The Denver Broncos used the 101st selection of the NFL Draft on cornerback Brendan Langley out of Lamar. The 6’0″, 201-pound Langley began his career at the University of Georgia before transferring to Lamar in his junior season in search of more playing time. He responded by putting up 43 tackles, seven passes broken up and six interceptions, earning All-Southland Conference honors along the way.
Langley’s immediate fit on Denver is likely as a replacement for free agent departure Kayvon Webster, who left for more playing time with the Los Angeles Rams. Langley will also be able to provide competition for fellow draft pick Carlos Henderson in the return game as he returned two kicks for touchdowns last season.
The NFL.com scouting report says:
Strengths
Still raw, but very moldable for defensive backs coach who loves to teach. Has a stiff, disruptive punch from press coverage and can uncork it from his backpedal. Former wide receiver with excellent ball skills. Uses well-timed leaps to high-point the football like a basketball rebounder. Comfortable from bail coverage and shows the eye discipline to manage his man and the quarterback’s eyes at the same time. Has desired length for the position with blazing speed to carry vertical routes down the field.
Weaknesses
Technique from press coverage is all over the place. Narrow base causes poor balance in his transitions against an inside release. Ragged backpedal needs work. Doesn’t have clean “stick and drive” footwork when triggering forward from his pedal. Struggles to stay in phase with receiver throughout the route. Had some really disappointing reps in one-on-one drills at the Senior Bowl allowing excessive route separation. Not an aggressive run supporter and will wait on running backs to take it to him.
Bottom Line
Langley is a “size-speed” prospect who could be taken much earlier than his Senior Bowl tape might dictate. Langley displays issues with his mirror and match footwork from press coverage and might be better suited in off-man or zone coverage where he can read quarterbacks and utilize his ball skills with the play in front of him. Langley has NFL backup potential.
His NFL comparable is Anthony Brown.
