Julius Brents NFL Draft Overview
Position: Cornerback
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 205 pounds
School: Kansas State
2023 NFL Draft: Julius Brents Scouting Report
Julius Brents hails from Kansas State University. Originally a third-star recruit out of high school, Brents is a rare physical specimen that started his career in Iowa. Brents hardly saw the field his first two years, playing in only seven games, the cornerback hardly had a chance to make an impact. Having just 17 tackles and one interception, Brents decided to make a transfer to Kansas State. The move paid off.
After the transfer, the big-bodied cornerback found a niche suitable for his frame. Brents is a corner by trade but could get a look at playing a safety position. Due to the ceaselessly ferocious nature of his play at the line of scrimmage — Brents totaled 49 tackles with one interception, including three tackles for a loss.
Having the body frame along with the physical play, Brents is a hot commodity to be looked at for a team interested in adding a player who plays the whole field. In 2022, he improved significantly — picking off four passes and while breaking up an additional four attempts. The fact of the matter is, Brent can be a bit risky at times, since he’s always looking to make the impact play of the game. On the other hand, the rewards are there if a team plays aggressive defense.
Strengths
- Fierce play when engaging in the backfield;
- Ability to play both safety and corner positions;
- Able to win 50/50 balls with outstanding leaping ability;
- Outstanding playing on the outside receivers;
- Natural instinct of knowing when to break on the ball.
Weaknesses
- Over-aggressiveness can bite him downfield;
- A bit older at the age of 24;
- More discipline when a play breaks down;
- Average speed;
- Be more expansive with vision around the whole field.
NFL Comparison: Patrick Surtain II
Round Projection: 3rd–4th Round
Teams with a Need: Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Chargers, Detroit Lions, Arizona Cardinals
Bottom Line on Julius Brents
There will always be caution when there is a cornerback this tall from the NFL Draft. The fact is, there are not many out there playing in the NFL. However, this prospect is not your everyday prospect. The matchup problems he could create for taller tight ends is like no other. Tight ends going up in the middle for an easy catch is becoming more and more popular. Look no further than the Kansas City Chiefs.
A guy like Julius Brents is a rare commodity to be able to see eye to eye on not only the tight end, but wide receivers that are tall and lanky. Brents aggressiveness is there to play right up in their face mask. Furthermore, the instinct to go in deep on the run is almost having another linebacker on the field. Eventually, he’ll have to learn the speed of the game — and the big bodies coming at him in the NFL.
Still, there is plenty to like in Brents. Players do not come along with the skill set of Brents’ caliber. There will be questions about his speed too. It’s a fair knock — only because he can get twisted around because of his aggressive nature. Coaches will need to be patient to coach him up. Look for him to be involved if the right scheme utilizes him accordingly.
Main Photo: Vasha Hunt – USA Today Sports
