From now until the 2021 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
#2 Ifeatu Melifonwu/CB/Syracuse/6’2”, 183 Lbs
The Good
-Great length for the position
-Physical defender at the catch point
-Rare build for the position with good quickness and long speed
-Excels in zone coverage and does a good job reading QBs eyes to jump routes
-Has real enthusiasm as a tackler with solid technique and willingness to stick his face into the fire
-Massive wingspan with good overall ball skills to make plays at the catch point
-Loose, fluid hips with good explosiveness to drive on the route
The Bad
-Man coverage anticipation and overall feel is lacking
-Made just 26 plays on the ball in two years (13 pass breakups, three picks)
-Labors to throttle down and work back on stops and comebacks
-Can be a bit too physical at the catch point, leading to some flags
-Needs to fully tap into his length to be a physical press corner and cap off routes
Bio
-Played in 29 career games at Syracuse, starting 19 games
-Named Second Team All-ACC in 2020
-Voted to the All-ACC academic team in 2019
-Competed in the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama
-Older brother, Obi Melifonwu, played safety at Connecticut from 2013-16 and in the NFL for the Oakland Raiders (2017-18) and New England Patriots (2018-19)
-Clocked a 4.