Kris Abrams-Draine Turned in Disappointing 2022 Game Film

Missouri cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine looked overmatched and physically overwhelmed in this three-game study from 2022 game film.

CBS has been bullish projecting him into the first round (nflmockdraftdatabase.com), but that’s not what I saw when I turned on the tape. Despite his 14 passed defended last season, he didn’t show ‘first-round attributes,’ needed for the position.

Must have traits to look for in elite NFL corners:

-fluid hips

-short-area burst

-long-range recovery speed

Abrams-Draine’s hips were not quite as fluid as I would have liked to see and he didn’t show the other two traits.

Physical stature

I tend to care less about ‘measurables,’ and checking scouting boxes as we’ve seen players time after time who have had great careers who were not the ideal size or weight.

The concern on this one – – with Abrams-Draine – – is not only he is on the frail side at 5-foot-11, 178 pounds, but he plays even smaller. He wanted next to nothing to do with run support and only got involved if he had to.

In coverage, receivers were able to bully and get rid of him at times. I mean they were able to physically manhandle him. That was very concerning.

I don’t like the thought of physical matchups in the NFL with this prospect.

Technique deficiencies

In these three games, there were several concerns about his pass coverage skills. There was a defensive holding call when he got too handsy, times he gave up too large of throwing windows, or was he was playing the receiver and not the ball.

Most of my pass coverage notes from these three games were either neutral or negative.

Abrams-Draine just did not look polished playing the position.

Tries to keep the game in front of him

While Abrams-Draine did play ‘press-man’ coverage occasionally, he’s not built for that, and more often played in ‘off-man,’ while relying on his ability to read and anticipate.

He seems to have a good understanding of coverage. This is how he gets himself into position to make plays.

NFL projection

While it’s easy to get sucked into his college pass coverage stats (32 passes defended and seven interceptions), I’m not sure where he fits in on an NFL roster. He lacks the physicality to be a nickel (an extra corner on the field that lines up over the slot receiver when an offense lines up three receivers). As pointed out, he’s not showing the short-area burst and recovery speed to factor in as a starting No. 1 or No. 2 corner either.

It will be tough to get him out there on special teams as a backup due to that same lack of physicality.

The other concern is the hesitation he showed at times against the run – – even on a touchdown run by then-Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker.

#14 (2022 jersey number) Kris Abrams-Draine 5-foot-11, 178 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s Fall 2023 Grade: Fifth-Round (I wouldn’t select him)

Projected by 8.1% of the NFL Draft Community to be a first-round pick as of November 6, 2023 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

Game film reviewed (2022): Georgia, Auburn, and Tennessee (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

2022 stats: 48 tackles (27 solo), 14 passes defended, 0 interceptions

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Lanky cover corner with good straight line speed, but inconsistent techniques. Diminutive looking. Lacks playing strength. Long arms. Relies on keeping himself in position, but gives up route leverage too easily. Some hip tightness. Can stay in phase if he matches from the get-go. Gave up too large of throwing windows and receivers got open too easily. Couldn’t get off blocks on screens to support. Against the run very reluctant to get involved. Tackles low and does wrap up.

What to watch for during the 2023 college football season

1. Does he play the ball or the receiver?

2. Does he show short-area burst?

3. Recovery speed?

4. Relucant in support?

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 is currently the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock, contributes at Yardbarker, and has written for Sports Illustrated Lions, Jets, and 49ers, as well as a featured guest on ESPN Radio and Fox Sports Radio. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. He can be followed on Twitter @firstroundmock.