|
D'Jordan Strong NFL Draft Profile
|
D'Jordan Strong Scouting ReportD’Jordan is a talented cornerback prospect who will have the opportunity to double down on an impressive debut season with the Coastal Carolina program in 2021. As a JUCO product, Strong showed very good ball skills and proved himself to be a ballhawk with patience and control at the catch point to avoid overplaying his contest with the ball arriving. Whether he’s punching and breaking the hands or has eyes back to the quarterback, Strong is under control. D'Jordan's anticipation and understanding of routes appear to allow him to feel targets coming and he’s natural in his leverage of route stems to stay in position. There’s a willingness to tackle here as well that offers optimism about how effective he will be at the next level to finish in space or at the catch point.
|
Areas for ImprovementStrong’s resume at the FBS level is lean with just one year of play for Coastal Carolina—and their level of competition maxed out with the BYU Cougars. How well Strong can repeat his performance will be a big factor in how sturdy his projection is in a very good cornerback class for 2022. His size is something to note as well, as Strong appears to have sufficient length at the position but his weight is something to monitor. How physical will he be able to play against top-tier receivers? Otherwise, he’s going to be charged with manning the interior. But even if Strong is forced inside, his ball skills will be hard to ignore and the trends of the game will still allow for a high-profile role in an NFL defense if he’s able to follow up his 2020 campaign with another successful season.
|
D'Jordan Strong Career at Coastal CarolinaD'Jordan Strong was rated a three-star recruit at cornerback in the Class of 2018 by Rivals. Strong enrolled at Northeast Mississippi Community College and was a two star recruit at cornerback by 247Sports. He was rated the 25th best cornerback among the junior college (JUCO) class of 2020 by 247Sport. Strong enrolled at Coastal Carolina, in his junior campaign he played in and started all 12 games in the defensive backfield for the Chants. Ranked second in the Sun Belt and third nationally with five interceptions on the season. Also totaled seven pass breakups to give him 12 passes defended which were tied for fifth in the league overall. Added 30 tackles, 2.0 tackles-for-loss, and forced one fumble. Was one of six different players in the Sun Belt to pick up two interceptions in the same game but the only one to do it twice with two picks against both Georgia Southern (Oct. 24) and Appalachian State (Nov. 21). As a senior, D'Jordan registered 25 tackles in which 19 were solo stops. He als had 7 pass breakups. He earned a spot on the 2021 Pro Football Focus (PFF) College Football All-Sun Belt first team. Received an invite to the 2022 Hulu Bowl (senior all-star game).
|
D'Jordan Strong NFL Draft Player ProfileStrong is utilized as an outside cornerback in soft press, off man and cover three and four as well as cloud coverage. Strong possesses above-average change of direction ability with quick feet and a low center of gravity. D'Jordan is patient in soft press, establishing contact and forcing receivers to the sideline when he can. Staying square, he is confident sitting on routes, not getting threatened vertically. Strong is a playmaker, breaking on routes when he has help over the top and finding a way to get his hands on the football on tipped passes. In run support, he makes an attempt to gain outside leverage.
|