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.
#3 Elijah Molden/CB University of Washington 5’10” 190
The Good
- Active supporter in the run game, consistently shows willingness to stick his nose in the fire
- Possess elite ball skills and anticipation, allowing him to create splash plays in both zone and man coverage assignments
- Enters the NFL with position versatility, played both in the slot and on the boundary, along with some post safety work in Washington’s defense
- Has good instincts and timing as a blitzer, routinely disrupts plays in the backfield on Nickel blitzes
- Plays with fantastic effort in pursuit, routinely finishes plays near the football
- Great presence in zone coverage, allows his eyes to lead him to the right spots consistently
- Displays great click and close in and out of his breaks in off coverage, at his best when able to react and close downhill
- Great physicality in both press and off coverage, routinely disrupts receivers at the top of their routes
- Converts speed to power effectively, providing him with above average hit power for the position
- Wins at the catch point with physicality, using violent hands and relentless finish to break up contested catch opportunities
- Defeats stock blocks in the open field effortlessly with superb quickness and play recognition
The Bad
- Lacks the desired long speed for a player of his statute, will allow separation downfield when beaten off the line
- Fails to break down at times when tackling, leading to some missed tackles in the open field
- Hip stiffness shows up at times when transitioning to carry receivers vertically
- Lack of stature limits his effectiveness as a run defender, particularly in the red zone, where he struggles to disengage from pulling offensive lineman
- Lack of a traditional 2020 season leaves scouts with just one year of starter level production to evaluate Molden’s game
Bio
- 153 tackles 7 TFL 25 PD 5 INTs 4 FF 2 FR
- 2019: 79 tackles 5.