CB TJ Tampa:
Scouting Reports:
Athlonsports: https://athlonsports.com/nfl/2024-nfl-draft-tj-tampa-scouting-report-iowa-state-cyclones
NFL Draft Buzz: https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/TJ-Tampa-DB-IowaState
Articles:
2024 NFL Draft Cornerbacks Rankings and Analysis (6 - T.J. Tampa, Iowa State: A star basketball player whose father and sister both played college hoops, Tampa (6’007/189) was being recruited on the hardwood and as a wide receiver before ISU HC Matt Campbell cajoled him into giving defense a chance. He arrived on campus in August 2020 due to Covid and spent his freshman season honing his craft before starting five games with a pedestrian 53.6 defensive grade in 2021. Tampa came of age in his third-year starting every game for the next two seasons while leading the Cyclones with 10 PBU and 80th%+ grades in coverage, run defense and overall. He held opponents to a 46% catch rate with a dirt-low 70.7 NFL pass rating when targeted while being named Second Team All-Big 12. It was on from there, as Tampa continued to raise his game by charting 44 tackles, 9.0 PBU and a scintillating 54.8 NFL pass rating, receiving Third Team All-Big 12 accolades for his exemplary play. A hamstring injury kept him from playing in the Senior Bowl while his 4.58s pro day 40-time (44th%) and 1.64s 10-yard split (22nd%) illustrated some of the top-end speed limitations he exhibited on film. Tampa did manage to run a 4.07s shuttle and 6.97s 3-Cone (65th%), though he didn’t perform any jumps or bench, which is an interesting choice from a former hoops star that has thrown down some impressive dunks. A filled-out and agile outside corner with an NFL frame, Tampa likes to take an aggressive, hands-on approach to redirecting receivers and is adept at raking the hands at the catch point to create incompletions. His keen instincts make him an effective zone defender, which can help to mask his less-than-ideal long speed that can be exploited in man coverage. Tampa has one of the highest upsides of the Day 2 cornerback group.) (4-24-24): https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/draft/news/2024-nfl-draft-cornerbacks-rankings-and-analysis
Ranking Top 10 Players Lions Could Pick in Second Round (8. CB T.J. Tampa: With cornerback being arguably the team's biggest need, the Lions have been linked to several of the day one caliber prospects. However, if they look in a different direction, Tampa is a prime day two target. At Iowa State, Tampa logged three interceptions in his career. He had a PFF coverage grade just below 80 and has also been an impact player in the run game with 9.5 tackles for loss. He'll need to continue improving as a tackler, but there's plenty to like about his potential as a starting-caliber player from day one.) (4-22-24): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/ranking-lions-options-second-round
Comparing our favorite draft prospects to Mel Kiper's list (Cornerback - We are back in agreement with Iowa State’s T.J. Tampa. If he played somewhere other than Iowa State, he would be talked about as a first-round pick.) (4-22-24): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2024-nfl-mock-draft-jordan-travis-jaylen-wright/
Better-Than Team for 2024 NFL Draft: Here are the prospects Pete Prisco likes more than scouts do (T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State: He is a long corner at 6-1, but he isn't a burner after being timed at 4.53 at his pro day. He is the type of corner who would fit in with a team that runs a lot of zone -- which he played a lot of in college. He is smart and athletic enough to be a good zone corner who can improve his man techniques enough on the next level. He will throw his body around in the run game, almost getting too overaggressive at times but he isn't a great tackler because of the misses. He had two picks last season. I could also see him moving inside to safety and holding up well there on the next level because he is aggressive, and a team wants that.) (4-20-24): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/better-than-team-for-2024-nfl-draft-here-are-the-prospects-pete-prisco-likes-more-than-scouts-do/
Caputo: Lions NEED to draft a high-end cornerback (The most underrated corner fitting the Lions’ need is T.J. Tampa (Iowa State). He is a taller corner, strong and very tough in press coverage. He is also adroit at setting the edge and an excellent tackler. Tampa and Kamari Lassiter (Georgia), who has an exceptional size and agility equation, provide flexibility for the Lions.) (4-21-24): https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/caputo-lions-need-to-draft-a-high-end-cornerback
2024 NFL Draft Potential Busts (T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State: Some in the media have projected Tampa as a first-round pick, but I think he is a mid-round backup-caliber player. While Tampa has good size and is a physical defender, he needs to be protected from lining up against fast receivers. Tampa lacks deep speed, and if a wideout gets free from him, Tampa does not have the speed to recover. Tampa also has some stiffness in changing direction. If he is a first-round pick, he will get forced onto the field quickly, which could result in him being a disappointment.) (4-19-24): https://walterfootball.com/draft2024potentialbusts.php
NFL Draft: Position-by-position scouting report of early entries (Tier 3 - T.J. Tampa (Iowa State)
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 189 pounds. Accolades/notable statistics: 2023 First Team All-Big 12, three interceptions and one touchdown allowed in last 497 coverage snaps. Pro comp: Denver Broncos CB Riley Moss/ Detroit Lions S Ifeatu Melifonwu / Buffalo Bills CB Rasul Douglas. "Big physical cornerback that has big cornerback movement skills," Spielman said. "Not overly twitchy, but his length helps him recover. Better in zone coverage when he reacts to routes in front of him. Struggles to mirror routes when he has turn his hips and react back. I question long speed in a foot race down field. He is going to have to rely on his physicality in press man coverage to disrupt routes. Good ball skills. He is physical in run support and will strike you as a tackler. " Highest he could get drafted: Middle of second round. Lowest he could get drafted: Top of third round. Final Thoughts: Tampa has some of the best length in this cornerback draft class at 6-1 with 32 1/8-inch arms. That length directly translates to being able to jam receivers and throw them off course. He maximizes the five yards off the line of scrimmage that he is allowed to utilize to toss receivers away. Tampa has the speed required to stay with receivers downfield, and he is comfortable in zone. His length allows him to make plays on the ball in short order that others may not thanks to the length. He needs to improve his footwork when needing to backpedal as well as his tackling technique in general. Tampa can sometimes play too tall and lose his angles when lunging for the ballcarrier.) (12-21-23): https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/nfl-draft-position-by-position-scouting-report-of-early-entries
2024 NFL Draft: Ideal top two picks for every team (Detroit Lions - Round 1: No. 29 overall: Darius Robinson, Edge, Missouri. Round 2: No. 61 overall: T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State. Even at 285 pounds, Robinson showed he could stand up on the edge in his final year at Missouri. Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport could use a young apprentice, especially since Davenport is coming off a season-ending injury. The release of Cam Sutton leaves the Lions in need of a cornerback, and Tampa's size and hard-hitting style should be appreciated by head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator and former NFL star corner Aaron Glenn.) (4-12-23): https://www.nfl.com/news/2024-nfl-draft-ideal-top-two-picks-for-every-team
13 best cornerbacks in 2024 NFL Draft, ranked (7. T.J. Tampa, Iowa State: One of our voters had Tampa all the way up at number three on the CB board, but no one else had him top-six. Tampa possesses a near 79-inch wingspan, which places in the 89th percentile historically. Tampa utilizes that length to contend the catch point with 22 career passes defensed. Instincts that allowed Tampa to thrive in Iowa State’s zone-heavy scheme are at the forefront of his appeal.) (4-12-24): https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2024/4/4/24107064/2024-nfl-draft-cb-rankings-cooper-dejean-quinyon-mitchell
2024 NFL Draft: Top 10 CBs don't feature one particular standout, but it's a good class (8. T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State: Tampa has good size and length, and can play inside or outside. He can match up with bigger receivers and also is a smart player when in zone coverages. He is a unique type of prospect.) (4-11-24): https://sports.yahoo.com/2024-nfl-draft-top-10-cbs-dont-feature-one-particular-standout-but-its-a-good-class-140050340.html
2024 NFL Draft CB rankings: 5 first-round grades among top 10 prospects (9. T.J. Tampa, Iowa State, 6-1, 189, Senior. Overview: Given his last name, perhaps it isn't surprising that Tampa grew up in the talent-rich state of Florida, but his choice of colleges will catch some off guard, considering that he chose the Cyclones over offers from Georgia, Maryland, Cincinnati and others. Tampa first cracked the starting lineup at Iowa State in 2021 and quickly emerged as one of the best cornerbacks in the Big 12, earning all-conference honors after the 2022 (second team) and 2023 campaigns (first) with 107 total tackles, as well as 19 passes broken up and three interceptions over his career. Strengths: Looks the part of an NFL cornerback, with above-average height, broad shoulders, long arms (32 1/8") and a tapered, athletic build.
Uses his long arms to dictate the movements of receivers at the line of scrimmage and shows good closing speed and hand-eye coordination to cloud receivers' vision at the catch point, breaking up 19 passes over his career despite opponents often ignoring his side of the field. Has the frame to handle press coverage but is also very instinctive, showing good route awareness and run support to project nicely to zone-heavy teams. Trusts his eyes, attacking downhill and creating big-play opportunities. Concerns: High, choppy backpedal and sticky hips, which leave him struggling to change directions efficiently. Showed just average straight-line speed at the Big 12 Pro Day, reportedly clocking 4.52-4.55 seconds in the 40-yard dash. A thumper as a tackler but doesn't break down as well as he should, resorting to lunges at ballcarriers and occasional whiffs. Summary: There is a bit of feast or famine to Tampa's tape that will make him a polarizing prospect in the scouting community. Scouts will appreciate that he enjoyed his best season in 2023 — after the Cyclones lost star pass rusher Will McDonald IV to the NFL — but Tampa's clunky backpedal could leave him vulnerable to the smooth route-runners at the next level, so like at Iowa State, he'll need to make them pay with his instincts and improved ball-skills. Grade: Third round) (4-11-24): https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2024-nfl-draft-cb-rankings-5-first-round-grades-among-top-10-prospects
2024 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Cornerbacks (6. CB T.J. TAMPA, IOWA STATE - PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 35. Tampa's unique fluidity and size for a cornerback make him worthy of a top-75 pick. If he can clean up his footwork, he can be a starting outside cornerback in the NFL with the potential to be an impact player.) (4-8-24): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2024-nfl-draft-position-rankings-cornerbacks
Top CBs in the 2024 NFL Draft: Ranking Terrion Arnold, Quinyon Mitchell, and Others (5. T.J. Tampa, Iowa State: T.J. Tampa is the popular Day 2 pick we need to start talking about as a legitimate late first-round candidate in the 2024 NFL Draft CB class. Of the 2024 cornerbacks, Tampa best embodies the physical profile of a CB1. He’s 6’1″, almost 200 pounds, with high-end length, bristling start-and-stop and attack explosiveness, and smooth swivel freedom. For his size, Tampa has impressive coverage versatility. He has the length, physicality, and corrective athleticism to dictate reps in press-man, but he’s also a fluid and adaptable defender when pedaling in zone coverage and managing depth in off-man against stems.) (3-8-24): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-cbs-nfl-draft-2024/
2024 NFL Combine preview: 10 cornerbacks the Detroit Lions should watch (T.J. Tampa, Iowa State (6-foot-2 1⁄2, 198 pounds): A big, long, and physical cornerback who finds success in press man and zone concepts, Tampa can turn and run with receivers or bring the wood in run support. He’s a well-balanced corner but he doesn’t excel in any specific area. Athletic measurables could show his ceiling or expose his floor at the Combine.) (2-27-24): https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/2/27/24083694/2024-nfl-combine-preview-10-cornerbacks-prospects-detroit-lions
NFL Combine 2024: 5 CBs Who Can Raise NFL Draft Stock (T.J. TAMPA, IOWA STATE: T.J. Tampa is currently among the most underrated cornerbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft. I expect that to change following the NFL Combine. Tampa is a flat-out playmaker with 22 career pass breakups to his name. Tampa should first win the weigh-in process by clocking in around a rocked-up 6-foot-1, 195 pounds. Scouts expect Tampa to run a blazing-fast result in the 40-yard dash, sources told TDN's Damian Parson. Tampa's ascension is just beginning.) (2-22-24): https://thedraftnetwork.com/2024/02/22/nfl-combine-2024-cb-draft
2024 NFL draft: Bowl season cornerback big board (6. T.J. Tampa, Iowa State - What stands out: Smooth technique and staying in phase for a longer CB) (12-20-23): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2024-nfl-draft-bowl-season-cornerback-big-board/
NFL Draft: The best prospect in every college football bowl game (T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State, No. 2 6-1, 200, SR: Allowing just one touchdown all season (while intercepting two passes and breaking up seven others), Tampa earned both AP All-American and first-team All-Big 12 accolades, boasting the combination of length, strength and speed NFL teams are looking for in a press corner. ) (12-15-23): https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/nfl-draft-the-best-prospect-in-every-college-football-bowl-game
2023 College Football All-Big 12 Team: Oklahoma State RB Ollie Gordon II, Texas DI T'Vondre Sweat and more (Defense - CB: T.J. Tampa, Iowa State Cyclones) (12-10-23): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-2023-all-big-12-team-oklahoma-state-ollie-gordon-ii-texas-tvondre-sweat
2024 NFL Draft: Top 20 Senior Bowl prospects of the 2023 college football regular season (19. T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State (6-2, 200): Tampa presents an NFL-caliber size/speed combination. He can run with most any receiver in college football. His length and closing speed help him fight for the ball at the catch point and knock away other throws before they arrive. While he could improve his consistency breaking down as an open-field tackler, Tampa is not afraid of contact in when making a stop in zone coverage or bringing down a ball-carriers when supporting the run.) (11-29-23): https://www.nfl.com/news/2024-nfl-draft-top-20-senior-bowl-prospects-of-the-2023-college-football-regular
Lions 2024 NFL Draft watch: Five prospects to watch for Week 12 (T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State (No. 2)
No. 7 Texas at Iowa State, 8 p.m., FOX: While there are a lot of positions on the field where the Lions could afford to get better, there’s one position group that stands among the rest as a spot where they need to get better, and that’s cornerback. That’s not a slight to Cam Sutton or Jerry Jacobs — the team just doesn’t have that No. 1 guy who can lock a star receiver down, and if either one of those guys were to go down with injury, things get real dicey, real quick. Tampa (6-foot-2, 200 pounds), a projected Day Two pick, has the biggest test of his career in Iowa City Saturday night, as he’ll be tasked with slowing down a pair of future high-end draft picks in Texas receivers Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell. Tampa has been lock-down in coverage this season, allowing a 46.2% completion percentage in coverage on 39 targets for a total of 163 yards, one touchdown and a passer rating of 45.1. And did we mention that he absolutely loves hitting people?) (11-18-23): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2023/11/17/detroit-lions-2024-nfl-draft-watch-five-prospects-to-watch-for-week-12/71624283007/
Detroit Lions 2024 draft watch: 6 players to watch, including CB T.J. Tampa (T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State (Senior) 6-foot-2, 200 pounds: An excerpt from Anthon Sports Kyle Crabbs’ profile of Tampa: “Tampa is almost assuredly going to have his name called by the middle of Day 2, at the latest. He plays a premium position, offers elite length, and provides physicality and budding ball skills in the secondary. As a plus athlete with his stature, there’s a significant sample size of similar players going early in the NFL Draft — I would expect Tampa to be the next.” How he’d fit with the Lions: As I say every week, any corner who has a shot at getting drafted in the Top 100—and that could be a dozen-plus players in this class—needs to be examined by the Lions (and thus Lions fans). Big, fast, and with the ability to stay in phase in man-coverage, he’d fit in the Lions scheme very well. Texas has two draftable receivers Adonai Mitchell and Xavier Worthy—we profiled both earlier in the season—and a statement game against either could go a long way in determining how high his draft stock will rise.) (11-18-23): https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/11/18/23963058/detroit-lions-2024-draft-watch-6-players-to-watch-including-cb-t-j-tampa
Iowa State football’s T.J. Tampa becomes one of the nation's best defenders (11-15-23): https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/college/iowa-state/cyclone-insider/2023/11/15/iowa-state-football-tj-tampa-bednarik-award-defensive-back-cyclones/71569426007/
2024 NFL Draft: Player comps for top Senior Bowl prospects (7. T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) - Comp: Marlon Humphrey. Iowa State could have a first-round pick for the second straight year after going without one for 50 years (George Amundson in 1973; Will McDonald IV in 2023). Tampa possesses the NFL-caliber frame that intrigued the Ravens when they picked Humphrey 16th overall in 2017. He shares the three-time Pro Bowler's affinity for a physical brand of football, as well, separating the ball from receivers and squaring them up in the open field. Tampa's excellent straight-line speed for his size is evident when tracking down ball-carriers across the field and keeping up with receivers in coverage.) (11-14-23): https://www.nfl.com/news/2024-nfl-draft-player-comps-for-top-senior-bowl-prospects
College Football: 10 highest-graded cornerbacks ahead of Week 9 (5. T.J. TAMPA, IOWA STATE CYCLONES - PFF Coverage Grade: 88.2, Snaps: 427. Tampa has lined up just about everywhere for the Cyclones this season, playing 15 snaps on the defensive line, 27 in the box, 10 in the slot and 374 on the outside. He is one of the nation's best tacklers at this position, as he's missed just two of his 32 attempts through eight weeks. The 43rd-ranked prospect on PFF's 2024 Big Board, Tampa has held opposing quarterbacks to a 44.1 passer rating on throws into his primary coverage.) (10-27-23): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-10-highest-graded-cornerbacks-ahead-of-week-9
Top 5 risers for the 2024 NFL draft (CB T.J. Tampa - Iowa State: In a cornerback class that is deep but not top-heavy, Tampa has a real shot to sneak into the first round with his impressive measurables and production.) (10-27-23): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2024-nfl-mock-draft-shedeur-sanders/
2024 NFL Draft: Prospects the PFF big board is higher on than other boards (CB T.J. TAMPA, IOWA STATE
PFF big board rank: 43. Not many cornerbacks have the size and ball skills combination that Tampa does, helping him crack the top 50 on PFF’s 2024 big board. At 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, Tampa is an intimidating coverage player. His 81.4 coverage grade in 2022 was a career best, but it’s looking like 2023 will be even better, as he sits at an 88.2 mark. He has 19 forced incompletions with those long arms over the past two seasons, as well as a sub-50% completion percentage allowed in back-to-back years. Tampa has the correct instincts to play off coverage and the body type to play press man. He brings legitimate first-round potential.) (10-26-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2024-nfl-draft-prospects-pff-big-board-higher-other-boards
2024 NFL Draft Risers & Sliders after CFB Week 7: Alabama RB McClellan, LSU's Charles Turner give hope while BYU QB Kedon Slovis disappoints (T.J. Tampa/CB/Iowa State: It’s been an up-and-down season for Iowa State, starting with the gambling scandal that engulfed the program before the first game. However, Tampa has been a steady force for the Cyclones' defense from the get-go. Graded by scouts as a potential third-round pick before the season, Tampa has lived up to expectations and improved his game in 2023. He was terrific during ISU’s victory over Cincinnati, intercepting one pass and breaking up another as well as recording three tackles. He also performed well on coverage units. For the season, Tampa has two INTs and six PBUs, solid numbers considering opponents rarely throw in his direction.) (10-16-23): https://www.sportskeeda.com/college-football/news-2024-nfl-draft-risers-sliders-cfb-week-7-alabama-lsu
10 under-the-radar 2024 NFL draft prospects to watch in CFB Week 7 (T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State: Tampa will also be on display in the Iowa State/Cincinnati game. He’s a higher-end prospect than Pace but still someone who doesn’t get a lot of national attention. Not yet, anyway… The 6-foot, 200-pound Tampa has been one of the best coverage corners in the country all season. He’s allowed less than half the passes thrown his direction to be completed, including four PDs and an INT. Tampa uses his length and exceptionally fast, long-legged closing burst very well in man coverage. Tampa has also shown a willingness to attack in run defense. He’s been very good against the RPO and he doesn’t miss many tackles.) (10-13-23): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2024-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-in-cfb-week-7-under-the-radar/
2024 NFL Draft: Top 20 Senior Bowl prospects as college football approaches midseason (16. T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State (6-2, 200): Tampa has already made some big plays in his senior campaign, including sealing an Iowa State win over Oklahoma State by undercutting a pass in trail technique from the slot with less than 90 seconds remaining in the contest. He was credited with a pass breakup a week later against Oklahoma after getting turned around on a double move but fighting to get back into the play before the receiver could snare the touchdown catch. He uses his strength well against the run, pushing away smaller receivers attempting to block and wrapping up ball-carriers in the open field. Tampa gave up his first touchdown of the year against TCU last weekend, losing his man in a scramble drill, but also stopped a deep ball in the Cyclones' 27-14 victory.) (10-10-23): https://www.nfl.com/news/2024-nfl-draft-top-20-senior-bowl-prospects-as-college-football-approaches-midse
2024 NFL draft: Five CB prospects for Lions fans to watch (TJ Tampa, Iowa State (6-2, 185): TCU at Iowa State, 8 p.m.: Tampa earned 3-star ratings from both ESPN and 247 Sports, and after high school, he made his mark at Iowa State, consistently improving along the way. In his freshman year in 2020, he played games but had a modest start with just four tackles, two stops, and a disappointing QB rating of 153.6 when targeted. However, he upped his game in his sophomore year, featuring in 11 games and recording 17 tackles and two pass breakups, even though interceptions remained elusive, with QBs holding a rating of 130.2 when targeting him. The real breakthrough occurred in 2022 when Tampa played in 12 games, making significant contributions with 38 tackles, 10 assists, and eight pass breakups. He finally secured that elusive interception and impressed with a low QB rating of 70.7 when targeted, highlighting his remarkable progress and potential. Notably, the Lions have a history of taking chances on players who exhibit a trend of growth, and Tampa fits that mold. Like Abrams-Draine, he’s projected to be available around the fourth and fifth rounds in next year’s draft. Tampa has proven to be reliable in covering underneath routes, an area where the Lions have struggled, and he’s recognized for his mirroring ability and skill in reading quarterbacks.) (10-7-23): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/10/2024-nfl-draft-five-cb-prospects-for-lions-fans-to-watch.html
College Football Week 2: 2024 Draft prospects to watch, including Shedeur Sanders, Michael Pratt and Alabama vs Texas (CBS T.J. TAMPA (IOWA STATE) & COOPER DEJEAN (IOWA) - Iowa vs. Iowa State. Even though these two prospects won’t be lining up against one another, when either defense is on the field this Saturday, you’ll be able to see a future NFL draft cornerback. Tampa is listed at 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds. He has elite size for the position and knows how to use those long arms to press releases and when getting physical with receivers at the break or catch point. Last season, he earned an 81.6 coverage grade with 12 forced incompletions. On the other side of the field, we have DeJean, who ranked 11th on PFF’s preseason big board. He is an incredibly natural athlete who also has great size for the position at 6-foot-1, 205 pounds. DeJean earned an 88.6 coverage grade with six forced incompletions, five interceptions and two pick-sixs.) (9-9-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-college-football-week-2-2024-draft-prospects-to-watch-including-shedeur-sanders-michael-pratt-and-alabama-vs-texas
2024 NFL Draft: Top 25 Senior Bowl prospects entering Week 1 of college football season (20. T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State (6-2, 200): Tampa, who is from St. Petersburg, Florida, was a second-team All-Big 12 selection last season, leading the Cyclones with nine pass breakups. His recovery speed is quite good, allowing him to get back into downfield plays even if the receiver gains an advantage during the route. The senior corner also attacks screens and run plays, posting five tackles for loss in 2022.) (8-29-23): https://www.nfl.com/news/2024-nfl-draft-top-25-senior-bowl-prospects-entering-week-1-of-college-football-
6 college football stars primed to boost their NFL Draft stock in 2023 (T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State: While on the topic of dominant defensive backs, scouts are eager to see what Tampa can do in 2023 now that he'll be covering without the help of Will McDonald IV, who is now harassing quarterbacks for the New York Jets. Last year, the prototypically built Tampa excelled in his first full season as a starting cornerback, earning Second Team All-Big 12 honors by compiling nine pass breakups and registering a career-high 40 tackles, as well as an interception and key forced fumble at the 1-yard line against rival Iowa. Covering downfield is much more difficult, of course, without a dominant pass rush, which McDonald provided a year ago. Like recent top picks Sauce Gardner and Joey Porter, Jr., the 6-foot-2, 200-pound Tampa — appropriately enough a Florida native — uses his length to corral receivers at the line of scrimmage, while also boasting the agility and acceleration required to run with them downfield. His long arms and active hands work like windshield wipers against his opponent, except they cloud the receivers' vision rather than clear it.) (8-27-23): https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/6-college-football-stars-primed-to-boost-their-nfl-draft-stock-in-2023
Early 2024 NFL Draft cornerback rankings: Kool-Aid McKinstry is latest star Alabama DB (8. T.J. TAMPA, IOWA STATE: If big cornerbacks are your cup of tea, you'll like Tampa. He's a legit 6-foot-2 and nearly 200 pounds. He has a good strength profile at the catch point and when tackling and defending the run. His issues are typical for big guys — somewhat slow hips and having a tough time cutting on a dime and changing direction. But the long speed is adequate once he can open up, and he has the mentality of a lockdown type of receiver (137 of his 319 coverage snaps came in press). He recorded an 81.6 overall coverage grade with a 77.2 single coverage grade in 2022. Those long arms also proved to be useful at the catch point, leading to 12 forced incompletions.) (8-17-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-early-2024-nfl-draft-cornerback-rankings-kool-aid-mckinstry
Iowa State Cyclones Preview: Roster, Prospects, Schedule, and More (T.J. Tampa, CB: At 6’1, almost 200 pounds, and projected to run a low 4.4 40-yard dash, T.J. Tampa is one of the best few cornerback prospects in the entire Big 12. He came into his own in 2022, earning preseason All-Big 12 honors heading into this fall. Though he has only one career interception, Tampa is a very talented coverage option thanks to his physical traits. Capable in both man and zone assignments, Tampa is regularly in a great position to challenge receivers at the catch point. While his patience and footwork are advanced enough to stay in the receiver’s hip pockets throughout the duration of routes, his speed is a neutralizer for when he does fall behind. Tampa’s athleticism is NFL-caliber. But there are areas where he can elevate his game from the late Day 2 to early Day 3 range. Tampa’s too quick to turn his hips during his backpedal, allowing receivers to adjust on option routes or take advantage when he guesses incorrectly. He’s also prone to taking poor angles in the run game, where he has the right aggression but misdiagnoses the angles he can make work.) (8-14-23): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/iowa-state-cyclones-preview-2024-draft/
From Tampa Bay, Iowa State cornerback T.J. Tampa has NFL potential (8-8-23): https://www.thegazette.com/cyclone-football/from-tampa-bay-iowa-state-cornerback-t-j-tampa-has-nfl-potential/
College Football: Best player on every Big 12 team heading into the 2023 season (IOWA STATE CYCLONES: CB T.J. TAMPA: Tampa was an all-around star in Iowa State’s secondary last season. He was one of only five Power Five cornerbacks in 2022 that earned 80-plus grades both in coverage and as a run-defender. Tampa’s five tackles for loss/no-gain were tied for the most among Power Five corners, while his 27.9% open target rate allowed was second among Big 12 ones. He was on PFF’s preseason All-Big 12 first-team.) (7-24-23): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-best-player-on-every-big-12-team-heading-into-the-2023-season
Shrine Bowl 1000 Roundtable: Why KJ Jefferson, Jayden Daniels, and Riley Leonard Have Our Scouts’ Eyes (4. Which playmakers do you think would shine at the Shrine Bowl drills and why? Valentino: I’m looking for the physical freaks to dominate in 1-on-1s, which certainly includes some of the guys I’ve already named. But others who can either exploit their opponents with great traits include Oregon State receiver and return-man extraordinaire Anthony Gould, Iowa State CB T.J. Tampa, and Jerry Rice’s nephew, Brenden Rice (USC). Tampa is one of several big, athletic cornerbacks in the Big 12. He’s the most polished of the bunch as a 6’1”, 200-pounder with the straight-line speed to run with almost any receiver in the nation. He may find himself in the second-round range with more ball production.) (7-21-23): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/shrine-bowl-1000-roundtable-2023-draft/
Tony Pauline's top NFL prospects to watch out for at Central Florida, Houston & Iowa State ft. Patrick Paul (T.J. Tampa has been getting a lot of love in the scouting community. The senior cornerback has the measurables to be an early pick in the draft. At 6-foot-1, 195 pounds, he’s fast, physical and good enough that opposing quarterbacks stay away from him. He needs to polish his game, but he has terrific upside.) (7-19-23): https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-tony-pauline-top-nfl-prospects-watch-central-florida-houston-iowa-state-ft-patrick-paul
No comments:
Post a Comment