Texans Will Look To The Future Of Cornerback In The Draft

Sep 6, 2014; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (14) dives for an interception against the Michigan State Spartans at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

Ifo Ekpre-Olomu  (3^rd – 4^th round)

5’10”, 185 – Oregon

Ekpre-Olomu has the talent to be a first round cornerback and he displayed it at Oregon over the past two seasons.  The problem is he tore his ACL preparing for the National Championship game in early January.  So the 2015 NFL season may be somewhat of a redshirt season for him and it’s unclear if he’ll be able to contribute enough to not go on Injured Reserve for the season.

But because of his situation and where the Texans currently stand at cornerback, where they are likely in good shape for this season at starter and with enough decent reserves, drafting Ekpre-Olomu in the 4^th round could be the equivalent of an extra late first round pick in 2016 when he returns at full strength.

Oct 11, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (14) intercepts a pass intended for UCLA Bruins wide receiver Logan Sweet (L) during second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Though he only stands 5’10” in height, Ekpre-Olomu took on the top wide out for every team that Oregon faced.

For an interesting point of reference with Marcus Peters, here he is going against first round draft pick Brandin Cooks of Oregon State in 2013.

But don’t think “small” corner when you look at his height.  Ekpre-Olomu is solidly built together and is super aggressive in the way he plays and competes.  He’s not shy at all to come off his man in run support and take on a runningback.

Ekpre-Olomu has the ability to play on the outside or inside on the slot receiver and that flexibility makes him even more valuable.  He’s fluid in his movement and has excellent quickness watching his game film, though we don’t have any combine or Pro Day measureables due to the injury.

He is however somewhat raw in his technique and currently gets by on sheer athleticism, but those are things that can be coached by a NFL caliber defensive backs coach and improved upon.  Some may be concerned that his height will limit him to the slot/nickel corner but we’ve seen a number of shorter corners in recent years have success on the outside, like Brent Grimes, Alterraun Verner & Brandon Flowers.

If the Texans don’t select a cornerback early, and I don’t believe that’s part of their plan, waiting a grabbing Ekpre-Olomu in the 4th round would be a very solid move.

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