Alabama Cornerback Eli Ricks Slides Into the Second Round

Alabama’s Eli Ricks didn’t help himself in three games studied this past season.

This cornerback only played in six on the schedule to begin with due to injury.

Ricks is one of the harder evaluations I’ve done. He’s got everything a team would want, and I loved him in my earlier article, “2023 NFL Draft CB1 Eli Ricks According to Former NFL Scout.”

The grades at First Round Mock are based on game film and this block of games (embedded below) has raised concern. I have no choice but to drop Ricks’ grade. I can’t allow myself to just be in love with his size, straight-line speed, burst, and long arms.

It has to be about these attributes translating on game film.

What’s the problem?

At first, it appeared to be a lack of flexibility on routes that feature a quick breakpoint, but then it became apparent, he has some mental lapses in coverage.

There were plenty of reps where Ricks showed he could change direction without issue.

He also showed has a grasp of techniques.

There were times when he gave up too much cushion deeper into the routes and allowed catches.

There were other instances against LSU and Auburn when he threw technique to the wind and got too physical drawing pass interference calls while not playing the ball, but playing the receiver instead.

This is the confusing part

I evaluated cornerback Derek Stingly Jr. coming out in the 2022 NFL Draft, and I put a mid-late first-round grade on him for a number of reasons. For one he showed visible tightness on game film, and he had the injury bug exactly like Ricks has had over his last two college seasons.

In Stingley’s case, that not only included him, but the two previous generations in his family.

That didn’t seem to matter. Houston took Stingley No. 3 overall. I felt the Texans grossly overvalued Stingley, which played out his rookie season.

A report breaking down Stingley in 2022 indicated he allowed 33 catches on 49 targets (QB rating 84.9). The report stated Stingley “was middle of the road among rookie corners in several categories.” He also dealt with more injuries only playing in nine games.

Although, I like Ricks in coverage more than Stingley when comparing their college game film, I believe we have to take this comparison into consideration.

I believe we can count on a similar rookie season out of Ricks.

The other problem

He wants nothing to do with the running game. Even when he does get involved, his tackling technique is shaky at best.

The thing for me that pushed Ricks into the second-round was how he let his foot off the gas on a long active touchdown run against Auburn.

If there is one thing I can’t embrace, it’s a lack of effort.

I never saw reluctance out of Stingley.

The desire to win has to be there to be on the final First Round Mock first-round value board.

Texans?

Will Ricks reunite with Stingley in Houston early second-round (No. 33)?

The two played together at LSU before Ricks transferred to Alabama.

It’s very possible for two other reasons:

-Houston General Manager Nick Caserio is tied into Alabama through Patriots’ Head Coach Bill Belichick.

-Ricks complimenting Stingley is enticing (if they can stay healthy) to go along with safety Jalen Pitre.

#7 Eli Ricks 6-foot-2, 190 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s Final 2023 NFL Draft Grade: Second-Round (I would select him)

First Round Mock Big Board: TBD

Bust probability: Moderate

Projected by 26.3% (down from 53.9% on December 1) of the NFL Draft Community to be a first-round pick as of March 1, 2023

2022 game film reviewed: LSU, Kansas State, and Auburn (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

2021 LSU stats: 11 tackles (9 solo, 2 assists), 1 pass defended, 1 INT.

2022 Alabama stats: 13 tackles (8 solo, 5 assists), 4 passes defended, 0 INT.

2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Lanky physical presence with long arms, good straight-line speed, short-area burst, but plays with inconsistent technique. Shows he can stay in phase, but isn’t consistent. Plays press and off-man and some zone. Most effective in press. Can impede receivers. Good hand technique initially, gets too aggressive and forgets to maintain techniques sometimes. Can get off-balance. Not much of a factor in support or in the run game.

Final words

It’s not a question of ability with Ricks.

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He currently writes for Sports Illustrated New York Jets and he is the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. He can be followed on Twitter @firstroundmock.