Decobie Durant, CB Pick #142 - 4th round

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Memento

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Love this pick for us. If he was an inch taller, he’d have gone in thr second round.
 

Ram Ts

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They must really like him considering all the other CBs still in the board. Hopefully he is underrated due to the small school and his smaller size. I kinda wanted a bigger CB, but I guess it’s fine with Rochell already. Plus so many small fast WRs now. Speed slot guy needed
 

André

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Love this pick for us. If he was an inch taller, he’d have gone in thr second round.
I'm glad you like him. You and @jrry32 are two of the folks that I look to with draft knowledge.

(Not the only two of course, but two from which I've read a lot of analysis)
 

Memento

Your (Somewhat) Friendly Neighborhood Authoress.
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Jemma
I'm glad you like him. You and @jrry32 are two of the folks that I look to with draft knowledge.

(Not the only two of course, but two from which I've read a lot of analysis)

Where’s the crying button on this? I did shock because…well, I’m not nearly as good as a lot of the others, especially not Jerry. I…thank you.:bigcry:
 

André

Always far too invested
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Where’s the crying button on this? I did shock because…well, I’m not nearly as good as a lot of the others, especially not Jerry. I…thank you.:bigcry:
Don't downplay yourself - you do your homework. Your mocks have more trades than I'm comfortable with (I'm old and conservative with picks), but your plans are always well researched and well thought out.
 

OnceARam

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Durant vs. Tutu in practice :fire1:

Should be interesting to see how all of this translates to Sundays.
 

Malibu

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Let's wait on him DWill was small but I loved him he played taller than height. Clearly the issue is playing against the the 6'4 Wrs will not be easy
 

1maGoh

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Where’s the crying button on this? I did shock because…well, I’m not nearly as good as a lot of the others, especially not Jerry. I…thank you.:bigcry:
You're definitely one of the trusted draft minds here. My favorite thing is you actually talk about the picks in your mock. It's more than just a name and a number. One of the greats, imo.
 

WestCoastRam

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Sounds like a special teams pick who executing the best possible development plan will become a starter in the slot and spot starter outside in a few years which to me makes me think he could have been had a little bit later.

The Rams must feel there are characteristics that would make him more than a spot starter outside. And honestly, that could just be because they have Ramsey who can cover the X receiver (who's usually the larger more dominate receiver).
 

Merlin

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Durant vs. Tutu in practice :fire1:
Yeah camp practices this year between our stocked wideout group and what is looking like an overstuffed secondary is going to be real competitive down to the last roster spot. Our camp reporters are in for a show.
 

Merlin

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DeCobie Durant Is The Lockdown Corner The NFL Craves| The Fleet-Footed HBCU Star Will Be Highly Coveted On Draft Day​

By
Devon POV Mason
April 14, 2022
https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://theshadowleague.com/decobie-durant-is-the-lockdown-corner-the-nfl-craves-the-fleet-footed-hbcu-star-will-be-highly-coveted-on-draft-day/
https://api.whatsapp.com/send?text=DeCobie+Durant+Is+The+Lockdown+Corner+The+NFL+Craves|+The+Fleet-Footed+HBCU+Star+Will+Be+Highly+Coveted+On+Draft+Day https://theshadowleague.com/decobie-durant-is-the-lockdown-corner-the-nfl-craves-the-fleet-footed-hbcu-star-will-be-highly-coveted-on-draft-day/

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The South Carolina State Bulldogs were a whole problem for MEAC squads last season. From winning the MEAC and representing the conference in the Celebration Bowl to blowing out heavily favored Jackson State (31-10) in that de facto Black College Football National Championship Game.

None of that would’ve been possible without starting cornerback DeCobie Durant, the MEAC Defensive Player of the Year. Durant is a shutdown corner who didn’t allow a touchdown all season. For his individual efforts Durant was chosen as one of only four players from HBCUs to be invited to the NFL combine, where he got sturdy, running a 4.38 40-yard dash. It opened eyes to say the least.

Durant then ran a 4.41 at his team’s pro day proving that the 4.38 in Indy wasn’t a fluke.
Here’s what the talented corner had to say at his pro day in March.

“My feelings are through the roof right now, said Durant. “I’m here with my guys now. It’s a blessing to be able to show our talent to any professional team here.”​


Durant Has The Tools To Play Right Away

In a league designed to help offenses light up the scoreboard weekly, a team can never have enough good players on defense — especially cornerbacks and pass rushers. With the football being thrown nearly seven out of every 10 plays in the NFL those positions are even more vital.

Durant fits the mold of a shutdown corner, he possesses great instincts, quickness and has that quick-twitch ability needed to change direction and run with receivers. He’s also an excellent tackler because he’s a willing tackler. Durant tallied 37 tackles, including 29 solo, last season, which is excellent for a guy who’s usually 10-15 yards downfield covering receivers.

But in the end it’s his coverage skills and ability to avoid penalties that teams love. In his college career he’s only been flagged for four penalties total, and that includes holding, pass interference and illegal contact. That’s amazing considering how difficult it is for defensive backs to play within the rules so heavily one-sided in favor of the offense.

Durant Received High Praise From Deion Sanders

Durant was tremendous all season, but in the Celebration Bowl beatdown of the JSU Tigers he was next level good. Like grandma’s yams on Thanksgiving good. Durant tallied three pass breakups and one sack while allowing no catches on his side of the field.

Following the game, JSU head coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders praised Durant.

“They’ve got a corner over there that should be recommended for the NFL. I am sure he is. He should get his shine on. We tried our best and got our butts kicked.”​



View: https://twitter.com/JohnTGrantJr/status/1481943484533723136


Durant is a hardworking, coachable talent who believes he can cover anyone. He has that “dog mentality.” He says he’s not even thinking about the draft, as that will take care of itself. Instead, he’s instead focusing on perfecting his craft daily as one of several HBCU prospects that should hear their names called before the 2022 NFL draft is over.