Is Daylen Everette’s Athleticism Enough for the Commanders to Draft Him?

Player Overview

Daylen Everette was a standout defensive back in Norfolk, Virginia. His 11 interceptions in a season as a sophomore put him on IMG Academy’s radar. He transferred there to complete his high school career. As a five-star recruit, Everette had offers from several big programs. He originally committed to Clemson, but flipped his commitment to Georgia.

After a freshman season where he was a reserve that played special teams, Everette became a starter in his sophomore season playing for one of college football’s best defenses with current pros Kamari Lassiter, Malaki Starks, Javon Bullard, and Tykee Smith. As a junior, Everette came into his own. He led the Bulldogs in interceptions and was named MVP of the SEC Championship championship game, resulting in All-SEC team recognition. He followed that up with another strong season where his 10 passes defended helped him earn First-Team All-SEC honors.

Strengths

• Prototypical size for a NFL cornerback
• Displays good footwork and a disruptive punch in press man
• Closes quickly on receivers to breakup passes or limit gains
• Very aggressive at the catch point
• Speed makes him effective blitzing, covering screens, and stopping the run

Weaknesses

• Can rely too much on speed rather than technique in coverage
• Needs to find the ball in the air, especially on deep passes
• Processing of route combinations is average, which he makes up for with his speed
• Can grab receivers at the top of their routes
• Tackles high, allowing himself to get dragged by ball carriers

Let’s See His Work

(via nfl.com/iq)

How He Fits on the Commanders

The Commanders have had an active free agency. Despite signing several players, the only cornerback signed was Amik Robertson who projects to be more of a versatile defensive back than solely a cornerback. The Commanders’ starters on the outside project to be Mike Sainristil and Trey Amos with a lot of unproven depth behind them. While the team could add an unsigned veteran to the group, it appears that they will look to the draft to improve the position.

The Commanders may use their first pick in the draft to select the best cornerback in the class (they scheduled a pre-draft visit with LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane). If they choose a different position at the top of the draft, they will have to look for cornerback in the 3rd, 5th, 6th, or 7th round. Daylen Everette has the athletic traits of a top cornerback prospect. That athleticism shows up in how he closes on receivers to make a play on the ball or secure a tackle. That won’t be enough to survive in the NFL. Everette will have to improve his technique and become more consistent to be a reliable starter. I’d be more comfortable taking Everette on Day 3, but I think a team will take him earlier with the hopes of marrying his athleticism with skill to create quality starter.