Ourlads' Profile:
2023 Guide: What Ourlads’ NFL Scouting Services said about ELI RICKS:
Alabama | H: 6020 W: 190 40: 4.45 A: 3238 H: 0878 W: 7878
Two-and-a-half year starter, Rancho Cucamonga, CA. Started for two years at LSU before transferring to Alabama last fall. Rare athlete with height, length, to go with solid athleticism. Has played multiple techniques in man coverage with experience in deep outside third and quarters. At LSU he excelled as a press man corner his freshmen year before being slowed by injuries as a sophomore. At Alabama injuries slowed his progress and he struggled some with the new team’s expectations. Came on in the latter part of the season to start five games. In man coverage he shows a two and off hand jam and is effective disrupting the release. Rarely gives up leverage and shows excellent mirror ability versus route breaks. Anticipates cuts and can undercut to stay in phase vertically or horizontally going hip to hip. When in phase he can locate the ball and uses his length to get to the catch point. In off coverage shows smooth pedal and adjusts speed to maintain cushion. Times turn and run to stay connected to the route. As a zone defender processes route combinations and balances multiple routes in outside zones. Not the most aggressive in run support and tackling is inconsistent. Can miss or give up yards after contact. In off coverage makes more tackles than plays on the ball as he’s not the most sudden reacting and is inconsistent playing the ball. Some questions on his burst covering deep. Occasionally overruns a route break and gets grabby as a result. Injuries and inconsistency have been an issue but he has flashed the play of a lock down corner when healthy. He has a lanky frame and could use more bulk. Has the tools and a corner-needy team should take him on day two.
2022 Stats: 13 T, 1 TFL, 4 PBU. 3rd/4th round.