Darius Slay Scouting Report

Mississippi State cornerback Darius Slay is a former junior college player that joined the Bulldogs in 2011. He did not see significant starting time until his senior year and is still a bit raw.

With only one season's worth of starts under his belt, Slay is an intriguing mid-round option. Adequate height and above-average length. He is better in zone coverage and will require refinement in man to man. Anticipating throws and jumping routes is very inconsistent. Seems to guess at times and can obviously guess wrong. Above-average burst and explosion.

Average straight-line speed. Flips hips well and good, but not great footwork. Change of direction needs improvement. Picked off five passes in 2012, but that should be expected with more throws going his way from being opposite Johnthan Banks.

Not afraid of contact and tackles well in open spaces. Struggles taking on blockers and must learn to fight better for position and maintaining leverage. Weaves through traffic well in pursuit of the ball-carrier.

Slay projects as a third to fourth round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.