Jaylen Heyward

Instinctive defensive back prospect with a rather promising profile given track times and offensive background. Over 5-foot-10 and believed to be carrying 185 pounds or more. Already pretty muscular in the upper half, but should only add more mass once working with a college strength coach. Spent much of the past two years working as a cornerback in a traditional 4-3 look and was asked to play a lot of bump-and-run coverage on the outside. Thrived in that role with his aggressive mindset and junior highlight tape is full of him fighting through blocks and blowing up screen passes. Wasn’t challenged a ton vertically as an 11th grader, but has shown that he can mirror while gaining depth and understands how to stick his hip right on a pass catcher in hopes of taking away a throwing window. Verified foot speed (a half dozen sub 10.9-second efforts in the 100-meter dash on record) can bail him out if he gets caught looking. Has rushed for over 400 yards at the varsity level while doubling as a running back in certain packages. More impressively, had a decorated career as a ball carrier during his youth and earned the nickname of “AP” for Adrian Peterson. Projects as more of a safety long term with his frame/build, but ability to man-up with most of the wide receivers he sees on Friday nights could get him looks in the slot or even out on the perimeter. Must keep progressing, but has the tools to emerge as an impact player at the Power Five level.