Ladarius Gunter
Miami, CB
Height: 6.2
Weight: 195
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Athleticism: C-
Is huge for the corner position, and lacks the same athleticism as most other corners, some of whom are nearly a half foot shorter than him. However, he has adequate foot speed, and has good fluidity for his size, though he needs to clean up his technique to better maximize it.
Coverage: C
Played a lot zone at Miami, but is no stranger to man either. Rarely backpedaled when lined up at corner, and when he did as a nickel-safety, did not look very smooth. Will need to learn to backpedal off the line, rather than immediately opening up his hips and running. Physical funneling receivers inside and has a good burst to close. Had his struggles against Kelvin Benjamin in 2013, but hung well with Issac Blakeney in 2014.
Physicality: B-
Has the bulk, height, and length to play press in the NFL, but was not asked to do so very often at Miami. Would often line up at the line of scrimmage, but would immediately bail into zone at the snap. Not afraid to get physical in his routes, however, and was very effective in short coverage. Lacks a hard-edged mentality against the run, and does not project to safety as a result. Must do a better job of wrapping up as a tackler.
Ball Skills: B-
Has good ability to track the football and is able to lay out for the football and reel it in. Did not show wide receiver-type hands, but likely won’t drop many opportunities. Has a long frame and long arms to break up passes and to fight for the ball.
Instincts: C
Has plus instincts, as he played in a number of roles and capabilities with the Hurricanes. Lined up in press, off, man, and zone as a corner, but also lined up in the slot and as a deep safety. However, he would also be absent from the field for stretches of time, which raises some concern.
Red Flags: None
Bottom Line: While Ladarius Gunter has some technical flaws which he will have to clean up, he has the length and athleticism that are coveted in today’s NFL. Gunter might possess the frame of a safety, I doubt his mindset versus the run to play a position that has more emphasis on that particular area. Gunter would fit best in a press zone defense, particularly as an outside corner in nickel and dime situations.
Comparison: Bennett Jackson
Grade: 7.5 (5th Round)
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