Weaknesses:
Summary: Breeland is one of many players who entered the 2014 NFL Draft when they shouldn’t have. Breeland could end up going on the second day of the draft and perhaps will make it into the second round, but many believe that the third round is Breeland’s most likely landing spot. If he had returned to Clemson and improved, he could have turned into a solid top-50 prospect.
Breeland played in 10 games total with five starts in 2012. The sophomore had 32 tackles with three passes broken up. Breeland earned a starting spot for 2013 and recorded 74 tackles, five tackles for a loss, 10 passes broken up and four interceptions. He improved as the season progressed after a mixed game against Florida State. Breeland had some nice plays, but also allowed a score and a number of receptions to the Seminoles talented wide receivers.
Breeland was slightly disappointing at the Combine, but in games, he showed quality quickness and agility to play man coverage. Breeland is at his best in press-man coverage. He does well in zone and covers a lot of ground, but needs to get better in his off-man coverage. Breeland is quick and agile to run with receivers downfield. He is good at maintaining coverage and not allowing separation when he’s in press man.
Breeland is a willing run-defender, but he has some room for improvement. For the NFL, Breeland also has to improve on his ability to play the ball. Sometimes he gets too grabby and physical with receivers downfield. That could draw some penalties in the NFL. Breeland could also stand to improve his eye discipline and not bite on fakes from the offense.
Considering that Breeland was only a 1-year starter, it would make sense to give him some developmental time. He could turn into a starter down the road as he has a good skill set, but in the beginning of his career, he would be better off playing nickel and lining up in the slot. In time, Breeland could take over a starting spot on the outside. He could go as a high as the second round and as a low as the fourth round, but the third round is probably his most likely landing spot.
Player Comparison: Bradley Fletcher. Breeland has a similar skill set to Fletcher. Both have some press-man ability, but lack consistency. Fletcher (6-0, 200) is virtually the same size as Breeland. Fletcher was a third-round pick in 2009, and Breeland could go in that range this year.
NFL Matches: Jacksonville, New York Jets, Minnesota, Cincinnati, San Diego, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Carolina, San Francisco, Denver, Houston, Washington
There are a lot of teams that are going to target a cornerback on the second day of the 2014 NFL Draft. The highest that Breeland could hope to go would be in the second round. He could land with Washington or Jacksonville in the third round. Both teamscould use help at corner, especially the Jaguars. Breeland would be a nice addition to Jacksonville’s defense as the team is in dire need of help at cornerback.
The Jets are believed to be targeting a cornerback on the second day to pair with Dee Milliner, and Breeland would be a scheme fit for New York.
Minnesota also could address cornerback for Mike Zimmer’s defense, and Breeland could be in play for the Vikings in the third round.
The Bengals need cornerback help with Leon Hall coming off another serious injury. They also have aging veterans in Adam Jones and Terrance Newman. Breeland could form Cincinnati’s long-term tandem with Dre Kirkpatrick.
San Diego has a massive need at cornerback, and Breeland should definitely be in play for with their second or third-round pick. The Chargers need big, quick cornerbacks to go against Denver and Breeland could be an upgrade.San Diego re-signed Richard Marshall, but the team has to find some corner help.
Cleveland could use another corner to pair with Joe Haden. If the Browns have Breeland as the best player available at their second or third-round pick, they could pick him up.
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. Breeland 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 Breeland could fit well with one of those picks. Denver has bigger needs, but Breeland could get consideration by the Broncos.
At the top of the third round, the Texans need a nickel back after cutting Bryce McCain. Breeland could be a nice value at the top of the third.
RELATED LINKS:
2014 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2014 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2014 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
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