Cory Durden 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

• Grad transfer from Florida State in December of 2020 

• Played tight end and defensive line in high school
• A shoulder injury limited him in 2020. Had surgery to repair a partially torn labrum in his left shoulder that forced him to miss spring of 2022. 

System: 

• Scheme tendencies: Odd front
• 2022 projected role: Starting DT

Pros: Having studied Cory Durden since the 2019 season, I’ve gained an appreciation for how many different roles he’s been asked to play. In 2019, he was a 5-technique for the Seminoles before spending the next two seasons primarily playing in the B-gaps. Then in 2021, NC State used him as a true 3-4 nose tackle. He has considerable experience playing every technique along the defensive line. His bull rush is the foundation for his pass-rush plan. He does well to fit his hands, leverage his hips to get under the blocker’s pads, and allows his excellent functional strength to compress the pocket. Durden showcases the ability to clear contact and finish with a variety of swipes and combos. He has the ability to play with extension, which makes life easier for him when trying to disengage. He generally does a good job of keeping his pads clean and winning with first contact. Durden mostly showcases a stout anchor against the run and single blocks won’t move him out of his run fits.

Cons: Cory Durden misses too many tackles. He should have more production behind the line of scrimmage, but he couldn’t get the ball carrier on the ground. He is often tardy out of his stance and he lacks quickness. His hips are considerably tight, which impacts his change-of-direction skills and lateral mobility. Durden is a sound run defender but there are instances where he struggles against double teams and doesn’t recognize down blocks, which forces him to work overtime to fight pressure with pressure and not get turned out of his gap. I would play him as an even front 1-technique, something his experiences in college haven’t tasked him with doing much of.

Cory Durden NFL Draft Scouting Report by Joe Marino