Derek Cox SELECTED BY: Jaguars Round 3 (9)

SI Grade 2.88 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Three-year starter awarded all-Conference honors the past two seasons. Senior totals included 43/4/5 after 51/3/5 the prior year.

POSITIVES: Nice-sized cornerback best facing the action. Jams opponents at the snap of the ball slowly and there releasing off the line of scrimmage, physical throughout the route and quickly breaks to the pass out of his plant. Forceful defender who aggressively lays his shoulders into ball carriers, voluntarily coming up the field to help stop running plays or screen passes. Delivers crunching hits and intimidates anyone who comes in his direction. Displays solid awareness and recognition of zone assignments.

NEGATIVES: Slow transitioning off the line with opponents, struggles staying with receivers out of their breaks, and possesses marginal top-end speed.

ANALYSIS: Cox is a physical defensive back who has been a solid starter since his sophomore season. He lacks the pure speed to play in man coverage in the NFL, but he has the abilities to be used as a dime back in zone coverage, and he also has a special teams mentality.

PROJECTION: Free Agent