The 2024 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the T.J. Tampa 2024 NFL Draft Profile.
Position: Cornerback
School: Iowa State
Size: 6-foot-1, 189 pounds
Class: Senior
2023 stats: 44 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 7 passes defended, 1 forced fumble
Tampa developed into a great corner for Iowa State over his last two seasons. He is now in the 2024 NFL Draft.
As a three-star recruit in the class of 2020, Tampa signed with Iowa State out of Florida. He played as a reserve and on special teams in his freshman season. Tampa started five games and played in 13 as a sophomore. He finished that season with 18 tackles and three passes defended. In 2022, he was named Second Team All-Big 12 with 40 total tackles, one interception and nine passes defended. Despite his good play, the Cyclones went 4-8. For the 2023 season, he was named First Team All-Big 12 with 44 tackles, two interceptions and seven passes defended. He led the Cyclones to an improved 7-6 record.
Following the season, Tampa declared for the 2024 NFL Draft. He is currently projected to be a second or third-round pick.
Tampa has great size for the position. He stands at 6-foot-1 and 189 pounds. His frame shows some room to build into as well. Along with his size, he has great length. His arms measured above 32-inches at the NFL Combine and he uses his length well on tape.
Especially for his size, Tampa is a good athlete. He has good quickness and short-area burst, which gives him the ability to jump plays. Tampa can change direction decently well too. He can jump high, allowing him to attack the catchpoint of a receiver.
His zone coverage is impressive for a few different reasons. He uses his length well and can press even in zone. Tampa maintains good eye balance between the quarterback and receiver, which doesn’t allow many openings. His awareness and route recognition help him cover in zone well.
There are some questions over Tampa’s longspeed. He can be beat vertically by receivers. It is important for him to make contact in press to throw receivers off their routes and to trust his technique throughout a rep.
While he has decently fluid hips, he can have trouble mirroring receivers. Excellent route runners can give him some trouble as he fails to stick to them at times. Improving his footwork and getting better technique can help.
He has good size and can lay down some hits, but he also misses some too. Tampa can become more consistent by showing good form and not diving at ankles. He has a willingness to help against the run, but can be more effective if he improves his tackling.
Projected Draft Range: Second Round Pick-Third Round Pick
Draft Grade: Second Round Pick
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