With his length enabling him to consistently make plays at the catch point, Melifonwu finished the week by shining during Saturday’s game.

Per Pro Football Focus, Melifonwu was the highest graded defender in coverage. He was targeted seven times but allowed just three catches for 31 yards and forced two incompletions.

Melifonwu’s combination of size and athleticism should have already had him on the radar of teams requiring help in the defensive backfield. Following an impressive week of practice and a standout performance in the game, those franchises can afford to have added confidence he can adapt to the league better than his elder brother Obi and successfully make the leap to the highest level.