2020 Raiders Draft Prospect Profile
Name: Kristian Fulton
Position: Cornerback
School: LSU
Height: 6 feet
Weight: 197 pounds
Stats
Ball Skills
During his time in Baton Rouge, you’d hope to see a little more production from Fulton. Now, his ability to shutdown opponents did not net him many targets his way. Yet, two picks means that he will need to turn those twenty deflections into picks at the next level. While the tools exist, Fulton needs to capitalize on sloppy offensive execution.
Coverage
Whether off or press, Fulton can flow between the two and not lose a step. First, after the snap, he stays anchored to the receiver’s hip. Long arms and active reach make him a general pain for quarterbacks to complete the pass. Without hanging all over the wideout, Fulton remains a threat to knock the ball away.
Speed
Granted, Fulton does not possess blazing speed. yet, what he employs is an effective burst. That is to say, his timed speed and play speed match. Forget the stopwatch and look at the gamefilm. You will rarely see a wideout roasting Fulton downfield. Moreover, his gains closure by long stride that will keep him in playmaking range.
Agility
Fulton adjusts on the fly to the stutter step to begin a pattern. He doesn’t appear to stumble or overcompensate to keep up. Next, he shows the flexibility needed to drive on the ball during comebacks and hitches. Vertically, he leaps with relative ease, maintains coverage to the ball’s highest point.
Tackling
With a long reach and tackle radius, you’d expect more from Fulton. He needs to approach the ballcarrier with a bit more urgency. Next, grip strength must improve before the season. Dragging a jersey and holding on will not get the job done on Sunday. Additionally, dropping his hips and getting his leverage better. Also, staying behind his pads must become an integral part of Fulton’s revamped approach.
Team Fit
Physically, Fulton checks the boxes for what Paul Guenther prefers in a corner. With long arms and reach, Fulton ensures the Las Vegas Raiders will employ another long corner. Fulton doesn’t need safety help on a one-on-one. His ability to stick with receivers, through any route will help the team, in what looks to be a complete shortcoming. Plus, if you look around the AFC, you can see a plethora of immensely talented, hyperathletic wideouts. Players like Daryl Worley and Nevin Lawson cannot stay with Mike Williams or AJ Brown. Fulton’s height helps him versus Williams and stride will give Brown fits. Granted, the team did invest a one-year deal in Eli Apple. However, do you really think Apple will be a Raiders in 2021? Provided this season happens, the could be a quick layover. Meanwhile, Fulton seamlessly slides into the corner across from Trayvon Mullen.
Red Flag
LSU suspended Fulton for the entire 2017 season for rigging a drug test with a false specimen. With the CBA signed, not sure how much of an issue this ends up being.
