2015 NFL Draft: Day 2 Prospects Worth Reaching For
Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisville defensive back Charles Gaines speaks to the media at the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Charles Gaines, Louisville Cardinals
Position: Cornerback
Height & Weight: 5’10” & 180 pounds
2014 Season Statistics: 36 total tackles, 31 solo, 1.0 for loss, 1.0 sack, 2 INT, 1 fumble forced, 10 passes defended
On most boards, the cornerbacks with first-round grades are Jalen Collins of the LSU Tigers, Marcus Peters of the Washington Huskies and Trae Waynes of the Michigan State Spartans. One name tends to be left off the list—if for no other reason but his size.
If you can get past his height—just under 5’10″—you’ll find Charles Gaines of the Louisville Cardinals to be one of the best defensive prospects at his position.
In terms of man-to-man coverage, there aren’t many prospects more proficient than Gaines in the 2015 NFL Draft. Despite his average hands, he does an excellent job of containing receivers.
Gaines overcomes his lackluster height with his long arms and exquisite speed.
Charles Gaines is short (5'9 5/8") but good length and a lot of speed. 4.34u on 2nd run.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) February 23, 2015
If he can develop consistency in coming up with interceptions, Gaines could be one of the top defensive players to emerge from this draft class.
His height is a reasonable concern, but Gaines makes life difficult for every wide receiver he encounters. He’ll play physically at the line of scrimmage and track his man as if he knows the route beforehand.
The wide receiver turned cornerback will be a major get for whichever team he ends up with.
Next: A Project Worth Investing In