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In a draft where many of the top corners are on the smaller side, Justin Layne offers above-average size as a mid-round prospect. Layne ascended nicely during his three years at Michigan State, and while his traditional production was modest – one interception each season – he defended 15 passes last year while logging 72 tackles.

Started his career as a wide receiver and was actually forced into action on offense in 2018 due to injuries, making one reception. Has a basketball and track and field background. His solid combine, improving stats and physical skills are enough to make Layne a compelling prospect.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDq-VLpeydA

Size

6-2, 192 pounds

Combine notables

40-yard dash: 4.5 seconds
Vertical: 37.5 inches
Broad jump: 134 inches (2^nd at position)
3-cone drill: 6.9 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 4.09 seconds (5^th at position)

What the analysts say

“Ascending bump-and-run cornerback with rare size and length who leans on good movement skills to overcome his average long speed. Although he plays with good route recognition, he’ll allow some separation from breaks, but he’s quick to hug-up and close the restrict the throwing window. He’s not a burner, but he uses his size ball skills to make plays on the football down the field. Layne’s traits could make him a fit in a variety of coverages, but he needs consistent toughness to help support against the run.” – Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

“Justin Layne is a developmental cornerback who has the necessary physical skills to become a high end starting cornerback at the NFL level. Layne has terrific ball skills, prototypical length and good long speed. Where he’s lacking? Layne is pretty rough around the edges in his transitions and struggles when detached from receivers to transition and gave up a lot of soft receptions as a result. With greater footwork, Layne has excellent potential.” – Kyle Crabbs, The Draft Network

What PFF says

-40^th in tackling efficiency
-23^rd in yards/cover snap
-90^th in cover snaps/target

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CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE
ZONE COVERAGE DRAFT GUIDE

TOP 40 PLAYERS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS NEEDS & TARGETS
POSITIONAL TOP 5 RANKINGS & VIDEO BREAKDOWNS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS DRAFT TRENDS
INMAN: NFC NORTH WORST CASE DRAFT SCENARIOS
SENIOR BOWL CENTRAL (PODCASTS, VIDEOS, ARTICLES)
INMAN’S MOCK DRAFT COLLECTION

Sam Ekstrom

Sam Ekstrom is an executive producer and host at Locked On Sports Minnesota. He's previously covered the Vikings for 105 The Ticket, Zone Coverage, Purple Insider, and the Associated Press. He grew up in Vermillion, S.D. rooting for the USD Coyotes (not SDSU) and graduated from Dordt (not "dork") University in Sioux Center, Iowa.

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