NFL Draft Profile: Eli Ricks, Cornerback, Alabama Crimson Tide
#7
Pos: CB
Ht: 6020
Wt: 188
Hand: 0878
Arm: 3238
Wing: 7878
40: 4.45
DOB: 9/26/2001
Hometown: Rancho Cucamonga, CA
High School: IMG Academy
Eligibility: 2023
Eli Ricks
Alabama Crimson Tide
One-Liner:
An elongated corner with ball skills, Ricks has the makeup of a top defensive back but must build on his technique to congeal himself atop his draft class.
Evaluation:
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.
Grade:
2nd Round
Quotes:
“Alabama’s Eli Ricks has flaws that keep him from running away with the CB1 mantle. However, he’s the most common early pick to eventually attain that title.”
Ian Cummings Pro-Football-Network
Background:
Eli Ricks, who attended IMG Academy and played at LSU in 2020, is a solid player ready to play for Nick Saban and Alabama. At LSU, he played significantly and recorded twenty tackles and four interceptions. He was a Freshman All American and All SEC Second Team. At IMG, he was ranked as the number one overall prospect in the entire state of Florida and a five star cornerback prospect. Ricks will look to showcase his IMG talents to Alabama this season.
