2021 NFL Draft: 7 Prospects whose success is tied to team fit

4. Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse

The 2021 NFL Draft has depth at the cornerback position. Teams looking for a potential or immediate starter will have plenty of guys to choose from. Day 2 will likely see a run on corners and Syracuse’s Ifeatu Melifonwu will hear his name called. But, if he’s taken by the wrong team, he’ll quickly become a casualty.

Melifonwu fits the build of the new age corner. He’s big, standing at nearly 6-3, weighing in at 205 pounds running a sub-4.5 second 40 at his Pro Day. Some hand times had him sub-4.4 seconds. Still, despite his straight-line speed, the long rangy corner isn’t an ideal fit for man coverage schemes.

On tape, the former Syracuse standout doesn’t possess the short-area quickness, or hip fluidity to play man coverage consistently. What he does do well is drop back into zone coverage and reacts well when the ball is in the air. His length and ability to press works best in Cover-3 schemes.

As a matter of fact, Melifonwu’s instincts and willingness to play the run could see him transition to safety. He moves well in space and could match up against big slots and tight ends. His best fit comes in a zone-heavy scheme with a coach who’ll move him around the defense.