New Orleans Saints Draft Prospects: Senquez Golson, CB, Ole Miss

Among the remaining needs for the New Orleans Saints heading into the 2015 NFL Draft is a slot cornerback. Small, quick and technically sound cover men are required at the position; Senquez Golson brings all that to the table and a lot more. The former Ole Miss Rebel was battle-tested in the ultra competitive SEC and managed to tally nine interceptions during an impressive regular season. Let’s take a closer look:

NFL Scouting Combine measurements:

Height: 5-foot-9

Weight: 176 lbs.

Arm length: 29 3/4″

Hand size: 9 3/8″

40 yard dash: 4.46 seconds

Vertical jump: 33.5 inches

Broad jump: 10 feet

3 cone drill: 6.81 seconds

20 yard shuttle: 4.2 seconds

Bench press at 225 lbs: 15 reps

Analysis: Senquez Golson is a rather small cornerback with big hands, his lack of height will most likely keep him from playing on the perimeter in the NFL. The explosiveness numbers are adequate, his top-end speed and upper body strength are more than sufficient . The Mississippi native has very smooth hips and agility that allow him to change direction with ease while maintaining good angles to ball and opponent.

Production in 2014: ESPN.com credited Golson with nine interceptions (two games with two picks each), 41 tackles and seven pass deflections. Senquez Golson came up big in his senior season as he was unanimously voted an All-American after garnering the second most interceptions in the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision. The high school baseball standout only allowed four touchdown passes to opposing receivers, three of them against wideouts that stood 6’4″.

In early October, Golson sealed the deal against Alabama with a game-ending interception. He did a great job reading the Crimson Tide’s quarterback Blake Sims, leaving the receiver in front of him uncovered to haul in the pass that was intended for a ‘Bama tight end. Take a look yourself:

Synopsis: While Golson might lack the size to play on the outside, his coverage abilities and agility are what teams covet in slot cornerbacks. The instincts are a big plus that should shore up his Day Two value. One of the few knacks on Golson could be a lack of experience in press coverage but his strength and aforementioned ball skills are reason for optimism. Of course there will be some growing pains as he adjusts to the NFL but I firmly believe that he will be one of the better nickel corners by the end of his rookie season. The Saints should give this guy a very long look since there is no corner as agile and quick as Golson currently on the roster. While a second round selection seems too early, the Saints would be ill-advised not to scoop this kid up with one of their two third round selections.

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Nov 1, 2014; Oxford, MS, USA; Ole Miss Rebels cornerback Senquez Golson (21) intercepts a pass intended for Auburn Tigers wide receiver D

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