2014 NFL Draft Profile: Loucheiz Purifoy, CB Florida
By Adam Carlson
Nov 9, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Loucheiz Purifoy (15) against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
During my time of looking at mock drafts and projections, I’ve never seen a guy as all over the board as Florida cornerback Loucheiz Purifoy. Some experts have him as the top cornerback coming out this year while others don’t have him drafted until the 4th or 5th round. A lot of this has to do with legal problems.
Loucheiz Purifoy struggled with drug related issues during his time at Florida. He allegedly was caught with a variety of drugs (marijuana, bath salts, etc) and skipped out on his end of bargains made to keep him out of jail. When you add in warrants and other problems, it makes it difficult to see Purifoy be drafted at all this year.
He has the physical tools to play well at the next level. He stands 6′ tall and weighs in at 190 pounds. He added to his problems at the combine when he only did 6 reps of 225 pounds. Even with his physical strength being a question mark, he somehow manages to be in the middle of the action and attempt to make plays with his soft hands and fluid motions.
Here are his statistics over three years at Florida:
Nov 30, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Loucheiz Purifoy (15) gets the fans pumped up against the Florida State Seminoles during the second quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
69 solo tackles
102 total tackles
4.5 tackles for a loss
2 sacks
2 interceptions
1 defensive touchdown
12 passes defended
5 forced fumbles
Strengths
- Physical size
- Good cover ability
- Shows a lot of raw talent
Weaknesses
- Numerous legal issues
- Physical strength
- Run support
- Lacks good instincts
Fit For The Vikings
Minnesota will be looking for a cornerback to start opposite Xavier Rhodes when in nickel defense.
My Take
Normally, I don’t mind a the Vikings taking players with minor legal issues, but Loucheiz Purifoy seems to lack the desire and ability to correct his mistakes and own up to them. While he does have some good cover ability, he should be off most team’s draft charts, including Minnesota’s.