Today, we are examining Greg Newsome, the underrated 6’1″ 190 lb. Northwestern cornerback. In 2020, Newsome was named first team All-Big Ten, as well as All-American by The Athletic.
Strengths: Quarterbacks rarely target Newsome, and for good reason. He is very sticky in man coverage, with the requisite quickness, athleticism, and fluidity to turn and carry vertical routes without giving up separation. Newsome is tall and agile, and he also possesses ideal length that he uses very well to disrupt receivers at the catch point. He is a very smart player who does not bite on fakes, misdirections, etc. He also rarely takes false steps, showing very little wasted motion in his game. Newsome keeps an eye on the quarterback and reads him well. He has excellent instincts and quickly decides to drive to the ball to attack it in the air, displaying good anticipation of throws. Newsome possesses good length and ball skills to capitalize on his instincts and produce the turnover. Newsome is always poised and under control, staying low, and keeping the defender in contact without falling for his route craftiness. He is additionally a solid, reliable tackler.
Weaknesses: Newsome is not weak by any means, but he is not the strongest either. He can get jolted by physical receivers at the line of scrimmage and pushed downfield. He can also get glued on blocks and lack the pure strength to disengage, which limits his utility in the run game. Durability is an issue for Newsome, who never played a full year of college football without missing time due to injuries.
Bottom Line: Newsome is not the flashiest cornerback, but he certainly is one of the best in this draft class as he is a very well-rounded, reliable corner who checks all the boxes. Newsome is quick, fluid, long, and highly intelligent, and I have no doubt that he will emerge as a quality starter in the NFL as long as he manages to limit his injuries.
Draft Projection: Late first round
Grade: 1.7 (indicative of a mid-late first round grade)
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