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By Charlie Campbell
Weaknesses:
Summary: Gladney was one of the most steady and consistent cornerbacks in the Big XII over the past three seasons. After recording two interceptions as a sophomore, he had 41 tackles with two interceptions and 13 passes broken up in 2018. As a senior, Gladney had a quality season, including an impressive tape blanketing Baylor wide receiver Denzel Mims. Gladney recorded 31 tackles with an interception and 14 passes broken up for 2019. At the combine, he helped himself with a good 40 time of 4.48 seconds.
Gladney projects to the NLF as a starting cornerback who could contribute with significant playing time even in his rookie season. Sources say Gladney has real cover skills to run with receivers and prevent separation. If he were a little bigger and didn’t have off-the-field concerns, he might be a higher pick. Gladney has speed and athleticism to run the route, but big wideouts give him problems, making catches over him or walling him off on routine possessional routes. Thus, Gladney could be a better fit as a nickel corner in the NFL. If he proves that he can”t line up outside, Gladney could end up being a solid nickel.
In speaking to team sources, a number of them had Gladney graded in the third round, but the team that likes him enough to draft him might do it in the second round.
Player Comparison: Robert Alford. Gladney reminds me of Robert Alford coming out of Southeastern Louisiana. Gladney is almost identical in size to Alford (5-10, 186), and they have similar cover skills to run with receivers. However, that size is a weakness which teams can exploit. I could see Gladney being a solid pro corner comparable to Alford.
RELATED LINKS:
2020 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2020 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2020 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
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