STRENGTHS
Deandre is the type of player who plays bigger than his size. He has very wide shoulders that gives him unusual arm span and length that is deceiving when he will be measured. He is strong and is a physical type of corner back and in side the red zone he will fight for the ball. Deandre has good overall athleticism to mirror his opponent in single coverage. He shows the speed and quickness and change direction skills to be used in the slot and become a solid cornerback for the team that selects him.
CONCERNS
Deandre’s size will be a concern for most teams but I think his big shoulders giving him a larger arm span for his size is enough to make teams think twice about his size being an issue. He is not quick to support the run mentally and that bothers me more than a lack of size. He settles for others to make tackles but when he is forced he can tackle.
TALENT BOARD ROUND 2.08
Although Deandre looks like he can play in the slot teams will not be convinced until after he is selected and plays in the slot and proves it. He is tough enough but his lack of willingness to take on tackles before others is an issue on film that could be magnified at the next level. His numbers at the combine could sneak him into the later part of the first round but right now, you draft with the information you have and the information for me is that Deandre will be a solid cornerback but is limited to playing one position in your defensive backfield because of his size and lack of willingness to be the first player in, to support the run. There is nothing stopping Deandre from becoming a much better player that I have projected him to be, all he has to do is be more of a leader than a follower in his play on the field. He has the talent and I think he has the arm span to make up for his lack of size. As soon as he becomes more of a team player this kid could be one of the steals of this draft. It’s all up to him.
