Gerrick McPhearsonHeight: 5-10
Weight: 191
40 Speed: 4.21 V
Position: Cornerback
College: Maryland
Final Grade: I 6.2
SUMMARYMcPherson is an exciting player because of his tremendous 40-yard dash time, but the fact that he was only Maryland's No. 3 cornerback as a junior is troubling. Never showed the consistent production as a senior to make people believe he will ever play up to his 40 time. At nearly 5-foot-10 and 190 pounds, he has adequate size and is without question an explosive athlete, but he needs to translate his athleticism into on-field production. He is a competitive cornerback who has shown a willingness to make hard tackles in run support and will hit the receiver to break up passes. Has the hips and athleticism to turn and run with the receiver without losing a step, and can run with fast receivers deep down the field. Does not consistently transition out of his backpedal to close fast enough and break up passes in front of him. Does not consistently read the quarterback quickly and he ends up allowing too many catches. Overall, McPherson has the physical tools to be a good starting cornerback in the NFL, but he has not converted his athleticism into production yet, and most of the time cornerbacks do not change in that regard once in the league.
STRONG POINTSMcPherson is a very quick and explosive athlete. He has shown the ability to plant, drive and close fast on passes in front of him, and can use his front arm to break up the pass well. Also has shown willingness to make a hard hit right after ball arrives to break up the pass. Has the acceleration and speed to stay on receivers down the field on deep routes and has the hips to turn, run and stay with receiver in the red zone. Usually comes up quickly in run support and is willing to make good tackles out in space.
