Editor’s note: This article is part of an ongoing series in which we will highlight a collection of prospects in advance of the 2015 NFL Draft, beginning April 30.
IFO EKPRE-OLOMU
Oregon, Cornerback
Age: 21
Height: 5' 9 1/8"
Weight: 192 pounds
Hands: 9 5/8"
Arms: 31 7/8"
Wing Span: 75 7/8"
Bench Press Reps: N/A (choice)
40-time: N/A (left knee)
Vertical Jump: N/A (left knee)
Broad Jump: N/A (left knee)
Positives: Consistently among the top corners in the nation (three-time All-Pac-12, 2014 AP All-American). A densely-built defensive back with natural cover skills. Tackles low and wraps up. Not afraid to dive in a pile near the line of scrimmage. Terrific ball skills, grabbing nine interceptions over his final three seasons. Super athletic, aggressive player that baits quarterbacks. Light on his feet with good change-of-direction skills. Solid route anticipation. Feel to break away from his own assignment and provide extra cover help in other areas of the field. Instinctual in zone coverage.
Negatives: Not very tall, lacking the length to press larger receivers at the line and compete with big NFL bodies at the catch point. Does not possess top-flight, straight-line speed or agility. Lacks elite tools to recover from missteps. Suffered a non-contact knee injury toward the end of 2014, which ended his season. Concerns as to how he’ll return from injury and inactivity.
NFL comparison: Brent Grimes (Dolphins CB)
Stats courtesy NFL media services
Positives/negatives courtesy NFL.com