Kendall Sheffield

Cornerback, Ohio State Buckeyes
5-11 3/8, 193
40 Time: N/A

OVERVIEW

Sheffield originally signed with Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide out of high school but opted to transfer after spending his first season as a redshirt.
In 2016, he played defensive back and returned kicks for Blinn College in Brenham, Texas, recording 31 tackles, two interceptions and 11 pass break-ups to go along with touchdowns on both punt and kickoff returns. He was rated the No. 1 JUCO cornerback and a top five junior college prospect overall in 2017, signing with the Buckeyes.
He immediately stood out, registering 40 tackles and finishing with nine passes defensed – second on the team only to 2018 No. 4 overall pick Denzel Ward, a rookie Pro Bowler for the Cleveland Browns.
No longer the new kid on the block, teams were a bit more hesitant to challenge Sheffield in 2018 and his tackle (35) and pass break-ups (six) dropped despite his starting all 14 games.
Sheffield’s draft stock took a hit at the Combine when he suffered a pectoral injury during the bench press, which could impact his availability during the offseason program ahead of training camp.

ANALYSIS

Possesses a quality frame for the position with broad shoulders and an evenly proportioned musculature belying his remarkable straight-line speed. Built (and tackles) like a football player but runs like a track star, breaking the Ohio State school record in the 60-meter dash in February 2018 with a time of 6.663 seconds, eclipsing a 23-year old record at a program well known for producing speedsters.
Trusts his eyes when playing off and zone, showing zero hesitation in attacking upfield with a wicked burst to close and good timing to disrupt the receiver as the ball arrives. Doesn’t lack for physicality, showing a willingness to lower his shoulder into ballcarriers, as well as the competitiveness to grapple for the pull-down, messy tackle, when needed.
Takes risky angles in pursuit, relying upon his speed at times to bail him out. Questionable ball skills with just two interceptions (both in 2018) among 15 career passes defensed.
Projection: Third Round
–Field Level Media (@FieldLevelMedia)