Shemar Jean-Charles NFL Draft Overview
Position: Cornerback
Height: 5’-11”
Weight: 190 pounds
School: Appalachian State
Shemar Jean-Charles 2021 NFL Draft Profile
Instincts, determination, and a good attitude can take prospects far in football. Those traits have taken Shemar Jean-Charles this far in his career as he’s on the verge of being a draftable cornerback in the 2021 NFL Draft. A feisty, aggressive but undersized cornerback, Jean-Charles is likely going to have to fight for a place as a slot cornerback and special-teams contributor to make an NFL roster as a rookie.
A Florida native, Jean-Charles was a two-star recruit out of Miramar High School in Florida. He originally committed to Bowling Green but de-committed in 2016 before signing with Appalachian State just a few days later. After redshirting the 2016 season, Jean-Charles served as the team’s nickel corner as a redshirt freshman in 2017. He made 10 total tackles and two pass defenses in nine games.
Jean-Charles played a similar role in 2018, with very limited production (five tackles in seven games.) He became a full-time starter in 2019 and his box score production ticked up. In 14 games, Jean-Charles made 45 total tackles, nine pass defenses, and one interception. In 2020, Jean-Charles topped the FBS with 16 pass defenses. He also racked up 37 tackles and another interception, ending the year as a First-Team All-Sun Belt Conference honoree.
Strengths
- Aggressive play-style gets in receivers faces – but has a good feel for when to play off;
- Racked up good production in college – 27 passes defended in last two seasons that included two interceptions;
- Fantastic timing to make plays on the ball;
- Smooth hips – transitions down the field well, changes directions sharply;
- Instincts for the game are his best attribute – could keep him in the game, at least on special teams.
Weaknesses
- Very undersized for the NFL – Gets moved around easily by bigger receivers;
- Lack of size means he struggles to contribute against the run;
- Speed is below average for – wins with his instincts and hangs on long enough in the route to make a play on the ball;
- Physicality and aggressive occasionally turns into grabby and a walking holding call;
- Not as sound a tackler as teams will want from a developmental slot cornerback.
NFL Comparison: Will Redmond
Redmond was a third-round selection in the 2016 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. However, he suffered a knee injury as a rookie and didn’t play in an NFL game until he signed with the Green Bay Packers in 2018. At 5’-11”, 185 pounds Redmond splits time as a slot cornerback and free safety for the Packers. However, most of his NFL snaps have come on special teams.
Teams With Need at Position: Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, Arizona Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys, Tennessee Titans, Carolina Panthers
Projection: Sixth/Seventh Round
[pickup_prop id=”6180″]
Bottom Line on Shemar Jean-Charles
Ultimately, the lack of size to play on the boundary in the NFL limits Jean-Charles draft stock. He showcased a good feel for man-coverage in college and enough potential in zone to offer time as a depth cornerback. However, his instincts and obvious high football IQ should translate to him understanding special teams is his best path onto an NFL roster early in his career. Due to his size, he projects as a developmental slot corner as far as defense is concerned, so the more he can do for a team on special teams, the better.
Jean-Charles’ tackling also has to improve in order to contribute more consistently against the run. He’ll always struggle against big offensive linemen and tight ends in run support. In addition, several talent evaluators suggest the Appalachian State corner would have given up more plays in a more competitive conference. Inaccurate passing and a lack of top-tier wide receiver talent gave Jean-Charles more chances to make a play on the ball than he would have got against a higher level of competition.
Shemar Jean-Charles enters the NFL after a highly productive college career for Appalachian State. He faces a difficult road ahead to make an NFL roster. However, the high football IQ and obvious instincts give him an advantage over most rookies entering their first camps in the pros.
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
