2023 NFL Draft Profile: Alabama Cornerback Eli Ricks

BamaCentral is taking a long look at each of the Crimson Tide's 15 football prospects who could hear their names called during the 2023 NFL Draft in Kansas City on April 27-29.

Author:
Christopher Walsh
Publish date:
Apr 18, 2023 7:00 AM EDT

In this story:

Alabama Crimson Tide

When Alabama football fans learned last year that Eli Ricks was joining the Crimson Tide, they were ecstatic.

He looked like he could be a true difference-maker for the defense, the kind of talent who quarterbacks would try and avoid. With Kool-Aid McKinstry at the other corner spot on a veteran secondary, the Crimson Tide appeared poised for a big season.

Ricks had attended IMG Academy and played at LSU in 2020, where he notched four interceptions en route to being named a Freshman All American and All SEC Second Team.

But then Ricks did make his first start for the Crimson Tide until the Mississippi State game, midway through the regular season and after Alabama had already taken a tough last-second loss at Tennessee.

His second start was his return to LSU, as a visitor.

"I think he played well the last game, so hopefully he can build on that," Nick Saban said at the time about Ricks. "But I think it’s important that he just goes into this game and is himself and doesn’t think he has to do something fantastic just because he’s playing against a team he used to play for. I think that’s always important psychologically for guys to be able to focus on what’s in front of them and do their job well.”

Had Ricks returned to Alabama for another season he might had played his way into first- or second-round contention for the for the NFL draft. Instead, he opted to leave early, making him a difficult evaluation for scouts.

“Alabama’s Eli Ricks has flaws that keep him from running away with the CB1 mantle," Ian Cummings of the Pro Football Network wrote. "However, he’s the most common early pick to eventually attain that title.”

Alabama Cornerback Eli Ricks

NFL Combine/Workout Details

Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Eli Ricks (7) tackles Kansas State Wildcats wide receiver Malik Knowles (4) during the first half in the 2022 Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome. — Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports

No. 7
Position: CB
Height: 6020
Weight: 188
Hand: 0878
Arm: 3238
Wing: 7878
40: 4.45
DOB: 9/26/2001
Hometown: Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
High School: IMG Academy

What They're Saying About Eli Ricks

Defensive back Eli Ricks participates in a drill during Pro Day at Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility on the campus of the University of Alabama. — Gary Cosby Jr./USA Today Network

Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: "A long-limbed cornerback with an impressive physical profile, Ricks is in need of more experience to sharpen his skills and recognition. He is a press-man cornerback with a relatively smooth pedal and an ability to push and punch receivers with accuracy from long distance. He’s often a step slow to find top gear when opening to run laterally or vertically, but he’s a human blanket against short and intermediate routes without much wiggle to them. Ricks needs to be more assertive against the run and could struggle on an island, but his traits and press talent should fit in the right scheme."

NFL Draft Bible: "Stature that is stretched out, with pronounced arm length and substantial hands. Primarily played to the field, with some reps to the boundary and over the slot. Uses his length at the line of scrimmage, disrupting route timing. No issue when asked to turn and run. Unthreatened in man coverage, via vertical or underneath concepts. Plays through the receiver at the catch point, generating pass breakups. Comfortable with the ball in the air, beating receivers to high point for interceptions. Quality body control with the ability to contort, and snatch the football. Can anticipate route combinations, working off his spot to help alleviate zone tendencies and create winning plays for the defense.

"Skimpy frame that can add mass. Tends to bite on double moves early, correcting it later. Feet get stuck on reactionary movements, leading to balance issues. Lacks elite quickness and foot speed out of his breaks. Longer athlete that loses fluidity in his speed turns and hip movements. Doesn't offer much in the run game. Can be blocked out of the play and is an unsure tackler at best. Ricks has the potential to lead off the defensive back selections in 2023, but is currently unpolished and needs work in his technique. If he can show improved footwork and consistent competitive stamina, look for Ricks to hear his name called early."

BamaCentral Analysis

Alabama defensive back Eli Ricks (7) loosens up before the game with the University of Louisiana Monroe at Bryant-Denny Stadium. — Gary Cosby Jr.-USA Today Sports

The thing that that NFL teams will have to weight with Ricks is production vs. potential. During his one year at Alabama he played in 10 games with five starts after dealing with some injuries, and tallied just 13 tackles, including one for a loss, and four pass breakups. While he's an enormous talent, the limited starting experience over the last two seasons is reflected by his lacking in some of the detail work that can make or break a cornerback in the NFL.

Projection: Third round