2015 NFL Draft: Marcus Peters scouting report

Marcus Peters, CB, Washington

Projected Round: 1-2

Measurables

6'0", 197 lbs

Stats

2014 (8 games): 30 Tackles, 4 Tackles for Loss, 3 INT, 10 Passes Defended

2013: 55 Tackles, 3.5 Tackles for Loss, 1 Forced Fumble, 5 INT, 9 Passes Defended

2012: 44 Tackles, 2 Tackles for Loss, 3 INT, 11 Passes Defended

Awards

2013: Second Team All-PAC 12

Strengths

Has prototypical size and fits the mold NFL teams are looking for in cornerbacks. Has great hips as he can flip them smoothly and change direction quickly. Peters is an extremely competitive player and is very physical which helps him play press coverage. He has good burst coming out of his break with quick feet. Peters is very successful in jump ball situations because of his size and impressive ball skills. He is an aggressive tackler and also excels at open-field tackling.

Peters has a lot of experience as he was a three year starter in the PAC 12. He played well against top competition and was able to shut-down Brandin Cooks (Saints 2013 first-round pick) and Jaelen Strong (projected 2015 first-round pick). Peters plays with a lot of confidence which is necessary for the position when it is just you versus the receiver on an island.

Marcus Peters vs projected first-round pick Jaelen Strong (#21)

Weaknesses

On the field, Peters does not have many weaknesses if any. But off the field, he comes with baggage. He was suspended for one game last season for a sideline tantrum. Later in the season, Peters was ultimately dismissed from the team after multiple arguments with the coaching staff. These character concerns will likely drop his stock from a potential top-five selection down to the mid or late first round.

Verdict

Peters is a top-five player on my Big Board, but I have him graded higher than most draft analysts. He is one of my favorite players to watch in the 2015 NFL Draft as he is so polished yet plays so aggressively. Purely on the field, Peters one of the highest cornerback I have ever graded. But the off-field issues will drop his stock and are a major question mark.

As one NFC personnel director said, "I wouldn't take him inside the first two rounds. He's good, but he's not that good that I would be willing to deal with his emotional issues."

At the end of the day, whichever team that drafts Peters will be getting a major steal if they can control his off-field issues.

Marcus Peters vs. Saints 2014 first-round pick Brandin Cooks (#7)