Getting to know our rookies: Cordrea Tankersley

Cordrea Tankersley is an American football cornerback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He played college football at Clemson. Wikipedia

Born: November 19, 1993 (age 23), Beech Island, SC

Height: 6′ 1″

Weight: 190 lbs

Current team: Miami Dolphins (#30 / Cornerback)

High school: Aiken

Children: Cameron Tankersley

NFL.com Draft Profile

OVERVIEW

Cordrea (pronounced cohr-DRAY) got his nickname “Tootie” from his older brother Codarius, who repeated the word several times after seeing his young sibling for the first time. The name stuck from there, in the same manner that Tankersley sticks to receivers in coverage. He struggled to find time in the secondary in his first two seasons, primarily playing on special teams (13 tackles in 2013; 11 tackles in 2014) as the Tigers’ veteran defensive backs ruled the depth chart. Once his opportunity arose, Tankersley took full advantage, garnering third-team All-ACC notice after leading Clemson with five interceptions (one returned for a score) and nine pass breakups. He was a first-team all-conference pick and third-team Associated Press All-American for his efforts in the Tigers’ national championship season of 2016, intercepting four more passes and breaking up a team-high 11 throws.

ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS

Angular build with good length. Looks to harass and smother receiver for as long as he can. Runs with access to a second gear when needed. Two-year starter with experience in a variety of coverages. Disruptive at the catch point using full arm extension to maximize his length. Ball production was very good; had eight interceptions in just two years as a starter. Shut down Virginia Tech’s Bucky Hodges in conference championship game, holding him to one catch and grabbing two interceptions. Soft hands will pluck it out of the air if he gets into position. Gets desired depth in Cover-2 responsibilities, balancing between high and low. Comes to balance and squares up as a tackler. Looks to tackle low and springs into ball carriers with aggressive shoulder aimed at their thighs.

WEAKNESSES

Anticipation and instincts slightly below average. Eyes are unsure and can be slow to process and react. Lacks bend in his backpedal and bail techniques. Struggles to sink and redirect quickly for transitions forward against comeback routes. Allows too much route separation from off coverage and will need to squeeze tighter on next level. Balance concerns in coverage. Feet and hips can be clunky when it’s time to open and run out of press shuffle. Will panic when he gets behind on vertical routes and starts to grab. Had eight pass-interference calls against him in two season. Inconsistent in finding the ball when back is to the quarterback. Needs to add more muscle to frame.

BOTTOM LINE

Has an impressive body of work as a lockdown, boundary cornerback but he has some holes in his transitions that could open the door for more separation on the next level. While he’s not always the most fluid in coverage, his 6-foot-1 frame and eight interceptions will be the two numbers some teams will focus heavily on. If he runs well at pre-draft workouts, his stock could soar thanks to his size and production.

TDS Take:

Cordrea finds himself in excellent position to develop in Miami he is in a battle for playing time with a host of good young talent as last years first round pick Xavien Howard is a lock on one side and Veteran CB Byron Maxwell is solidified on the other side and Tony Lippett having developed very well competition for playing time this year will make things very difficult for our young rookie CB. He will be in position next year to really compete for significant playing time as it is a great chance Byron Maxwell and the Dolphins will part ways for the younger “Cheaper” Tankersley.

His college career was capped off with a championship ring and his experience will only make him a better pro because of it hopefully.

Welcome to Miami Cordrea and soak it all in as you are pegged to play opposite “X” starting next year most likely. Unless injuries thrust you into playing a lot this year.