Arizona Cardinals NFL Draft Preview: Gareon Conley
By Jeremy Meek
Gareon Conley is one of the best cornerbacks in this year’s draft class
It seems likely that the Arizona Cardinals will be selecting either a quarterback or a cornerback with the 13th overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft. Either option works, and help the team long-term. However, if they go for a corner, it may help immediately.
The Cardinals have been looking for a starting cornerback across from Patrick Peterson for some time. A deep and extremely talented class might make this year a good one to draft a defensive back early. One option with their 13th pick is Gareon Conley.
Marshon Lattimore is widely considered to be the top corner available this year. His teammate, however, is no slouch. Fans may not be as familiar with him as they are his celebrated fellow Buckeye, but Conley is a tremendous talent in his own right.
More from Raising Zona
- Arizona Cardinals: Could Eric Bieniemy come to the desert?
- Would Jonathan Gannon be a good fit for the Arizona Cardinals?
- Arizona Cardinals: Budda Baker right in his take regarding the next coach
- Arizona Cardinals: 3 reasons new coach should want to work with Murray
- Arizona Cardinals special teams could be completely revamped in 2023
Right away, Conley looks the part of an NFL cornerback. He stands 6’0″ and weighs in at a solid 195 pounds. He also showed his athleticism at the NFL Combine, where he ran a 4.44 40-yard dash, posted a 37-inch vertical jump, and one of the best three-cone drills at 6.68 seconds. This is enough to get NFL teams’ attention.
Conley’s measurables are only have the story, though. His tape is what makes him a first round draft pick. His ability to use his body in press coverage is top notch, and he closes on the ball quickly. In 2016, he had four interceptions and eight passes defensed, showing his ability to make plays.
Some teams are likely to ding Conley due to his lack of functionality in the run game. He is not a good tackler, and would need to be coached up in that department. There are some fair questions about his ability when he’s not in press coverage as well.
Next: Cardinals Draft Preview: Marshon Lattimore
Conley is a very talented player who has the size and skills to be a terrific cornerback, and could start right away. The Cardinals would need to decide how much his lack of ability in the run game bothers them, and if so, how much. Even in a great cornerback class, Conley is graded as high as the number two player at his position. He could finally be the answer at the number two cornerback spot in Arizona.