Kyler Gordon is an exceptional athlete with explosive and dynamic movement. In the run game, he comes up hard when he is the force player in zone. He is an eager participant in the run game and does a good job as a tackler on the perimeter and in space as a core special teamer. In the passing game, he is exceptional. His outstanding agility and quickness in coverage help him stay in phase.

From press alignment, he often uses bail technique and closes quickly when he can play with vision. From off man, he can get a little “nosey” with his eyes but obviously trusts his athleticism in these instances. In the NFL, he has the athleticism and hips to be a starting outside corner. However, his tackling ability, instincts, and agility also project him favorably to playing inside, giving him true inside/outside flexibility.

Ideal Role: Inside or outside CB.

Scheme Fit: Skill set fits any scheme if he’s playing inside.

FILM EVALUATION

Written by Drae Harris

Games watched: California (2021), Oregon State (2021), Colorado (2021), ASU (2021)

Best Game Studied: California (2021)

Worst Game Studied: ASU (2021)

Man Coverage: See Above.

Zone Coverage: He’s very effective in zone coverage. He often plays with bail technique and his outstanding athleticism helps him close and make plays on the football.

Ball Skills: He plays with good ball skills. However, his skill set suggests he could finish reps better with interceptions. He does a good job closing and wants to get his hands on the ball.

Tackling: See Above.

Versatility: His skill set projects him with true versatility, in my opinion. He can obviously excel outside and has enough length to be effective. However, he has the short-area agility and physical toughness to align at nickel.

Competitive Toughness: He displays good competitive toughness. This is evident in his ability on special teams. He is a tough and willing tackler, as well.

Functional Athleticism: He displays outstanding functional athleticism in coverage. He is extremely explosive and dynamic in terms of his movement skills. His athleticism helps him to stay in phase in man coverage.

Football IQ: See Above.

Run Defending: When he is the force player, he flies up to make tackles in the run game. He has been a good tackler against receivers and easily limits yardage in coverage. This is also evident in his ability on coverage teams.

Length: He has enough length to project him well on the outside. He appears to have long arms. However, with pro coaching, he could afford to learn to use them better as a rerouter in press situations.

SCOUT GRADES

TDN Consensus: 81.42/100 (Second Round Value)

Crabbs Grade: 79.50/100

Marino Grade: 80.00/100

Harris Grade: 82.00/100

Sanchez Grade: 84.00/100

Weissman Grade: 81.00/100

Parson Grade: 82.00/100