2016 NFL Draft Profile: Kendall Fuller, CB Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech cornerback Kendall Fuller could be one of the top defensive backs in the 2016 NFL Draft, but will he be on the radar of the Minnesota Vikings?

Finding quality NFL cornerbacks can be very difficult. As wide receivers keep getting bigger, more athletic, and increasingly dynamic the league continues to add rules making defending the passing game even more difficult. That’s one reason a player like Virginia Tech cornerback Kendall Fuller might be an appealing prospect in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Not only does Fuller like to say that he’s the best, but he works hard to achieve it. He’s got very quick reaction time and feet that can change directions on a dime. Constantly looking for interceptions, Kendall Fuller always has one eye on the quarterback, reading and baiting throws. He can also be physical when needed, especially at the line of scrimmage.

However, some teams may be turned off by his lack of size. Many teams don’t like the idea of drafting a cornerback to play outside if they’re under 6′ tall, and sadly Fuller’s arm length doesn’t make up for that. He also takes a lot of chances when looking for interceptions, which can cause him to be out of position more often than he should be, resulting in a huge 16.7 yards per catch average in 2014.

Here are Virginia Tech cornerback Kendall Fuller’s numbers from the events at the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine according to NFL.com:

Feb 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Virginia Tech defensive back Kendall Fuller speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Height: 5’11”

Weight: 187 pounds

Arm Length: 31 1/2″

Hand Size: 10″

40 Yard Dash: N/A

Bench Press: 15 reps

Vertical Jump: N/A

Broad Jump: N/A

3 Cone Drill: N/A

20 Yard Shuttle: N/A

Kendall Fuller compares to:

CBS Sports: Tramon Williams, Browns
NFL.com: Kyle Fuller, Bears

Fit for the Minnesota Vikings:

The Vikings have veteran cornerback Terence Newman, but he could retire after this season. Finding someone young to grow and develop could be huge for Minnesota, and Fuller has the potential to be a great cornerback in the NFL with some discipline and coaching. And those are two things that head coach Mike Zimmer can do for a young player with the desire to succeed.

Next: 5 WR options for the Vikings in the 2016 NFL Draft

My Take:

I really like Kendall Fuller. I could easily see him as a contender for the Vikings second round draft pick if they don’t choose a cornerback in the first round. His physical talent and desire to be successful will set this young man up for success, but he’ll need the right team to help bring it all out. And I’d love that place to be Minnesota.

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