Seahawks: 3 Shaquill Griffin replacements in 2021 NFL Draft
By Surae Poole
2. Ifeatu Melifonwu, Syracuse
Syracuse cornerback Ifeatu Melifonwu is a fun prospect. He has vines for arms and brings great athleticism. He’s a physical corner with good ball skills. He improved as a run defender and as a tackler last season. He seemed more willing to meet ball carriers with aggression. His technique improved as a tackler as well.
Yes, covering is more important than tackling when discussing cornerback prospects but it’s worth noting his tackling abilities. He didn’t have great ball production in college but when he showed the ability to break and drive on the football. His length allows him to give receivers trouble at the catch point.
Listed at 6-foot-2 and 212 pounds, Melifonwu is a bigger corner that can bring a little versatility to the Seahawks defense. He has traits that can translate to him playing safety if need be. This a prospect who has continued to get better each season and the predominant zone-based defense that Seattle runs would do so many good things for him as a player.
He understands his leverage in zone coverage which allows him to key in on his reads when reading the quarterback’s eyes. With his explosiveness and quickness, Melifonwu projects well as a starting outside cornerback in a zone scheme.