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Washington Redskins 2017 Draft Profiles: Gareon Conley, CB

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2017 Draft prospects that could contribute to the Redskins

By Aaron Lesher
NCAA Football: Fiesta Bowl-Ohio State vs Clemson Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Gareon Conley, CB
School: Ohio State | Conference: BIG 10
College Experience: RS Junior | Age: 21
Height / Weight: 6-0 / 195 lbs
Projected Draft Status: Late 1st - 2nd round
NFL Comparison: Darius Slay

College Statistics & Testing Numbers



Player Overview

Gareon Conley has gotten consistently better since first stepping on the field at Ohio State. Over the past two seasons, Conley accumulated 13 PBUs and 6 INTs and made the second team All-Big 10 in 2016. His stock is rising after a very strong Combine performance where he ran a 4.44 40-yard dash and 37” vertical to pair with a 6.68 second 3-cone and 4.18 second short shuttle.

Strengths

  • In ideal size range for an NFL corner with above-average length
  • Great awareness of route concepts and possesses athletic ability to break on the ball to make plays
  • Quality technique to box out receiver in press coverage and create difficult throwing windows for opposing quarterbacks (allowed 37% completion percentage)
  • Standout receiver in high school and displays soft, natural hands to intercept passes
  • Active and effective tackler in the run game


Weaknesses

  • Less confident in off-man coverage than press-man
  • Can panic and lose track of receivers when beaten on initial release, allowing plays over the top without quality safety help (got bailed out by the excellent speed of Malik Hooker)
  • Driven off ball when blocked by bigger receivers and tight ends split out wide


How He’d Fit on the Redskins

There are a lot of talented corners in this year’s draft but I honestly believe Conley is one of the best. He has no major weaknesses in his game and has checked all the boxes during pre-draft preparation process. Contrary to popular opinion I believe he outplayed teammate Marshon Lattimore, a potential top-10 selection, in the tape I’ve watched of him throughout the season.

He would be a solid pick at #17 and a steal at #34, however it’s unlikely the Redskins go CB in the first round even though it could be BPA, as sources close to decision makers say that the front office believes in its current group of cornerbacks.

My hope is that a division rival (the Cowboys) doesn’t take him late in the first round as Conley could continue to develop into a really, really good man-to-man corner for years to come.

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