https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2018/06/03/adonis-alexander-supplemental-draft-breakdown/
Breaking down Virginia Tech's Adonis Alexander ahead of supplemental draft
By:
Jacob Infante | June 3, 2018 11:59 am ET
Virginia Tech defensive back Adonis Alexander
decided to apply for the 2018 NFL Supplemental Draft on Friday after being ruled academically ineligible to play during the 2018 collegiate season.
Alexander is arguably the most talented prospect to enter the supplemental draft since Josh Gordon entered in 2012. He will also likely be the first player to be selected in the event since Isaiah Battle in 2015, whom the then-St. Louis Rams used a fifth-round pick on.
One of the 32 NFL teams will presumably forfeit a future draft selection to add Alexander to their team, so it is wise to get up to speed about what he brings to the table in case your team ends up picking him. Here’s the rundown on how he projects as a prospect.
Background
- Height | 6-foot-3
- Weight | 207 pounds
- Hometown | Independence, North Carolina
Production
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- 32 games in three seasons
- Seven interceptions
- 17 pass deflections
- 125 total tackles
- One forced fumble
- One sack
Strengths
Over the past few years, there has been a bevy of big-bodied wide receivers who have entered the NFL. As this trend continues to thrive, teams tend to fall in love with tall defensive backs who can match the likes of Mike Evans, Julio Jones and Alshon Jeffery from a measurement standpoint. If you take one look at Adonis Alexander, you’ll see that he perfectly fits that mold.
Alexander is a long and lanky cornerback who has the height, the arm length and the physicality to be a very good boundary corner in the NFL. He is good at jamming receivers at the line of scrimmage, and his long arms allow him to break up passes that most cornerbacks can’t reach. He’s more than just a big body, though: he has fluid hips and great body control, as well. Alexander is capable of making the adjustments necessary to position his body to break up passes. He can also high point the ball like a wide receiver and make the play.
Another intriguing aspect of Alexander’s game is his versatility. Virginia Tech used him in both press-man and off-man coverage, and he proved to be capable of playing in both. However, given his physical nature and length, it would likely be better for the NFL team that picks him to play more in press-man. Alexander is also a more-than-capable run defender, as he is a form tackler with good instincts who typically takes good angles to the ball. This, along with his length, has some analysts projecting him as a safety at the next level. Alexander played the position in high school and actually started off his collegiate career as a safety, so a potential position change would likely happen seamlessly.
Weaknesses
A lot of Alexander’s concerns stem from off-the-field issues. He was caught using marijuana in 2016, which caused him to miss the first game of the season. He also violated Virginia Tech’s team rules in 2017, which resulted in his being suspended for the first two games of that year. There’s also the reason that he is in the supplemental draft: he was ruled academically ineligible to play for the Hokies in 2018. While there could potentially be outside factors that play into his lack of success in the classroom that are currently unknown, the situation certainly is not ideal.
Alexander is also far from a perfect prospect on the field. His motor is inconsistent: he can make a play on one down and be a total non-factor the next. His 2016 tape is also much more impressive than his 2017 tape, as he looked less athletic in the latter season. While he flashed the ability to change directions well two years ago, the ability wasn’t quite apparent last season. Add that to the fact that his recovery speed is not that great, and one would be in their right mind to have concerns regarding Alexander’s athleticism. Whichever team selects him will likely have to bank on his 2016 self showing up, as opposed to his 2017 self.
Draft Stock
Alexander is a talented player who has all of the physical tools to be a very good defensive back in the NFL. His length, physicality and body control will indubitably be enticing for teams as they consider picking him in the supplemental draft in July. However, his off-the-field issues are concerning, and his lackluster 2017 season did his stock more harm than good.
A late Round 5 or an early Round 6 selection will likely be the earliest point at which Alexander will be selected
