Eli Ricks

Alabama CB

Games Watched: Mississippi State, LSU, Kansas State

Summary: Eli Ricks is a cornerback I think projects best into a primary zone team. He has phenomenal size and he uses his size well, his length especially. He plays smart using leverage to congest space, and he has good instincts and eye discipline. The main concern is that Ricks doesn’t move very fluidly which will be a major concern against NFL wide receivers. He’s seemingly always off balance and down the field he is incredibly grabby.

Pros

  • Ideal size for a cornerback both in height and arm length
  • Uses his length and strong hands to jam and reroute receivers
  • Utilizes leverage well to congest space for receivers
  • Decent zone instincts
  • Good eye discipline

Cons

  • Not incredibly fast or agile
  • Relatively stiff hips
  • Doesn’t always maintain good balance throughout the route
  • Tendency to pull on receiver’s jerseys with the ball in the air

Grade: Eli Ricks gets a 4th round grade. He has size but he doesn’t have good movement skills or great technique, which will be a problem in the NFL.