Zech McPhearson 2021 NFL Draft Profile
Position: Cornerback
Height: 5’10.5
Weight: 196 lbs.
School: Texas Tech University
Pro Day Stats
Hand: 08 3/4
Arm: 30 3/4
Wingspan: 76
40-Yard Dash: 4.50
20-Yard Dash: 2.50
10-Yard Dash: 1.53
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 14
Vertical Jump: 40 1/2
Broad Jump: 10’10”
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.03
3-Cone Drill: 6.84
Zech McPhearson 2021 NFL Draft Profile
Overview
Born in Columbia, Maryland, McPhearson attended Riverdale Baptist High School where he had 14 interceptions, 37 pass breakups, over 1,000 all-purpose yards, and 17 touchdowns in his career. He received Capital Area District MVP honors in his senior year, was a Maryland Pigskin First-Team All-State Honoree, and was named team MVP. ESPN.com rated McPhearson as a four-star prospect, #129 recruit in the U.S., and the #12 cornerback in the U.S. 247Sports.com ranked him as a four-star prospect, #11 in the state, and #32 as a cornerback in the U.S. Rivals.com ranked him a three-star prospect, #19 in the state, and the #39 cornerback in the U.S. Scout had McPhearson as a three-star prospect, the best prospect in the state, and #33 as a cornerback in the U.S. He committed to Penn State University.
McPhearson was redshirted his first season at Penn State but had one assisted tackle. The following season, McPhearson completed five solo and three assisted tackles with one punt return. As a sophomore, he completed six solo and two assisted tackles with two passes defended. McPhearson transferred to Texas Tech University. In his junior year, he had 42 solo and nine assisted tackles with five passes defended. Additionally, he had three punt returns for 25 yards. During his senior season, McPhearson completed 47 solo and six assisted tackles with four interceptions and six passes defended.
His teammates named him to the Captain’s Circle in his senior year. McPhearson was one of the top players in both the NCAA and Big 12 in takeaways and interceptions. He led his team in interceptions and fumble recoveries and was fifth in tackles. McPhearson’s four interceptions and two fumble recoveries were the most in a season since J.J. Gaines. He was also ranked second on the team in pass breakups behind DaMarcus Fields.
Strengths
- Father and five brothers all athletes – comes from an athletic family
- Extremely versatile in his play – can be used in multiple ways
- Good football IQ and play awareness on the field
- Has good hands for interceptions – battles for position
- Extremely competitive and never gives up on a play
Weaknesses
- Lacks height and undersized – can be overmatched by bigger receivers
- Average footwork and backward mobility
- Can lack explosiveness when needing to jump for an interception
- Lateral agility needs improvement
- In the heat of the moment, he can lose track of the route
Player Comparison: Kevin Peterson
Teams With Need At Position: Buffalo Bills, Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, New Orleans Saints, Detroit Lions
Draft Projection: Fifth Round
Bottom Line on Zech McPhearson
McPhearson is a competitive, physical who challenges opposing receivers even when he is outsized. His versatility will be a major boon for teams, who could use his skills for special team play. His family’s athletic background shows McPhearson’s capabilities and athletic potential with further development. Size and footwork knock McPhearson down to the mid-rounds, but his skill set is very intriguing.
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