By Charlie Campbell
Weaknesses:
Summary: In the passing driven NFL, teams are always on the look out for cornerbacks with the size and speed to defend pro receivers. Stevenson definitely has a starting skill set that includes size, speed and athleticism. Over 2020 and 2019, he recorded 10 breakups and 47 tackles. In 2021, Stevenson had 43 tackles, an interception and four passes broken up. The senior then totaled 25 tackles, two interceptions and seven passes broken up in 2022.
Stevenson would fit best in the NFL as a press-man corner. He played a lot of off-man coverage at Miami, but NFL sources told WalterFootball.com that they felt Stevenson really struggles in off-man but handles press-man well. He is good at jamming receivers, and turning and running with them downfield. Stevenson has the height to defend big receivers and the speed to run with quick receivers. In the pros, Stevenson should definitely play in a press-man system.
Stevenson still needs development for the next level. Sources say they don’t like the inconsistency that Stevenson displayed throughout his time at Miami. He was a feast-or-famine, boom-or-bust defender who was prone to either giving up big plays or making a superb play. Part of the reason why Stevenson doesn’t look as good in off-man or zone is because he can react late to break on the ball.
In the ground game, Stevenson showed some ability to fire downhill into backs and make physical tackles. Stevenson should be a solid contributor to run defense in the NFL, but he does not look like he will be elite in this regard.
Stevenson has the potential to be a good starting cornerback in the pros. However, he could be better off developing before becoming an every-down player. Sources say Stevenson could go late in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, or slip to the second round.
Player Comparison: Artie Burns. In surveying team sources, the comparisons returned for Stevenson were Pierre Desir, Michael Jackson, David Emerson and Burns. Burns (6-0, 197) and Stevenson are nearly identical in size while also possessing athleticism and speed. However, Burns was also very streaky and inconsistent coming out of Miami, and those issues plague Stevenson as well. Burns was a late first-round pick in 2016, and Stevenson could be a late first-rounder in the 2023 NFL Draft.
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