Raiders Draft Prospect: CB T.J. Tampa, Iowa State
The Las Vegas Raiders are looking for young players to help them get back to the postseason in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Raiders built an identity around their defense in the second half of the season when Coach Antonio Pierce took over. They have several young and talented players on that side of the ball they could build around, but they could add more in the draft.
One of those players could be Iowa State cornerback T.J. Tampa. A First-Team All-Big 12 member in 2023, Tampa is one of the biggest cornerbacks in the draft at 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds.
Tampa finished his Cyclones career with 107 total tackles, nine and a half tackles for loss, a forced fumble, 19 passes defended, and three interceptions. He was also named Second-Team All-Big 12 in 2022.
As previously mentioned, Tampa is one of the biggest corners in the draft. He is nimble for his size and is a fluid mover. He has quick feet and hips to move downfield. He has good speed for his size as well, being able to recover if he gets beat. His size can bother even the biggest receivers.
The Las Vegas Raiders could get bigger in the secondary by adding Iowa State's T.J. Tampa in the 2024 NFL Draft.
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According to Pro Football Focus, Tampa played the majority of his snaps on the outside. He has the versatility to play in the box as a safety or in a dime package as well. He was targeted 49 times and allowed 25 receptions for 240 yards and just one touchdown.
Not only does his size bother receivers in coverage, it helps him in the run game as well. He is physical and likes to compete, something Pierce would covet.
Tampa is a versatile prospect and should be coveted for his ability to play multiple positions at the next level. The problem with that, however, is that Tampa may not be able to play just one position.
Tampa also is not very technically refined and struggles in man coverage because of it. He gets beat by receivers because of his bad technique.
Tampa is projected to be a day two selection in the draft because of the upside he offers. If the Raiders are looking for a player they could play at multiple positions, Tampa could head to Las Vegas.
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.
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