Our rookie scouting reports combine film and analytics to provide the best possible predictions for player performance. With the 2023 NFL Draft just around the corner, let’s take a look at the scouting report for Virginia Tech safety Chamarri Conner.
Chamarri Conner NFL Draft Profile
- Position: Safety
- School: Virginia Tech
- Year: Fifth-Year Senior
Conner was a three-star recruit out of Trinity Christian Academy High School in Jacksonville, Florida, receiving interest and offers from a few Power Five programs. After considering his options, Conner chose to play college football at Virginia Tech.
As a freshman, Conner was barely involved, appearing in just seven games and totaling 81 snaps. As a sophomore, however, he played in 12 games, recording 68 total tackles, 5.5 sacks, and one interception.
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Conner’s progression continued in his junior season. Despite appearing in one less game, Conner had 81 tackles and two interceptions. He did not record a sack, though. Conner’s senior year numbers were similar — playing in 13 games, recording 85 tackles, two sacks, and one interception.
At this point, Conner’s college career should’ve been over. However, due to the COVID year, he had the option to return to school for an extra season, in which he exercised. But as a fifth-year senior, Conner really didn’t do much to bolster his draft stock. He registered 67 total tackles with zero sacks or interceptions.
Overall, Conner finished his college career with 207 solo tackles, 107 assisted tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, and four interceptions.
Tony Pauline’s Scouting Report for Chamarri Conner
Strengths: Four-year starter who’s lined up at cornerback, nickel back, and safety. Displays a terrific head for the ball, stays with coverage assignments, and is effective facing the action. Fluid pedaling in reverse, displays good anticipation, and flies around the action. Fires upfield, blows through blocks, and sells out to make plays. Showed well during Senior Bowl practices.
Weaknesses: Stiff. Slow flipping his hips. Lacks an explosive burst out of his plant and doesn’t drive to the ball. Deep speed is an issue.
Overall: Conner is a terrific football player, yet he’s an average athlete who lacks next-level speed. His instincts and tenacity will set him up to be a fourth safety/special-teams player on Sundays.
Chamarri Conner Combine Measurements and Results
- Height: 6’0″
- Weight: 202 pounds
- Arm Length: 31 3/8″
- Hand Size: 9″
- Bench Press: 20
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.51 seconds
Virginia Tech S Chamarri Conner Current Draft Projection
On Tony Pauline’s Big Board, Conner ranked 206th overall and is projected to be drafted in the sixth round. With a 3.36 grade, he’s Pauline’s 16th-ranked safety in the class.
Conner’s play over his five years in college wasn’t anything special. His apparent improvement in coverage during his final season was also largely a product of him being much older and more physically imposing than wide receivers.
College production is the most predictive indicator of NFL success. Conner started producing as a sophomore but spent another three years in college and didn’t improve much. While that doesn’t preclude Conner from becoming a successful pro, it doesn’t exactly bode well.
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Fortunately, Conner is pretty athletic for his size. His speed score ranks in the 64th percentile, and he has even better burst. Even as a Day 3 pick, Conner should be able to make an NFL roster. But his athleticism and body of work suggest his ceiling is becoming a rotational player at the NFL level.
Ultimately, Conner is fighting an uphill battle to have a sustained career. He’ll almost certainly be drafted and have the opportunity to prove himself at rookie minicamp and training camp, but simply earning a spot on an active roster would be a success for him.