Perrish Cox NFL Draft scouting report

Perrish Cox

5’11, 195 pounds | Cornerback | Oklahoma State

Agility/Hips: Has smooth, loose hips that he can flip without a pause in man coverage. Transitions really nicely. Displays quick feet. Plants, drives and moves and fast as any corner in this year’s draft.

Ball Skills: Intercepting 10 passes and breaking up 36, Cox showed he has solid ball skills. He won’t intercept every pass that hits his hands, but he gets good hand placement defending the ball. Very aggressive at the high point. Used on punts and kickoffs.

Body Control: Cox may not have the best vertical leap, but he knows how to use what he has. Combine vertical was only 32 1/2 inches. Times his jumps nicely. Can lose his balance on double moves.

Instincts/Recognition: Showed really good play recognition. Always aware of where the ball is going to be going, especially in zone coverage. Breaks on swing passes without hesitation. Always seems to get himself in on a play.

Man Coverage: Cox is excellent as a press man cornerback. He has the strength at the line to slow down a receiver and change the timing of routes. Sticks to an opponent’s hip all the way down field.

Speed: Plays much faster than he appears in the 40-yard dash. Timed in the 4.6 range, but rarely got beat deep during games. Gets up to his full speed in an instant. Closing speed is stellar, deep speed is not. is probably more quick than fast.

Tackling/Run Support: Although Cox is willing versus the run, he can be easily blocked and shut out of a play. He’s a solid tackler, but won’t scare anyone with his hitting ability.

Zone Coverage: Cox’s agility is an asset in zone coverage. Changes direction with ease. Turns and closes a cushion with a nice short-area burst. Where Cox could get even better here is in his backpedal. He’ll often come out high and lose a step. Could take better angles in zone pursuit.

Final Word: Cox is the kind of physical cornerback who can have a long career in front of him. He was a three-year starter for Oklahoma State and a first-team All-Big 12 performer as a senior. Is an excellent special teams player and returned four kickoffs and a punt for touchdowns.

The only thing holding Perrish Cox back is Perrish Cox. He was suspended for the Cotton Bowl after breaking curfew and tweeting about it. He was arrested and charged with driving with a suspended license in September of last year. Wasn’t allowed to workout during the Oklahoma State pro day.

If Cox can play within himself and improve in some areas, he has the ability to be a very good starter in the NFL.