2014 NFL Draft Profile: Lamarcus Joyner, CB Florida State

Jan 3, 2014; Orange, CA, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Lamarcus Joyner (20) during practice for the BCS National Championship football game against the Auburn Tigers at Orange Coast College. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

When you see Florida State cornerback Lamarcus Joyner on the field, you immediately start wondering if you’re watching a high school football game.  Not because of his skill set, but just because of his physical stature.

Joyner stands only 5’8″ tall and weighs in at 194 pounds.  That size is VERY deceiving though.  He can match up against players that are five to six inches taller than him and not give up huge plays on a regular basis.  He put his physical ability on display at the combine, when he showed off a 37.5 inch vertical jump and and 124 inch broad jump.

When you take that leg strength and combine it with his aggressive streak and upper body strength, you have a small cornerback that can knock players off their routes and accelerate in time to follow their new path.  Adding even more value to Joyner is the fact that he has experience as both a cornerback and a safety.  He could be drafted as either one to fit a team’s needs.

Here are his statistics over four years at Florida State:

Jan 2, 2014; Newport Beach, CA, USA; Florida State Seminoles cornerback Lamarcus Joyner at the 2014 BCS National Championship press conference at Newport Beach Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

55 games played

128 solo tackles

197 total tackles

10.5 tackles for a loss

6.5 sacks

8 interceptions

21 passes defended

3 forced fumbles

52 kick returns

1260 kick return yards

Strengths

•  Plays MUCH bigger than he is
• Powerful hitter
• Mean streak
• Accelerates quickly
• Plays safety or corner
• Good football smarts and awareness

Weaknesses

•  Physical size
• Overly aggressive at times
• Lacks elite speed

Fit For The Vikings

While Minnesota could look at Joyner as a safety, odds are they wouldn’t view him as a starting caliber outside corner or nickel corner after the addition of Captain Munnerlyn.

My Take

The safety class in this year’s draft is pretty weak aside from the top prospects, but Joyner’s mean streak is something I would value in the secondary.  However, with more pressing needs in this year’s draft and the depth of players involved, I’d think the Vikings would pass on Lamarcus Joyner.