Captain Munnerlyn SELECTED BY: Panthers Round 7 (7)

SI Grade 3.66 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Two-year starter who also saw limited action with the first team as a freshman. Senior totals included 44 tackles, when he also averaged 6.6 yards on 18 punt returns. Sophomore defensive numbers included 47/3/4 when he averaged 9.2 yards on 18 punt returns.

POSITIVES: Talented cornerback who flashes the ability to shut down opponents. Jams receivers at the line of scrimmage, quick flipping his hips in transition, and fights with receivers throughout the route. Keeps the action in front of him, quickly locates the ball in the air, and displays a nice break to the throw. Plays with a large degree of explosion, forceful up the field on the blitz or fires to the action, helping to defend running plays. Works to get off blocks to make plays on the ball handlers and wraps up tackling. Tough, plays with injury and gives effort. Shows the ability to easily run downfield with opponents.

NEGATIVES: Stiff and slow moving in reverse and very quick out of his backpedal. Has not made a large number of plays against the pass, although quarterbacks do not throw to his side.

ANALYSIS: Munnerlyn is an underrated cornerback with the speed, toughness, and ball skills to play at the next level. His ability to return punts is added value, and Munnerlyn will be a solid pickup in the middle rounds. He?s a defensive back who can quickly be used in nickel or dime packages.

PROJECTION: Third Round