Cleveland Browns 2017 NFL Draft Profile: Gareon Conley
By Kirk Binder
Conley has started every game for Ohio State over the past two seasons. Often overshadowed by bigger name players such as Eli Apple, Vonn Bell, Marshon Lattimore and Malik Hooker, he was a consistent presence for the Buckeyes.
Gareon has good size for the position, standing 6-feet-tall and weighing 195 pounds. He ran a 4.44-40 yard dash at the combine and added a 37-inch vertical, both above average. His athleticism is not off the charts but nor is it a weakness.
In his NFL Draft Profile by Lance Zierlein, his strengths include:
"Has NFL size with above-average length. Plays long. At his best when playing with inside leverage and trapping receivers against the boundary. Shades receivers with a basketball stance — wide base, bent knees and wide arms. Creates challenging throwing lanes to target. Allowed just 37 percent completion rate. Press-man talent with zone instincts. Shows discipline and technique on verticals and curls. Matches with his feet rather than grabbing. Has NFL size with above-average length. Plays long. At his best when playing with inside leverage and trapping receivers against the boundary. Shades receivers with a basketball stance — wide base, bent knees and wide arms. Creates challenging throwing lanes to target. Allowed just 37 percent completion rate. Press-man talent with zone instincts. Shows discipline and technique on verticals and curls. Matches with his feet rather than grabbing."
He does have some area’s to improve, according to Zierlein, however good coaching and hard work should do the trick:
"Can be a little tight-hipped in his transitions. Pattern-match was just average when facing off against more advanced route trees. Michigan receivers created separation and some panic in Conley with their inside releases and crossing routes. Got caught reaching and holding in attempt to recover. Will occasionally default to face-guarding rather than turning to find ball. Can be slow to digest route combinations and lose track of his man. Doesn’t look as comfortable or confident in off-man. Can be a little tight-hipped in his transitions. Pattern-match was just average when facing off against more advanced route trees. Michigan receivers created separation and some panic in Conley with their inside releases and crossing routes. Got caught reaching and holding in attempt to recover. Will occasionally default to face-guarding rather than turning to find ball. Can be slow to digest route combinations and lose track of his man. Doesn’t look as comfortable or confident in off-man."
Cleveland’s defensive coordinator Gregg Williams scheme always works to a player’s strength while helping limit their deficiencies.
This good coaching could make Conley a standout NFL cornerback.