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By Charlie Campbell
Weaknesses:
Summary: LSU has been a factory of defensive back talent in recent years, so it is saying something when a player is able to play early in his collegiate career for the Tigers. That was the case with White as he was able to see the field as a freshman, plus collect 55 tackles and two picks. He had two interceptions as a sophomore along with 33 stops. As a junior, White notched 44 tackles with seven passes broken up, but zero interceptions. He also averaged 11.5 yards per punt return, plus scored a touchdown.
In 2016, White played really well, locking down No. 1 wide receivers and producing some big plays for the Tigers. He had 35 tackles with 14 passes broken up and two interceptions on the season – one of which was a 21-yard pick-six in the season opener. The senior then returned a punt for a touchdown in Week 2. White also impressed at the Senior Bowl as he was the best cornerback in Mobile.
White is a natural cover corner with speed, quick feet, and agility. He is very fluid and does a superb job of running the route with receivers to prevent them from gaining separation. He keeps receiver from coming open and is quick to recover if they get a step. White has nice hips to turn and run downfield with speed receivers as well. Beyond his speed, White is a willing run defender who will contribute to the ground defense and tackle.
White has some ball skills to slap passes away and times his contact well while being a threat to pick off the pass. When he gets the ball in his hands, White is dangerous to rip off big returns. His speed and elusiveness in the open field are very impressive. That is also what makes him a dynamic punt returner. White is fast, has good vision, and follows his blocks well. Once in the open field, he has the pure speed to run away from tacklers.
White should have the flexiblity to play multiple coverage schemes in the NFL, including off man, press man, and zone. The big problem for him is his size as he struggles to defend some big receivers. Going back to his junior year tape, White had problems with wideouts like Mississippi State’s De’Runnya Wilson and Ole Miss’ Laquon Treadwell making catches over or in front of him. Bigger receivers box White out or outjump him for 50-50 passes. Both of the aforementioned examples also used their strength to gain some late separation. White is good to run with wide receivers to prevent them from getting open, but big weapons make receptions in front of or over him. White is a competitor, but he can’t grow taller, so he could use some coaching points on how to improve at defending bigger receivers.
Here’s how one Southeast area scout broke down White, “I think he’ll be a good, solid starter. Not dynamic, but tough for cornerbacks to be a dynamic in today’s game with the rules the way they are. I think he’s an early second-round pick, but wouldn’t be shocked to see him go late first because he does have ball skills and return production. With that ability going forward, … you’re getting good bang for your buck.”
After surveying five teams, White has a range from the middle of the first round to early in the second round in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Player Comparison: Morris Claiborne. White is a similar cover corner to Claiborne. That is the version of Claiborne who was very solid in 2016 and not the player who struggled early in his career. Claiborne was a high first-rounder in the 2012 NFL Draft. White won’t go as high as Claiborne, but I think White could end up being a better pro.
NFL Matches: Indianapolis, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Tennessee, Detroit, Miami, Oakland, Kansas City, Dallas, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Chicago, New York Jets, New Orleans and Buffalo
There are a lot of potential fits for White in the middle of the first round to early in the second round. In the middle of Round 1 in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Colts need another corner to pair with Vontae Davis. Philadelphia also needs some cornerback upgrades. White could be in play for the Eagles in the first or second round.
The Ravens could use a corner upgrade to go with Jimmy Smith. The Titans’ second first-round pick could be a fit for White as they need a No. 1 cover corner for their defense.
White has a lot of potential landing spots in the 20s. At pick No. 21, the Lions could use a corner to pair with Darius Slay. One pick later, Miami could consider adding a corner to pair with Xavien Howard. The Raiders, at pick No. 24, could consider some cornerback upgrades after experiencing coverage problems during the 2016 season. Staying in the AFC West, Kansas City could use a corner upgrade across from Marcus Peters. Dallas could also consider upgrading its cornerback talent with the 28 pick of the 2017 NFL Draft. With the 30th pick, Pittsburgh could use a corner to pair with Artie Burns.
To start the second round, the Browns could consider a cornerback at pick No. 33. Cleveland has Joe Haden and Jamar Taylor, but all good defenses have three corners. White would be a good fit for Gregg Williams as well.
Cornerback is a need for the 49ers and Bears. Either team could select White early in Round 2. He shouldn’t fall past the Saints if they take a pass-rusher in the first round, or the Eagles and Bills. Buffalo could lose Stephon Gilmore in free agency.
RELATED LINKS:
2017 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2017 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2017 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
NFL Picks - Nov. 23
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 20
NFL Power Rankings - Nov. 19
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
