2018 Raiders Draft Prospect
Name: Parry Nickerson
Position: CB
School: Tulane
Height: 6 feet
Weight: 180 pounds
Stats:
Speed
Regardless of pattern, throw, or receiver, Nickerson possesses the ability to stay with the play. Not to mention, his acceleration on deep passes allows his to occasionally play the ball better that the wideout. To his credit, Nickerson does not solely rely on his electric burst to make the play. More importantly, Nickerson will backpedal little longer with the ability to turn and run.
Coverage
For a corner, listed at 180, Nickerson will bring the physical approach to the field. From the snap, he reads any tell from the wideout. For instance, inexperience of fringe wideouts will tip their routes by eyeing their pattern before the snap. To a corner like Nickerson, that dead giveaway helps him anticipate and drive on the play. If the receives plays true, Nickerson uses a sticky coverage style, not allowing the wideout any breathing room at the top of routes.
Ball Skills
Nickerson’s ability to make plays rivals the top echelon on cornerbacks in this draft class. His sixteen interceptions and 31 passes defensed bear witness to a playmaker. What makes Nickerson effective are the late hands. That is to say, on pass breakups, Nickerson will time his hands disrupting just quick enough to dislodge the ball. If Nickerson feels in proper position, he will make the grab for the pick.
Hands
Granted, most corners are corners because they cannot consistently catch the ball. However, Nickerson should the ability to high point and track passes from many angles. On overthrows, he will run the pattern to completion.
Tackling
Unlike many speedy corners, Nickerson interjects himself into plays near him. On screens, he will surf through trash and secure the stop. While not clean, his tackling is effective. Instead of throwing an errant shoulder, Nickerson will attempt to drive through the ballcarrier. At 180 pounds, that may not always be the most sound of idea. Yet, coaches can teach technique not willingness.
Raiders Fit:
Under a new scheme and thin depth at corner, the Raiders could draft Nickerson to bolster an anemic rotation. Behind Gareon Conley, no quality depth exists. With opponents using four wide receiver sets, chances are that extra corners will be needed. Nickerson gives the Raiders a speedy playmaker that can operate the slot, play outside, or help in subpackages. At this point, the Raiders need at least one speedy corner backup. As a result, Nickerson gives them a solid Day 3 option.
