Prince Amukamara Scouting Report

Quarterback Taylor Martinez provides all the flash for Nebraska, but it is their defense that wins games. And nobody plays a more vital role than cornerback Prince Amukamara. However, that has not always been the case. Amukamara barely saw the field during his freshman campaign in 2007. In 2008 he made three starts against non-conference opponents and played a relatively small role off the bench for the rest of the season. Once he was given a full-time starting job as an upperclassman, Amukamara made a big name for himself, totaling 64 tackles and five interceptions. By the end of the year the opposing offense rarely threw his way. For his efforts he was named to a variety of all-conference and all-American teams.

Amukamara is not putting up great numbers so far in 2010, but his presence alone has made this a great defense. The opposition cannot afford to throw anywhere near the 6-1 corner. In part, that has led to 11 interceptions for his teammates, but none for Amukamara. He does lead the team with seven pass break-ups, but do not expect Amukamara to put up great numbers again this season…the Big 12 knows better.

No matter what the numbers are, Amukamara is the best cornerback coming into the draft this season and should not last long on draft day. He could easily be a top three or four selection in April barring a major injury or some very disappointing workouts leading up to the draft.

1/17 Update: Amukamara did not tally an interception during his senior season, but the Cornhuskers totaled an impressive 19. Amukamara took over many games in 2010 and was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. He was also on just about everybody's First-Team All-American squad. Amukamara will have some interesting battles with Patrick Peterson at the NFL Combine to decide which is the best cornerback in this class. Either way, neither will likely fall past the ninth spot in the draft.

3/25 Update: The questions about Amukamara heading into the NFL combine were about his speed. He put an end to that by running a 4.38 40-yard-dash. He looked a little stiff in some of the drills, but the cornerback looked much more fluid during Nebraska's pro day where he only did position drills. Any doubts that he should be a top ten selection and the second corner to only Peterson should be long gone and it is possible that Amukamara could go as high as fourth overall.