Around the web: What Draft experts are saying about DeAndre Elliott

Welcome to another edition of “What are they saying,” it’s time we take a look at what media outlets around the web and newsstands are saying about the potential “Next Level Ram,” DeAndre Elliott. After our in-house film study, we were interested to hear what analysts around the web are saying.

Unlike with all our other prospects so far, Elliott received coverage only from nfl.com’s website and their analyst Lance Zierlein. Elliott’s case is interesting, as his draft stock really seemed to take off after his NFL Scouting Combine performance in Indianapolis. Meaning print editions probably weren’t paying attention in time to publish a scouting report in magazines. More surprising is how the NFL was paying enough attention to invite him to the Combine while media outlets seemed to greatly ignore him.

Here’s what the league’s website had to say about the Rams corner:

“Elliott has gone back and forth between part-time starter and full-time starter during his time in Fort Collins, but he has consistently made plays while possessing the size/speed combination NFL scouts look for in cornerbacks. He intercepted two passes in his redshirt freshman (seven starts), junior (six), and senior (11) seasons, picking off one pass in his sophomore (10) year. Elliott returned one of his interceptions for a 76-year touchdown against Hawaii in 2012. He was credited with 27 pass breakups for the Rams over his four-year career.

STRENGTHS: Good height and arm length for the position. Showed dramatic improvement from last season improving completion percentage against from 57.4 percent to 40.5 percent and reducing touchdowns allowed from five to one. Quick to squeeze his target when route breaks in front of him. Spies quarterback from bail coverage and will break from his path to jump throws or help outside his area. Handles high/low splits from zone coverage with proper balance.

WEAKNESSES: Shows slight balance issues when hitting brakes from his pedal or shuffle. Acceleration from change of direction is delayed. Doesn’t have recovery speed to swing and miss underneath. Concern over deep balls force him into early, hard bail. Doesn’t sit as tightly in the pocket in man coverage as teams would like. Always opts for safest angle possible in run support rather than making the impactful tackle.

BOTTOM LINE: Tall cornerback who played with a much greater technique and understanding of his responsibilities in coverage in this year over last. While his height will get him attention, his lack of recovery speed might concern teams.

-Lance Zierlein”

Another interesting analysis from Zierlein, who’s been the best of all media types in covering the “Next Level Rams.” Elliott’s statistical improvements from his junior to senior season are particularly encouraging.

The league’s analysis is similar to our in-house report in many ways, assessing that Elliott is a reliable producer but lacks some high-end skills to truly get excited about. The most surprising and differing analysis comes in Zierlien’s comments regarding Elliott’s long speed. Elliott showed issues in the UTEP game and was burned deep for two huge plays, however, he also played well and was able to handle the most talented NFL receiver he faced in Paul Richardson during the Colorado game. Elliott’s long speed could be the most determining factor in assessing how far he can go in his NFL career.

Elliott has seen increased interest from NFL teams after his Combine performance and has had formal interviews with Panthers, Steelers and Colts to this point.