Tony Grimes NFL Draft

Tony Grimes

  • CB North Carolina
  • Junior
  • #245
  • 6'
  • 197lbs
  • Prospect
  • Atlantic Coast

Prospect Summary

Tony Grimes 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

  • Two-sport star that had success in track & field in sprint events, relays, and long jump
  • Consensus five-star recruit
  • Invited to play in the Under Armour All-America Game

System: 

  • Scheme tendencies: 4-2-5 with man and zone principles
  • 2022 projected role: Starting outside CB

Pros: Tony Grimes is a high-level athlete in terms of straight-line speed. Grimes can run vertically with the majority of college wide receivers. If beaten early, he has the speed to make up ground and recover. His speed allows him to play trail technique to deter or break up back shoulder fades. He shows the willingness to engage and take on stalk blocks in the run game. Grimes displays good length to press and squeeze routes to the sideline. He is at his best when playing bump-and-run technique where he can disrupt timing. When he uses his length in the contact window, Grimes can stifle the receiver’s releases. At the catch point, his length shows up as he plays through the hands of the receiver to force incompletions.

Cons: Tony Grimes does not showcase enthusiasm to fill the alley in the running game. As a Cover 2 defender, I would like to see better patience playing between the hi-lo reads. He triggers too quickly underneath without forcing the QB to make a read and decision. His technique in press has room for improvement. While he caps routes, Grimes can be handsy, opening the door for potential flags. In soft-press sequences, his feet can become too wide out of his stance. Grimes lacks ball production with one interception as a freshman. He does not consistently turn to locate the football downfield. He has flashed the upside and tools that made him a 5-star recruit but hasn’t shown consistency to date.

Tony Grimes NFL Draft Scouting Report by Damian Parson