Mekhi Garner NFL Draft Overview
Position: Cornerback
Height: 6′-2″
Weight: 216 pounds
School: LSU
2023 NFL Draft: Mekhi Garner Scouting Report
Mekhi Garner started his college career at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He appeared in two games for the Ragin Cajuns in 2019 and recorded five tackles (four solo, one assisted). In the Covid-19 shortened season of 2020, Garner started eight games at cornerback while appearing in all 11 of Louisiana’s games. He had 27 total tackles (22 solo, five assisted), one sack, a forced fumble, three interceptions, and seven passes defended.
Garner picked up where he left off in 2021, appearing in 12 of 14 games for Louisiana while making 31 tackles (21 solo, 10 assisted), including half a sack, while also forcing a fumble and defending against a college career-high of eight passes.
After the season, Garner entered the transfer portal and moved an hour east on I-10, becoming an LSU Tiger. In his lone season in the purple and yellow, Garner had a career-high in tackles (43 total; 26 solo, 17 assisted), and had four passes defended.
Strengths
- Is above average NFL cornerback height and size (6′-2″, 216 pounds);
- Hard hitter; hits like a safety;
- Makes the transition to a shuffle on deep passes look natural and flawless;
- Skilled in stopping the run;
- Plays from the snap until the whistle blow; tenacious.
Weaknesses
- Overall, footwork is shoddy; needs improvement;
- Does not have great speed or acceleration;
- Needs to improve tackles; volume-wise;
- Needs to strengthen core and lower body; frequently off-balance;
- Has not picked off a pass in his last 27 college games (Last interception, 12/20).
NFL Comparison: Rasul Douglas
Teams With Need At Position: Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Washington Commanders
Projection: Rounds 5-6
Bottom Line on Mekhi Garner
Mekhi Garner is a beast of a cornerback prospect at 6′-2″ and 216 pounds. In some respects, being that big has its disadvantages and for Garner, it is not any different. While big and tall, he has poor footwork, lacks speed and acceleration, and frequently finds himself off-balance. He is also not the best tackler and will need to work to be better at finishing tackles, something he did not do well during his college career.
Again, for his size Garner has not picked off a pass since December 2020. There is speculation that he may be moved to safety in the NFL, which given his size and lack of speed, may not be a bad idea. The team that will give him an opportunity will see that he does hit like a safety already, is able to defend adequately against the deep ball, and is a big part of helping to stop the opposing team’s run game. Garner also does not quit playing until he hears the whistle blow. These qualities will entice a team to pick him in either Round 5 or 6.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
