2021 NFL Draft: Greg Newsome II can be a lockdown CB for the Raiders

The Illinois native, Greg Newsome II, was a three-year starter for the Wildcats at the outside cornerback position. Many will look at his stat-line and see that he only has one career interception, but it is not due to a lack of talent.

In fact, Newsome II was a player opposing’s team avoided because of his uncanny ability in coverage.

With Northwestern, he was the collegiate gold standard on the defensive perimeter on 3rd and 4th down in 2020. Greg uniquely combines both sharp mental and unique physical traits to set himself apart from the majority of defensive backs at the collegiate level.

Whether it is man or zone coverage, he is an asset to just about any team. Standing at 6’1″, the Northwestern standout is rarely physically outmatched by opposing big-bodied wide receivers. While his height is impressive, his ability to attack the football in the air while staying attached to opposing offensive skill players is even more impressive.

Greg Newsome II possesses elite ball skills that the Raiders need.

Opposing quarterbacks refuse to throw Greg Newsome II’s way in 2020, and for a good reason. The 2020 Big 10 All-American cornerback is a playmaker at even the slightest throwing error.

Newsome is both physical and suffocating in coverage and can make game-changing plays at any given moment, which resulted in his lone collegiate interception. His length also enabled him to generate 25 PBU’s (pass deflections) in three seasons for the Wildcats.

Furthermore, he had 11 and 10 PBU’s in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Overall, he is a defensive back that bears the ability to shut down opposing receivers on the outside at the NFL level with the proper coaching and scheme.

He is one of the more highly instinctual draft prospects, but he is also a gifted athlete.