Scouting the NFL Draft: CB Loucheiz Purifoy

Feb 25, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida Gators defensive back

runs the 40 yard dash during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Loucheiz Purifoy is a cornerback, previously from the University of Florida. He projects as a guy to come off the board on the second day of the draft, and Mel Kiper has the Jets choosing Purifoy in the third round. Therefore, that is who we are going to look at, Loucheiz Purifoy.

Here are Purifoy’s stats while at the University of Florida:

Defense & Fumbles

Loucheiz Purifoy is clearly a guy that is all over the field.

At the Combine in Indianapolis, Loucheiz Purifoy ran the 40 yard dash in 4.61 seconds. He measures in at 5’11” 190 pounds.

Here is some Loucheiz Purifoy highlights:

PROS: His in-game speed is excellent. No matter what his straight-line speed is, he has game speed. Purifoy can stay with any wide receiver. Both on special teams and defense, Loucheiz Purifoy is a good tackler. He hits through his man and doesn’t miss, and also is not afraid to take on a bigger runner. Purifoy has soft hands to make the interception with as well.

CONS: Here are the negatives from his NFL profile:

Needs to get functionally stronger to jam/re-route and shed blocks. Gives up separation at the break point and gets outmuscled at the catch point. Inconsistent, leaky, underpowered tackler. Instincts and anticipation are lacking. Technique needs to be coached up — opens the gate and gets beat off the snap. Leaves production on the field — in position, but doesn’t make the play. Questionable tackle and ball production — registered just 24 tackles as a junior and logged just 12 PBUs and two INTs from 2012-13. Marginal run strength as a returner. Shared reps as a junior.

He is a little undersized at 5’11”, 190 pounds. He also needs to make sure he turns back towards the football when it is in the air. Sometimes, Purifoy will play the man, not the ball, and that will be called in the NFL.

Too high, this would be a bad pick. But in the third round or later, Loucheiz Purifoy would be a good choice for the Jets.