The 2017 NFL Draft is loaded with elite cornerback prospects. Tre’Davious White’s versatility may make him the most valuable of the bunch.
Tre’Davious White, All-American CB, immediately beefs up Bills’ secondary
White can cover just about anyone you throw at him.
Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images
The Buffalo Bills selected the LSU All-American Thursday night with the 27th pick of the draft. In White, they’re getting an athletic defensive back who can hold his own on an island, in zone coverage and against just about any receiver the AFC East can throw at him.
He won’t just contribute on the defensive side of the ball. White was a dynamic punt returner for the Tigers, notching a special teams touchdown in each of his last three seasons. His innate feel for the game and athleticism make him a safe — and smart -- pick for the Bills.
What does Tre’Davious White bring to the Bills?
“White has been a constant for the Tigers for most of his four-year career in Baton Rouge. He was never a superstar corner on the level that Tiger fans have become accustomed, but he was incredibly consistent at staying with receivers down the field, disrupting the catch and limiting big plays. He can also support the run well and looked great in some limited snaps at the nickel position early in 2016 (injuries forced the Tigers to keep him outside more often). Additionally, he’s a leader in the locker room and was awarded the coveted No. 18 jersey here as a junior and senior.” — Read More at And the Valley Shook
White teamed with safety Jamal Adams to give LSU one of the SEC’s toughest secondaries in 2016. The Tigers ranked 15th in the FBS when it came to passer rating allowed, in large part thanks to White’s ball-hawking abilities. He’s aggressive in coverage, jumping routes early and letting his instincts take over. It paid off last fall — he broke up 14 passes and intercepted two more in LSU’s 8-4 season.
He’s a twitchy athlete who breaks well with receivers and allows little separation on routes. That versatility will serve him well in the NFL, where he’ll be able to pick up assignments along the sideline or in the slot depending on matchups. He’s also fast enough to recover well on the rare occasions he gets burnt early in a play, making him extremely difficult to beat over the top.
He also adds value on special teams, where he’s an elusive punt returner.
Unlike many other prospects in the 2017 NFL Draft, White doesn’t have any character concerns, and his off-field conduct won’t affect his on-field play. He’s been praised for his leadership by teammates and pundits alike. The Advocate’s Scott Rabalais went out of his way to call the young safety a “force for good” after White wrote a heartfelt goodbye to LSU after last season.
Where might he fail to meet expectations?
The LSU product is only 5’9, which means he’ll be a frequent target of red-zone mismatches in the NFL. He also struggles to look for the ball while engaged with a receiver, allowing wideouts to make deep catches around and over him despite solid coverage. He’s quick, but he’s also not top-line fast — his 4.47-second 40-yard dash time at the Combine ranked him 14th among cornerbacks at the combine.
See More:
