NFL Draft Profile: Tony Grimes, Cornerback, North Carolina Tar Heels
#20
Pos: CB
Ht: 6006
Wt: 190
40: 4.52
DOB: 4/8/2002
Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA
High School: Princess Anne
Eligibility: 2023
Tony Grimes
North Carolina Tar Heels
One-Liner:
An imperial corner with all the tools to be a lockdown defender, Grimes could find himself atop Draft boards following another solid season.
Evaluation:
Extensive frame that is also imposing for a defensive back. A true man-man boundary corner, daring you to test his traits. Plays physical at every level of play development, from press alignment to the catch point. Play strength stifles receivers, throwing off route timings and releases. Effortless into his gate, turning and burning to carry fade routes. Entices quarterbacks to throw his way with a low pad level that springs into unforeseen pass breakups thanks to his length and hops. Expert at playing the pocket of the receiver, using precision-based timing to cause incompletions. Know his physicality is no issue, meaning more consistent effort should be allocated to run defense. Doesn't have extremely twitchy fibers, with adequate quickness and fluidity but not awe-inspiring. Want to see him constantly play into the receiver, can be hesitant in his break at times, not staying glued to the pass catcher's hip. Grimes is one of those corners that heavy man coverage teams desperately covet. When combining his physical traits with his ball production, you can see the makeup for a shutdown corner. Following up his previous campaigns will set a high draft position in stone for Grimes.
Grade:
1st Round
Background:
Grimes came to North Caroline as a five star prospect as the seventh best player in 2021 and the number one ranked cornerback. In his first season with UNC, he made four starts at both defensive back and special teams, showing his extensive versatility. He improved his game from freshman to sophomore season where he started all thirteen games at defensive back where he earned All ACC Honorable Mention. He will look to make even more of an impact in 2022 for the Tar Heels.
Quotes:
“With his length, athleticism, and natural ball skills, he will be highly valued by press cover teams and could earn a top 100 pick.”
