Top 30 Visits
Darnay Holmes | University of California, Los Angeles
Size: 5’10”, 192 lbs.
Holmes is an undersized corner that likely projects best in the slot at the next level. He uses his body well to force receivers towards the sideline and can crowd and misdirect receivers at the top of their routes, but does not have the size to outmuscle opponents. He’s not very long either. Despite his size limitations, he’s a fairly physical player and can be disruptive at the catch point. Press coverage is a massive hole in his game, which why I see many teams putting him in the slot.
Speed: 4.48 (40-yard-dash).
He runs way faster on field than a 4.48. There’s plenty of tape of him keeping up with NFL prospects, including last year’s top blazer Marquise Brown. Feet, lateral quickness and change of direction are also lightning quick. He’s an electric return man as well. His feel for space and overhead tracking are both pluses to his skill set. His length limits his ability to break up passes, but he was very involved at UCLA and can hopefully turn that into production.
Off Man: Probably the best coverage in his tool chest. Off man allows him to use his burst and speed to make breaks on the football and keeps him away from contact at the LOS. His football IQ really shines when allowed to read and react. The combination of a sharp mind and twitchy reflexes make him a very fun corner to watch; a very promising prospect as well. He does like to jump routes, which can make him susceptible to double moves, but he does a good job to keep his eyes out of the backfield.
Run Support: A mixed bag. As a tackler, he shows good form and can bring a real lick for a guy his size. However, he doesn’t exactly love to stick his nose into traffic and can get lost in the shuffle. He doesn’t yet trust his instincts or technique enough to make fast breaks into the backfield. Still, a solid tackler with some room for growth. Obviously, if he does spend most of his time in the slot, he will need to improve this aspect of his game.
Bottom Line: Holmes would be a fantastic third round option for the Eagles. In his rookie year, he’ll bring special teams talent as a returner as well as offer some value as a nickel or dime corner. I really like the upside of his game. He’s a very cerebral player, which will only get better with time in an NFL film room. His weaknesses are well masked by the Eagles’ defensive scheme (apart from some issues in run support). For that reason, he’s probably more valuable to the Birds than some other teams, which may create an opportunity for some great second-day value. A gem in the rough for now, a better 40-time at his Pro Day may cause him to start rising.
Amik Robertson | Louisiana Tech
Size: 5’8″, 183 lbs.
Robertson is small, but he plays like nobody’s told him that yet. Not afraid to go mono e mono with bigger receivers or cut the legs out from underneath a bruising back, Robertson plays more physical than most corners twice his size. Obvious size and length limitations do show up in coverage however. He’ll continue to play in the slot in the NFL.
Speed: Did not participate at the Combine due to injury.
Overall speed is difficult to quantify without a 40-time and film against lesser competition. Clearly he had no issue running stride for stride with receivers he did face. Simply due to his size, he may be taken advantage of by taller receivers. Big slots may not be his best matchup. Smooth hips and steady footwork allow him to turn and run seamlessly. His ball skills are helped out somewhat by long limbs for a guy his size. He had pretty fantastic production in college, registering 14 interceptions in three years and was tied for the lead in PBUs in the NCAA in 2019 with 16.
Off Man: Really good mirror-match skills mix with his quickness and footwork. I think he’s a bit more comfortable when he can get his hands on a receiver, but there are no glaring weaknesses when he plays off. His time as a nickel corner has given him a good feel for space. Regardless, he is physical all throughout the route and constantly battles his opponents for leverage. There will be some discipline and technique to improve upon and he still relies a bit too heavily on his athleticism. Still, Robertson is a very technically sound corner for a day-three prospect.
Run Support: Impressive. He has very good instincts and reacts quickly and with intent. When he does arrive, he’s coming with heat — never afraid to lower the shoulder. He can be an incredibly forceful tackler.
Bottom Line: Robertson’s ceiling is more tangible for scouts due to his size, which has made him fly under the radar during the draft process. There will also be knocks due to his competition. However, whoever does take a chance on the young man could be getting a real steal. There’s a real upside and I love his mentality. He’s got some dog in him and it doesn’t take much tape to figure that out. His showing at his Pro Day will really help to solidify his draft projection. As it stands, he would be a stellar late second to third day (3rd or 4th round) selection for the Eagles.
Final Thoughts
When and where the Eagles target a corner will depend on how many receivers are gone by the time they pick in the second round. Free agency will obviously play a factor if they are unable to coax any good options into a contract. Regardless, I don’t foresee them using their first-round selection on a corner. If pass-catching prospects like K.J. Hamler and Brandon Aiyuk are gone by the time the Eagles are on the clock for the second time, there should be ample cornerback options to choose from.
My favorite second-day option is Jeff Gladney. I really like what he brings to the table and think he’s got an exciting upside. There’s really no wrong answers: a ton of prospects specialise in man coverage and are plus athletes.
If there are still receivers to be had, then the Eagles will probably defer to the third or fourth round to look at corners. In that case, I really like both Darnay Holmes and Amik Robertson. It seems like Robertson will be the quicker riser of the two, but both could reasonably still be available in the third round or on day three.
Mandatory Photo Credit: AP Photo/AJ Mast
