Chauncey Kennon

Physical Profile

Possesses an ideal frame for a modern outside cornerback, listed between 6-foot-1 and 6-foot-2 with a wiry 175-pound build and plus length, including 32-inch arms. His athleticism is validated on the track as a state qualifier in the 200-meter dash (21.85) and with an 11.08 100-meter time. This translates to excellent long speed to carry vertical threats and explosive burst to close on the football. He will need to add significant mass and strength in a college weight program to handle the physicality of the position at the next level, but the frame is there to do so without sacrificing fluidity.

Play Style

Kennon is a confident, hyperactive cornerback who leverages his length and athleticism to disrupt passing lanes. On film, he shows a knack for staying in the receiver's hip pocket on vertical routes and has the speed to run with elite receivers. He is an instinctive zone defender who reads the quarterback's eyes and breaks decisively on the ball. While primarily a cover corner, he is not afraid to be physical and will come downhill to make a tackle.

Strengths

• Fluidity and Movement Skills: Plays with an effortless, loose-hipped style that allows him to mirror receivers, and change direction with ease. This natural movement ability is a standout trait and allows him to excel in both press-man and off-zone coverage.
• Ball Skills and Playmaking: Demonstrates elite ball-tracking skills and body control, honed by his experience playing wide receiver. He is aggressive at the catch point, consistently getting his hands on the football, as evidenced by his 16 pass breakups as a junior.
• Verified Athleticism and Recovery Speed: His track times directly translate to the field, providing him with the recovery burst necessary to close gaps if he's initially out of phase. He also shows impressive leaping ability, with a 6-foot-2 high jump, which aids in contesting 50-50 balls.

Areas to Improve

• Adding Functional Strength: His wiry frame needs considerable development. He must get stronger to consistently disengage from blocks, execute as a tackler in run support, and handle larger, more physical receivers at the line of scrimmage.
• Tackling Technique and Run Support: While willing to be physical, he needs to improve his technique as an open-field tackler and become more consistent in keeping containment against the run. Can rely on aggression over fundamentals at times.

College Projection

Kennon projects as a multi-year starter at a Power Four program with All-Conference potential. Given his athletic profile and instincts, he could work his way into the rotation early in his career, potentially on special teams and in sub-packages. With a year or two in a college strength and conditioning program, he has the tools to develop into a true lockdown corner capable of shadowing the opposing team's top receiver.

NFL Outlook

Day 2 NFL Draft potential. His combination of height, length, verified speed, and ball skills are traits highly coveted by NFL talent evaluators. If he develops his frame and refines the technical aspects of the position, he possesses the upside to be selected within the first three rounds of the NFL Draft.

Best Fit

A zone-heavy defensive scheme that allows him to use his vision, instincts, and closing speed to read the quarterback and make plays on the ball would be an ideal fit. His length and fluidity also give him high upside in a press-man system that values disruptive corners on the outside.