Weaknesses:
Summary: It took a long time, but eventually McGill became the draft prospect his athletic skill set said he should be. After playing in the junior college ranks, McGill eventually landed at Utah. Heading into 2013, the senior still wasn’t an early-round candidate as he missed the 2012 season with a shoulder injury.
McGill notched 37 tackles with 12 passes broken up and an interception in 2013. He showed a nice ability to match up against big receivers and keep them from getting separation. McGill also did well in zone coverage.
McGill used the Senior Bowl to show that he has the movement skills to remain at cornerback. During the practices, McGill really performed well in the receiving one-on-ones as he was able to maintain coverage with receivers in and out of their breaks. McGill demonstrated the hip flexibility to turn to run with receivers downfield. He also showed demonstrated athleticism at the Combine.
For the NFL, McGill would be best as a press-man corner. He would be a nice defender against big wide receivers. McGill’s height, length and leaping ability allow him to take away fade routes and jump-balls downfield. He also could be a nice weapon to match up against the elite receiving tight ends. McGill could move to safety, but playing corner would provide the best spot for him because he is a bit of a finesse defender.
McGill needs to work on his technique with his footwork, backpedal and breaking on the ball. He could struggle in off-man coverage in the NFL, especially with speed receivers.
In his pro defense, McGill would be best playing press man or zone coverage. Teams that are looking to copy the Seahawks’ style of secondary will be very interested in McGill, and that is how he should be used in the NFL. His stock has climbed in the lead up to the 2014 NFL Draft, and he looks likely to go in the second or third round.
Player Comparison: Brandon Browner. After going undrafted, Browner was with the Broncos for a couple of seasons before playing in Canada for four years. He broke out with the Seahawks and became a good contributor for Seattle. Browner (6-4, 221) is a huge corner to match up against big receivers. McGill has a similar skill set. In the NFL, I see McGill being a cornerback similar to Browner.
NFL Matches: Cincinnati, San Diego, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Carolina, San Francisco, Denver, Houston, Washington, Jacksonville
There are a lot of teams that are going to target a cornerback on the second day of the 2014 NFL Draft. Early in the second round, McGill could land with Washington or Jacksonville. Both could use help at corner, especially the latter. McGill has the size to fit the Jaguars’ defense if Gus Bradley decides to model his corners after his Seattle experience.
The Bengals need cornerback help with Leon Hall coming off another serious injury. They also have aging veterans in Adam Jones and Terrance Newman. McGill has the potential to form a nice tandem with Dre Kirkpatrick.
The Chargers have a massive need at cornerback, and McGill should definitely be in play for San Diego with its second-round pick. The team needs big, quick cornerbacks to go against Denver and McGill could be an immediate upgrade. The Chargers re-signed Richard Marshall, but they need corner help badly.
Cleveland could use another corner to pair with Joe Haden. If the Browns have McGill as the best player available at their second-round pick, they could bring him in.
Carolina badly needs help at cornerback. The team still has to find a replacement for Chris Gamble and lost Captain Munneryln. However, the Panthers will probably draft a wide receiver or offensive lineman in the first round. McGill may make it to Carolina’s second-round pick.
The 49ers and Broncos could use some talented youth at corner. San Francisco has a couple of second-rounders, and McGill could fit well with one of those picks. Denver has bigger needs, but McGill could get consideration by the Broncos.
At the top of the third round, the Texans need a nickelback after cutting Bryce McCain. McGill would be a quality value at the top of the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
RELATED LINKS:
2014 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2014 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2014 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
NFL Picks - Nov. 20
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 20
NFL Power Rankings - Nov. 19
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
