A.J. Green Overview
Position: Cornerback
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 195 pounds
School: Oklahoma State University
NFL Combine Performance Data
40 Yard Dash: 4.62 seconds
Bench Press: 13 reps
A.J. Green 2020 NFL Draft Profile
This is not the same A.J. Green NFL and Fantasy Football fans have accustomed themselves to over the years. In fact, his real name is Alvin J. Green. This A.J. Green was a three-star recruit from DeSoto High School out of DeSoto, Texas. After receiving offers from Arizona State, Boise State, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, and many others, Green decided to sign his letter of intent with Oklahoma State on February 3, 2016.
During his freshman year in 2016, Green played in sparingly in nine games. In only his sophomore season, he went from a backup player to full-time starter while leading the team with four interceptions. As Green transitioned into his junior season, he began to consistently match up with the number 1 receiver on the opposing team. Green went on to earn Second Team All-Big 12 honors entering his senior season. During his final season with Oklahoma State, Green was voted as a team captain. In his matchup with dynamic Sooners wide receiver Ceedee Lamb, he was responsible for limiting Lamb to 4 receptions for 36 yards. As a result of his improved play, the Oklahoma State defense played much better in 2019 compared to 2018. Once again, he earned Second-Team All-Big 12 honors.
Because of his performance in his senior year, Green was invited to participate in the 2020 Senior Bowl. He excelled during seven-on-seven practice sessions. Unfortunately, he was not targeted much during the North vs South game, which is a good indication for cornerbacks.
Strengths
- Good in press at the line of scrimmage;
- Plays ball aggressively once in the air;
- Decent size/length;
- Willing tackler in the run game;
- Three years of starting experience.
Weaknesses
- Struggles against good route runners;
- Slow hips;
- Looks uncomfortable in space;
- Lacks straight-line speed;
- Gets handsy once he’s beat.
NFL Comparison: Eric Rowe
Teams with Need at Position: Washington Redskins, Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets, Oakland Raiders, Denver Broncos, Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings, Tennessee Titans, Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans, Chicago Bears
Projection: Round 4-5
Bottom Line on A.J. Green
The best thing about A.J. Green is his three-year starting experience in college. Because of that, he can contribute as a spot starter if called upon. Green’s aggressive hand placement and footwork are some things NFL scouts are looking for at the next level. Add in Green’s willingness to get downhill and engage in the run game, there is potential for him to flourish with the right team.
However, where he seems to struggle are his instincts in space and the ability to stick with receivers downfield. Consequently, this leads to his issue by getting too aggressive with his hands once he is beaten. His speed is not ideal at the next level either.
While Green may never develop into a consistent starter, he can find a home on a team as a CB3/4 as a depth player. Although he struggles with speedy receivers, Green will be best served against the bigger body, “go up and get it” type of receivers. However, the value is definitely there for a team to bulk up on secondary depth.
Main photo:
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