Marcus Peters
Washington, CB
Height: 6.0
Weight: 197
40yd: 4.53
Age: 22
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Positives:
Playing speed is much better than timed speed at the combine and is quicker than fast. Displayed the ability to hang vertically with Brandin Cooks in 2013. Fluid mover and has good mirror ability off the line of scrimmage. Shows explosive burst in a straight line, able to recover downfield or crash into the backfield on running plays. Has good click and close ability. Creates pop on contact thanks to his elite explosiveness.
More than capable lining up in press and off coverage, as well as in either zone or man-to-man. Athletic and physical to cover at all levels of the field. A physical, velcro type player in press and within five yards of scrimmage. Rarely targeted when he was with Washington in 2014. Eliminates yards after the catch, even if he can’t break up the pass in zone coverage. Competes for the ball in the air like a wide receiver and shows good focus and body control to grab interceptions. Has strong instincts to read both receivers’ routes and the quarterback’s eyes.
Aggressive and can disruptive versus the running game when he is on. A wrap tackler with good technique and results. Was asked to blitz with relative frequency for a defensive back and showed good results. Explosive athleticism allows him to shave the corner and arrive from his corner spot versus the run and rushing the passer. Played on special teams coverage units and flashed the potential to be disruptive off the edge on PAT kicks and field goals.
Negatives:
Is rough around the edges and still has some refinement in terms of his technique. Will open up his hips too soon off the snap and does not have the most fluid footwork or backpedal. Can get complacent on blocks in run support and will have trouble wrangling bigger receivers after the catch. Can come in too hot and whiff as a tackler. Reportedly has clashes with coaches and does not apply coaching to his game, which shows on the field. Concerns exist about his personal character and work ethic.
Red Flags: Character, Work Ethic
Bottom Line: Marcus Peters is easily the most talented defensive back on tape in this year’s crop of prospects, and the best corner prospect since Morris Claiborne in 2012. However, like Claiborne, Peters’ undoing may be his coachability and maturity issues, as evidenced by Peters’ dismissal from the Washington program. Peters could become an elite lockdown corner if he wants to, but serious concerns about his ability to handle any coaching may result in him being the same player with the same weaknesses now, as he will in ten years.
Comparison: Morris Claiborne
Grade: 9.3 (1st Round)
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