64. Justin Layne - CB - Michigan State - 6'-2" 192 lbs. - WR convert with ball skills that has some physicality to his game, but is going to need to be taught the finer points of being a CB. Deadpool's Bigboard [ramsrule.com]

Justin Layne (Mich St.) FILM SESSION (C || 2019 NFL Draft




JUSTIN LAYNE
DB, MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS

ESPN's Todd McShay gives the Cleveland Browns Michigan State CB Justin Layne in the second round in his "best-case scenario" 2019 NFL Mock Draft.
As you probably know, the Browns don't have a first-round pick as they used it to swindle the Giants for one Odell Beckham Jr. In the third round, the Browns get Michael Jordan, and it'd be fun to see a player of that name help Cleveland rather than hurt it. "Layne provides depth at corner, and Jordan makes sense after the Browns traded Kevin Zeitler in the offseason," McShay writes. Certainly makes sense on paper.

SOURCE: ESPN
Apr 9, 2019, 6:20 PM

JUSTIN LAYNE
DB, MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS

The Athletic's Colton Pouncy notes that the Rams, Browns, Lions, Cardinals and Ravens are the teams who have checked in the most often on Michigan State CB Justin Layne.
Layne has seen his stock rise after a strong NFL Scouting Combine, and as Pouncy notes, the 6-foot-2, 192-pound corner is currently getting first-round discussion. With his size and ball skills, it wouldn't be a shock if he pushes to be that second corner off the board, with an outside chance of being the first if someone falls in love with the tape.

SOURCE: The Athletic
Mar 19, 2019, 2:22 PM

JUSTIN LAYNE
DB, MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS

NFL Media's Lance Zierlein believes Michigan State CB Justin Layne "should go top 40 for sure."
Zierlein thinks there is a chance that Layne (6'2/192) sneaks into the late first round, too. Greedy Williams, Deandre Baker, and Byron Murphy have been the top corners for most of #DraftSZN, but Layne is making a late push up draft boards, despite having a good, not great, day at the NFL Scouting Combine. Zierlein said Layne has "rare size and length" and that his movement and ball skills make up for his "average long speed." Layne needs to be considered an early second rounder at this point.

SOURCE: Lance Zierlein on Twitter
[www.rotoworld.com]

Prospect Info
COLLEGE Michigan State
HOMETOWN Cleveland, OH
CLASS Junior

HEIGHT 6' 2"
WEIGHT 192 lbs
ARMS 33”
HANDS 9 1/4”

Prospect Grade 5.80
CHANCE TO BECOME NFL STARTER

Combine Results

40 Yard Dash 4.5 SECONDS

Bench Press -- REPS

Vertical Jump 37.5 INCHES

Broad Jump 134.0 INCHES

3 Cone Drill 6.9 SECONDS

20 Yd Shuttle 4.09 SECONDS

Player Bio
Layne was an All-Ohio receiver as a senior (46-790-17.2, 11 TDs) at Benedictine High School in Cleveland before signing with Michigan State. He began his career at MSU as a receiver, but the Spartans' coaches moved him from offense to defense midway through his true freshman season. He wound up starting five of the team's final seven games that year, posting 18 tackles, 1.5 for loss, an interception (that he returned for a score), and a pass breakup. Layne became a full-time starter in 2017, garnering honorable mention All-Big Ten honors by compiling 40 tackles, intercepting one pass and breaking up eight others. He was a second-team all-conference pick as a junior, starting 12 games and making 72 tackles, 2.5 for loss. He also intercepted one pass, and ranked in the top 10 in the FBS with 15 pass breakups. After declaring for the 2019 NFL Draft, Layne decided not to play in the team's appearance in the Redbox Bowl.

Analysis
By Lance Zierlein NFL Analyst
Draft Projection Round 2
NFL Comparison William Jackson

Overview
Ascending bump-and-run cornerback with rare size and length who leans on good movement skills to overcome his average long speed. Although he plays with good route recognition, he'll allow some separation from breaks, but he's quick to hug-up and close the restrict the throwing window. He's not a burner, but he uses his size ball skills to make plays on the football down the field. Layne's traits could make him a fit in a variety of coverages, but he needs consistent toughness to help support against the run.

Strengths
Above-average height and arm length
Aware and awake with plus football IQ
Former receiver with above-average route feel
Quick to digest and adjust to route combinations
Manages distance from target from Cover-3 side-shuffle
Changes punch routine to catch receivers off-guard
Adequate hip flip from press
Fluid sink and redirect to hug the top of comebacks
Decisive, quick plant-and-drive from pedal
Posted 11 pass breakups over final five games
Calm with back to the ball
Turns to locate with good timing and makes the play

Weaknesses
Play demeanor appears lukewarm on tape
Needs to add play strength
Could struggle with physicality at top of the route
Average matching quick receivers from man
Feet get away causing occasional imbalance in transitions
Below-average make-up gear when he gets behind
Somewhat conservative routes to throws
Settles for pass breakups of interception tries
Stays wired on blocks and run support
Didn't look invested in run support at times
Sources Tell Us

"Some receiver converts just never feel routes and they don't always have ball skills either. He has both and he's a good athlete on top of it." -- AFC national scout
[www.nfl.com]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/14/2019 03:22PM by Rams Junkie.