Noah Igbinoghene 2020 NFL Draft Profile

Noah Igbinoghene 2020 NFL Draft Profile

Noah Igbinoghene finished his junior year at Auburn and decided to pursue his career in the NFL. He is originally from Trussville, Alabama. Igbinoghene attended high school in his hometown and played football and ran track. His parents also ran track, and they were both in the Olympics. Igbinoghene clearly got his speed from them, as he ran a 4.48 second 40 yard dash at the combine. He started out as a receiver and kick returner. However, Igbinoghene switched positions his sophomore year of college. The highly skilled athlete became a cornerback.

Igbinoghene started the past two seasons at cornerback. Even though he needs to work on his craft, Igbinoghene has proven himself to be competent at cornerback all while continuing to be a return specialist. In the 2018 season, Igbinoghene had 39 solo tackles, 11 pass break-ups, and one interception. Then in the 2019 season, he had 28 solo tackles along with seven pass break-ups. Besides his defensive snaps, Igbinoghene also had good kick return ability. Over the course of his college career, Igbinoghene had 44 kick returns. He averaged 27.3 yards per return, and scored two touchdowns.

Strengths

Elite speed with a 4.48 second 40 yard dash and a track background;

Aggressive at the line of scrimmage, sometimes causing receivers to stumble at the line;

Nimble hips allow him to change direction on the drop of a dime;

Excellent route recognition and attack in zone coverage;

Able to mirror receivers throughout routes with good fluidity;

His aggressiveness and strength combine to make for powerful hits;

Strong kick return ability that will be evident his rookie season.

Weaknesses

Only started for two years at cornerback and is still developing his skills;

Often plays the receiver too strongly, not getting his eyes to the ball;

Although quick feet, premature steps at the line cause him to fall behind in routes;

Interceptions have been low for a receiver turned cornerback;

Though he can deliver powerful hits, needs to work on wrapping up for tackles;

NFL Comparison: Richard Sherman

Projection: Late second to early third round

Bottom Line on Noah Igbinoghene

Igbinoghene’s speed, strength, and competitiveness make him an intriguing prospect for the NFL. Furthermore, his switch to cornerback makes him an unpolished but full of potential athlete. Igbinoghene’s physical characteristics and motivation will make up for his lack of experience at cornerback to start.

Igbinoghene will definitely have a learning curve in the NFL. But his last two seasons at Auburn showed that he’s ready for a challenge. When he lines up at cornerback or returns kicks, look for him to play with speed and intensity. Igbinoghene should be a day two selection, but his potential is through the roof.

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