The 2019 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. The Game Haus will be doing scouting reports on some of the top prospects in the 2019 NFL Draft. Notre Dame cornerback Julian Love was one of the school’s all-time best and will now head to the NFL.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgkl0zMai-k

Background

Position: Cornerback

Class: Junior

2018 stats: 63 total tackles, three tackles for loss, one interception, 16 passes defended, three fumbles recovered, one fumble recovered, one touchdown

Size: 5-foot-11, 193 pounds

Love was a three-year starter for the Fighting Irish and proved to be one of the best corners in college football over that span. After developing at Notre Dame, he is now trying to be one of the top five corners selected in the 2019 NFL Draft.

In his three seasons with the Fighting Irish, he had 176 total tackles, six tackles for loss, five interceptions, three touchdowns, 39 passes defended, four fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles. He set a school record with his 39 passes defended, despite only playing three seasons. Love started off being a bright spot on some bad Notre Dame defenses, but by the time he was a junior, the defense was solid enough to help lead them to the College Football Playoff.

Over his career, Love has molded himself into a solid cornerback that appears to be ready for the NFL level. Love will be hoping to go within the first few rounds of the 2019 NFL Draft.

Strengths

Love is the quintessential cover-corner. He sticks to his man like glue and stays connected throughout the play. It starts with good technique, but he also has the competitiveness to not let the receiver get the edge on him. Whether in zone or man coverage, Love is able to effectively cover in any way he is asked to do it.

His ball skills are second to none in this draft class. He set the school record for pass breakups, which at Notre Dame is no small feat. His hands are active when the ball is in the air and he also has the range and athleticism to be able to make plays on the ball. Love has solid hands and if he is able to intercept a pass, he is a threat to take it back to the endzone for a touchdown.

He is also one of the most intelligent corners in the draft class. Love is able to read the quarterback’s eyes in zone coverage, but also knows when to fight for the ball against man coverage. Often times he can be seen breaking on a route before a quarterback even throws the ball, displaying great instincts and anticipation in the process.

Weaknesses

His acceleration and speed aren’t quite up to par from what teams would like to see out of a pure cover corner. Receivers with decent speed at the next level may be able to separate, especially if they are quick in and out of their breaks. His fluid hips and technique helped him keep up with receivers in college, but need a safety over the top to help him out in the NFL.

Love needs to add play strength to his frame. While weighing in at 195 pounds at the NFL Combine isn’t all that bad, against bigger receivers, he could be beaten at the line of scrimmage, when they break for the ball or in battles for the football if the receiver adequately uses their strength.

He will not provide much help against the run. Love doesn’t have the strength to shed a lot of blocks and even if he is able to shed, it is too late to make the play. He is willing to tackle if he is able to get in position to make the play, but that doesn’t happen often.

Projected Draft Range: First round-Second round

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