The 2023 NFL Draft class features a stacked group of defensive players, especially at cornerback, where Southern Miss CB Eric Scott Jr. is making waves as he steadily moves up draft boards. While most of the conversation has been focused on the top names in the class, what does Scott’s scouting report suggest about his NFL Draft stock?
Eric Scott Jr. NFL Draft Profile
- Position: Cornerback
- School: Southern Miss
- Year: Senior
Although Scott played three years at Basehor-Linwood High School, just outside of Kansas City, he did not have many scholarship offers. Scott started his collegiate career in the JUCO ranks, playing at Butler College, where he appeared in 11 games and recorded 11 total tackles and two interceptions during his freshman campaign.
Scott elected to transfer and look for a bigger opportunity. He found that at Southern Miss, where he transferred as a three-star player. Scott appeared in nine games in 2020 and made five starts while compiling 31 tackles (18 solo) with an interception and five past breakups.
Appearing in all 12 games while making 11 starts in 2021, Scott became a mainstay in the secondary and recorded 20 tackles, including one in every game, posted two interceptions, and collected two fumble recoveries.
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In his final year, Scott saw his turnovers become more impactful, as not only did he record two interceptions, but both of them were returned for touchdowns, including one late in the fourth quarter against Tulane, which paved the way for a 27-24 upset victory against the eventual Cotton Bowl champions.
Scott was selected to participate in the East-West Shrine game, and while he didn’t attend at the NFL Combine, he had an impressive performance during Southern Miss’ Pro Day. He led the Golden Eagles with a team-high 39.5″ vertical jump and posted the top broad jump of 11’1″.
Although Scott ran an unofficial 4.60 40-yard dash, the DB pulled his right quad, making it slightly difficult to judge his true speed. Yet, if you ask Scott, “athleticism hasn’t been an issue for me.”
With his college career in the books, the attention turns toward the NFL Draft. Likely a prospect not known to many, what does the scouting report suggest are Scott’s strengths and areas for improvement as we close in on the 2023 NFL Draft?
Tony Pauline’s Scouting Report for Eric Scott Jr.
Strengths: Underrated cornerback who flashes next-level skill. Smooth, quick-footed in reverse, and flips his hips in transition. Plays heads-up football, stays with assignments, and works well with safeties to bracket receivers over the middle of the field. Runs downfield with opponents and effectively positions himself to break up throws. Shows the ability to stay on the receiver’s hip out of breaks and is rarely challenged by cornerbacks.
Weaknesses: Has a thin build. Not a stout corner. Loses out to bigger receivers. Not much of a factor in run support.
Overall: Scott is a nice-sized corner who was a bit of a late bloomer on the college level. He’s flashed a lot of ability the past two seasons and was effective during all three days of Shrine Bowl practice. He comes with an upside and could make a roster as an eighth defensive back.
Eric Scott Jr. Combine Measurements and Results
- Height: 6’0 3/4″
- Weight: 197 pounds
- Arm Length: 32 1/4″
- Wingspan: 80 1/4″
- Hand Size: 9 1/2″
- Bench Press: 16
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.6 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 39.5″
- Broad Jump: 11’1″
Southern Miss CB Eric Scott Jr.’s Current Draft Projection
2023 is absolutely loaded with talent and is a perfect year if your team needs a CB. Although names like Christian Gonzalez, Devon Witherspoon, Kelee Ringo, and Joey Porter Jr. dominate the conversations, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a dozen go in the first two rounds alone.
With that said, I wouldn’t expect Scott to be among those names. Currently, he is the No. 232 overall prospect on Tony Pauline’s Big Board and is the CB30 with a grade of 3.32, giving him a projected draft capital of somewhere in the sixth round.
MORE: 2023 NFL Draft Big Board
“If you’re ever around him, he’s the epitome of our culture,” said USM head coach Will Hall. “He really wakes up every day and chooses his attitude and chooses to respond the right way no matter what the circumstances are. He’s a kid that didn’t have a lot going on out of high school, made some bad decisions, ended up in junior college, and totally has transformed his life.”
Although it might only be coach speak, Scott certainly made an impact on the university, and it will be a selling point to NFL teams. However, Scott might need to add more weight to become more physical as a tackler. While he runs well, does he have NFL-level recovery speed?
The ball skills, instincts, and click-and-close ability show up. However, we also must consider the level of competition. While Scott will likely hear his name cold toward the end of the draft, he faces an uphill climb. Before he becomes an impactful player in the secondary, the practice squad and especially special teams will be the best opportunity for Scott to make waves on an NFL roster.