Positional ranking: #9

Big Board ranking: #47

 

Overview

Position: CB

College: Michigan

Class: Junior

Age: 21

 

Measurables

Height: 5’10 5/8”

Weight: 196 lbs.

Arm length: 30 7/8”

Hand size: 9 5/8”

 

Athletic testing

40-yard dash: 4.45 sec.

Vertical jump: 39.5”

Broad jump: 120.0”

Bench press: 15 reps

3-cone drill: 6.45 sec.

Short shuttle: 3.97 sec.

 

Strengths

Pure man-to-man cover talent with top-tier quickness and athleticism. Stays low and easily mirrors receivers in press coverage. Phenomenal footwork. Does a good job redirecting despite a lack of length. Plus long speed. Quickly flips his hips to defend vertical routes. Usually gets his head around to locate the ball. Rarely allows significant separation. Doesn’t bite on double moves. Has experience inside with the athletic profile to match up with top slot options. Good pursuit and fully wraps as a tackler. Allowed just 18 receptions in two seasons at Michigan.

 

Weaknesses

Arm length is below average. Bigger receivers could give him issues when the ball is in the air. Needs to be a little more aggressive taking on blockers. Doesn’t have elite instincts.

 

NFL comparison

Jason Verrett – Almost exclusively, David Long was used as a shutdown press cornerback for the Wolverines, and similar to Verrett, he has the natural cover ability to make up for any concerns about size/length.

 

Conclusion

Overall, David Long is one of the best man-to-man corners in the class, and despite the strength and depth at the position, he has a chance to hear his name called earlier than people expect. I think Long can be an excellent option both inside and on the perimeter.