Former NFL Scout Puts First Round Grade on T.J. Tampa

Iowa State cornerback T.J. Tampa has what teams are looking for in a starting cornerback in the National Football League.

He exudes confidence and has the skill set to boot.

I Love these sticky predators at corner ⎯guys with that swag that oozes from their vibe on game film.

That’s Tampa.

Complete Cornerback

Not only can he cover and hang tight with receivers, but he also thumps receivers and ball carriers like he means it. Tampa is as physical as he is fluid when he’s moving around.

He lights people up

This is one of the most underrated attributes of cornerbacks. Finding those who cover is one thing, but finding those who are not only willing, but love to provide support is like hitting the daily double.

Moves the Meter

Let’s get this one going ⎯he brings a real presence to a defense.

The play that did it for me

There’s usually that one play that seals the deal…

Tampa’s team, Iowa State, was trailing Oklahoma 30-20 and the Sooners were driving on 3rd and 10. The receiver got Tampa spun around and appeared to have considerable route leverage as the pass was headed toward the goal line for what seemed to be a touchdown.

Not only did Tampa recover, but he took a great angle to the ball and displayed ball instincts. He showed phenomenal recovery and broke up the pass.

That’s what I’m talking about.

He does it again

Then there’s this play…

Iowa State is taking on Cincinnati in the rain and Cincinnati’s receiver has Tampa beaten badly.

…or so it seems.

Watch as Tampa closes that big throwing window and makes another play on the ball, breaking up the pass.

Recovery speed

Not only did we see his recovery speed on that play, but it really stood out when he managed to catch Iowa running back #9 Jaziun Patterson from behind in the open field.

Patterson was off to the races and here comes Tampa who was clocked at a max speed of 21.3 MPH on the play.

To put that into context, Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase has been clocked at 21.5 MPH.

Watch this.

Any negatives?

‘There are no 10s,’ as I learned in the book that taught me how to do this, Secrets of an NFL Scout, by Tony Razzano.

Tampa can become too hesitant at times, he has very slight tightness that can cause him to give up a catch and he sometimes gives too much cushion to receivers.

Per Pro Football Focus:

2022: 319 coverage snaps, 43 targets, 20 receptions given up for 248 yards, 2 touchdowns surrendered for a passing rating of 70.7 (12 games).

2023: 411 coverage snaps, 49 targets, 25 receptions given up for 240 yards, 1 touchdown surrendered for a passing rating of 54.8 (12 games).

#2 T.J. Tampa 6-foot-1, 189 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s 2024 NFL Draft Grade: First-Round (I would select him)

Projected by 11.6% of the NFL Draft Community to be a first-round pick as of April 5, 2024 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

2022 game film reviewed: Texas and Baylor (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

2023 game film reviewed: Iowa, Oklahoma, Kansas and Cincinnati

2022: stats: 39 tackles (29 solo), 10 assists, 9 passes defended

2023 stats: 44 tackles (33 solo), 11 assists, 7 passes defended

Tampa Combine Results

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Dynamic well-rounded prospect who plays with solid technique. Competitive menace. Strong developed upper body. Long arms. Played mostly off-man and zone with some press-man mixed in. Dependable support in zone. Aggressive natured. Understands coverage concepts. Possesses get-up and go. Strong legs. Has the brakes to make sure changes of direction. Smooth peddle. Opens hips. Good positioning and controls route leverage. Physical. Likes bump-and-run coverage. Jams. Impedes routes. Instinctual. Feels routes and receivers. Often mirrors staying in phase. Showed burst and acceleration. Decent change of direction. Has ball instincts. Plays like football is important to him. More of a hitter than a solid wrapping tackler in run support. Gets fired up.

Final words

Tampa was fun to watch and left me wanting to see more.

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. Follow on Twitter @firstroundmock.