From now until the 2023 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to scout and create profiles for as many prospects as possible, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and what they can bring to an NFL franchise. These players could be potential top 10 picks, all the way down to Day 3 selections and priority undrafted free agents. Today I’ll be profiling Alabama CB Eli Ricks.
# Eli Ricks #7/CB Alabama 6’2” 188
Combine/Shrine Bowl invite
MEASUREMENTS
| Player | Ht/Wt | Hand size | Arm Length | Wingspan |
| Eli Ricks | 6020, 188 | 8 7/8 | 32 3/8 | N/A |
| 40 Yard Dash | 10 Yard Dash | Short Shuttle | 3-Cone | |
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Broad Jump | Vertical | Bench Press | ||
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
The Good
— Extremely lengthy, physical corner with prototype size, does a nice job to re-route and squeeze receivers with physicality at the line of scrimmage
— Has solid eye discipline in coverage, keeps eyes low and glued to the hips through his transitions
— Capable and willing to get involved in run support, particularly when ball carriers bounce runs out to the edge
— Has played both on the boundary and in the slot during his collegiate career
— Does a very solid job of tackling the catch to limit yards after the catch
— When at his best, Ricks produces some elite press coverage reps, suffocating receivers with his length
— Has shown nice ability to plant and drive on routes from off-coverage when patient and able to stay square
— Has a nice feel for midpointing routes in zone coverage, playing high to low and forcing check downs
— Arm length allows him to play the pocket with great efficacy
— Has all of the necessary talent and traits to become a dominant press coverage corner at the next level, technique needs to be refined and he may not be a year one starter, but the upside is extremely high
— Visibly a High-IQ, effective communicator in Nick Saban’s Cover 7 Quarters scheme, one of the most complex coverage schemes at the collegiate level
The Bad
— Can be a step slow coming out of his breaks, caught flat footed at times at the top of routes
— Can be a bit over reliant on grabbing at the top of routes, needs to focus on keeping his feet active to stay in phase
— Has a tough time recovering when hips are opened prematurely, needs to tighten up footwork in press coverage
— A bit high in his transitions, needs to work on keeping pad level low when opening to carry receivers vertically, lots of wasted movement
— Choppy footwork in press coverage, crosses his feet over at times, which can cause him to lose balance
— Needs to be more consistent when plastering in scramble drill/extended play situations, allows separation too often in these situations
— Has a tendency to panic at the catch point, a play style that lends itself to pass interference penalties, of which he had plenty at the collegiate level
— Struggled to consistently stay on the field at both LSU and Alabama
Bio
— 44 tackles 2 TFLs 5 INTs 10 PDs 2 TDs
— 2022: 13 tackles 1 TFL 4 PDs
— Named Bednarik Award Player of the Week for his Performance vs Mississippi State this past season, a game in which he recorded 4 PBUs
— Third-Team All-American selection in his 2020 freshman season at LSU
— Second-Team All-SEC in 2020 at LSU
— Underclassmen prospect, was a true junior this past season,
— Former five-star high school recruit
— Born September 26, 2001, will be just 21 years of age when he enters his inaugural NFL season
— Was made available for measurements at the NFL combine, but did not test
— Played two seasons at LSU before transferring to Alabama ahead of his 2022 junior season
Tape Breakdown
Even if Cam Sutton is retained ahead of free agency, a prospect which seems more likely as we inch closer to the legal tampering period, cornerback would seem to logically remain atop the Steelers draft needs.