SALEM, OR — In the lead-up to the draft, few players have sparked as much intrigue as Jerry Haywood, the electrifying cornerback out of Oklahoma. At just 21 years old, Haywood’s blend of speed, agility, and technical skills has teams in desperate need of secondary help keeping a watchful eye.
A Background Rooted in Grit
Born in a football-crazed town in Texas, Haywood was a late bloomer in the sport. While his peers were running routes in grade school, Haywood was competing in track and field, winning state medals in the 100m and 200m dashes. His first love was sprinting, but it wasn’t until high school that a coach convinced him to try his hand at football. The results were immediate: Haywood’s blinding speed and natural athleticism transformed him into a shutdown corner by his junior year.
After earning a full scholarship to Oklahoma, Haywood quickly established himself as one of the most reliable defensive backs in college football. Despite starting his collegiate career as a raw talent, his progression over three seasons was remarkable, culminating in an All-Conference nod during his final year.
Strengths That Set Him Apart
Haywood’s draft stock has skyrocketed thanks to his elite athletic traits, showcased during his NFL Combine and Pro Day performances:
- Speed & Acceleration: Haywood clocked a blistering 4.39-second 40-yard dash, ranking 5th among cornerbacks. His elite acceleration and change of direction (graded as “Great” and “Elite,” respectively) make him nearly impossible to shake off in man coverage.
- Vertical Ability: With a vertical jump of 35.8 inches and a broad jump of 10’1”, Haywood can contest passes with the best of them, even against taller receivers.
- Coverage Skills: Graded as an “A” in both Man Coverage and Press, Haywood thrives in physical, one-on-one situations. His ability to stick to receivers like glue is a trait defensive coordinators dream about.
Areas for Improvement
While Haywood’s potential is sky-high, there are still aspects of his game that scouts have flagged:
- Ball Skills: One of Haywood’s few weaknesses is his difficulty locating the ball in the air, a flaw that showed up occasionally in college. His “C” grade in Catching reflects a need for improvement here.
- Strength Concerns: With only 8 bench press reps at the Combine, his lower-body and upper-body strength will need work to hold up against physical NFL receivers.
Player Projection
Jerry Haywood is projected to go in the first round, and for good reason. Teams in need of a lockdown corner—such as the Steelers, Jaguars, or Falcons—will likely be circling his name on their draft boards. His ability to thrive in press-man schemes and match up against the league’s best deep threats makes him a coveted commodity.
What the Scouts Are Saying
A scout for the Atlanta Falcons described Haywood as “the type of corner who can run with anyone and doesn’t shy away from a challenge. He’s raw in some aspects, but his ceiling is All-Pro level.”
The Final Verdict
Haywood’s elite athleticism and knack for erasing receivers make him an enticing prospect. While there are still areas for growth, any team willing to invest in his potential could end up with a franchise cornerstone in their secondary. Look for his name to be called early come draft night, and don’t be surprised if he’s locking down top receivers in the league before long.
