NFL Draft Profile: Decorian Patterson, Cornerback, Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
Decorian Patterson
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
#33
Pos: CB
Ht: 5110
Wt: 190
40: 4.65
DOB: 2/10/2000
Hometown: Ocala, FL
High School: Leesburg
Eligibility: 2023
Evaluation:
A late bloomer, Patterson really caught the attention of NFL scouts this past season, playing all over the field at a very high level. He established himself as a lockdown boundary cornerback, relying on his quick instincts and recovery speed. While he tends to provide a bit of extra cushion underneath in coverage, Patterson rarely ever gives up the big play while making quite a few of his own. He brings the ‘juice,’ and teammates feed off his energy. MTSU cornerback coach Kenneth Gilstrap called Patterson, an ‘old school’ player after gutting through a shoulder injury to seal the deal with an interception against UTSA and also credits him for having a ‘short memory.’ The Florida native is no stranger to adversity as an injury cut short his freshman year, and he saw sporadic playing time as they figured out his role. Patterson has also answered any questions about his conditioning, something he placed an emphasis on once he converted to playing cornerback full-time. He started his first-ever game at safety as a true freshman against Georgia. He would eventually be utilized as a nickel back during his career before primarily being employed on the boundary. Having the ability to play multiple spots in the secondary will make Patterson a potential late-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Quotes:
"He battled some things last year, he's battled some things now, but he's continuing to go to work and to be that voice for that defensive back group. I just saw him take coaching and continue to mature into that role where he wants to be the best on the field. It motivates me." – Teammate Jordan Ferguson on Decorian Patterson
Background:
In 50 career games, tallied 183 tackles (ten tackles for loss), 38 pass deflections, nine interceptions, two and a have sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one blocked kick. Patterson enjoyed a breakout year in 2022 (All-CUSA Honorable Mention), making 65 tackles, with 18 pass deflections and seven interceptions. Injured against ODU and did not play against WKU, UTEP, Kentucky or either UAB game in 2018. Lettered in football and basketball at Leesburg High School under coach Sean Campbell. Son of Courtney and Andrenika Patterson. Majored in Integrated Studies. Projected as a first round pick in the NFL draft
