Kevin Toliver 2018 NFL Draft Profile

Kevin Toliver 2018 NFL Draft Profile

Following a successful high school career that culminated with a Florida state championship, Kevin Toliver was a five-star recruit and the nation’s top-ranked prospect at defensive back in 2015. However, there was no bidding war for Toliver that year since he had already committed to LSU as a sophomore back in 2012. He didn’t take long to make a strong impression on coaches as he started eight games as a freshman and played in all 12. Toliver made 35 total tackles, one interception, and broke up five passes.

After an impressive first season, Toliver gained national attention and faced high expectations heading into his sophomore year. Unfortunately, Toliver was limited to just five starts as he struggled through a knee injury early on and suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in LSU’s seventh game. Toliver managed 20 total tackles and broke up one pass that season.

Toliver entered the 2017 season hoping to rebound from his rough sophomore season. However, he faced competition from teammate Andraez Williams in the starting lineup. Toliver ended up starting only five games, and he spent much of the season in the slot behind Williams and fellow 2018 draft prospect Donte Jackson. Despite the reduced role, Toliver was at least able to play in every game except for LSU’s season opener. He finished his junior year with 27 total tackles, one sack, one interception and 10 pass breakups.

Strengths

ideal height and frame for the cornerback position;

very physical in press coverage, disrupts routes;

rarely gives up easy completions on short routes;

dependable tackler;

most wide receivers struggle to block him;

has impressive speed for his size;

correctly anticipates a receiver’s first break.

Weaknesses

hesitates to assist teammates with tackles;

has trouble locating deep passes;

continues contact with receivers in press coverage beyond five yards;

struggles to match routes with multiple breaks;

waits too long to turn his head and locate the ball;

former coaches and scouts have voiced character concerns;

fell down the depth chart last season and started only five games.

NFL Comparison: Brandon Browner

Projection: Third to fourth round

Bottom Line

Following the success of his freshman season, many expected Toliver to someday enter the draft as a first-round projection. But injuries and inconsistent play have since hurt his reputation. Unfortunately, Toliver has also been labeled as a player with character concerns. Toliver was suspended for the first half of a game in 2016 after missing a team meeting and missed the 2017 season opener for undisclosed disciplinary reasons. Still, Toliver benefits from a physical frame that defensive coordinators dream about, and he showed improvement in man coverage and route anticipation last season.