Jordan Hancock was a fast cornerback for Ohio State. Hancock though was not the best cover corner on the Ohio State National Championship team. That honor goes to Denzel Burke. Hancock could both defend the pass and come up to stuff the run. Projections have Hancock going 30th overall to the Buffalo Bills. He may sneak into the first round. If not, he will be a high second-round pick. Hancock is a 6-foot-1, 195-pound player from Georgia. Do you think Hancock will get picked in the first round?
Jordan Hancock’s Statistics
Hancock, a cornerback from Ohio State, has emerged as a great defensive back prospect for the NFL Draft. Hailing from Suwanee, Georgia, Hancock made his mark at North Gwinnett High School where he was recruited by Ohio State. Hancock first committed to Clemson and his decision to flip to the Buckeyes was good for him and the team.
After starting his collegiate career slowly, Hancock improved in 2023. He played in all 13 games and starting seven. He amassed a great statline including 41 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 interceptions. One of those interceptions was a pick 6 against Rutgers. For that play, he was named the Jim Thorpe Award Player of the Week.Â
NFL Strengths
Hancock could be a good cover cornerback. He is both big and fast. Two traits that NFL teams crave. It will be interesting to see if he gets selected in the first round with the aforementioned Burke. Here are his strengths according to NFL Draft Buzz:
- Exceptional fluidity and change of direction skills allow him to mirror receivers effectively in man coverage,
- Demonstrates strong route recognition.
- Anticipation, particularly adept at jumping underneath routes.
- Versatile defender capable of excelling in press-man, off-man, and zone coverage schemes.
- Possesses the short-area quickness and closing speed to recover and make plays on the ball.
- Displays good football IQ. Able to quickly diagnose plays and communicate adjustments in the secondary.
- Effective blitzer from the slot, using his burst to penetrate gaps and disrupt backfield plays.
- Shows willingness and technique to support the run, not shy about engaging blockers.
- Exhibits playmaking ability with a knack for creating turnovers, both interceptions and forced fumbles.
He is hoping to get drafted with Burke in the first round. One advantage he has is that he did not get burned like Burke. His play was consistent throughout his collegiate career.Â
NFL Weaknesses
Hancock is unsung but has relatively few weaknesses that are not coachable in the NFL. Here are his weaknesses according to Draft Buzz.
- The lean frame may struggle against more physical NFL receivers, and needs to add functional strength.
- Can occasionally lose leverage at the stem of routes, leading to separation.
- Sometimes relies on grabbing when beaten, which could lead to penalties at the next level.
- While aggressive, tackling technique can be inconsistent, especially in open-field situations.
- May have limitations in press coverage against larger receivers due to a lack of elite length.
A cornerback with relatively few weaknesses is worthy of a first-round pick. He should benefit from the reputation of Ohio State cornerbacks in the NFL.
Conclusion
Hancock, though unsung, should make the NFL team that drafts him happy. He is the kind of football player NFL teams will take a chance on in the draft. His few weaknesses are mostly coachable, and his physical limitations are not too severe. The fact that he is an effective blitzer is a boon. In zone-heavy schemes, his instincts and quick processing will allow him to thrive. His experience against elite competition will ease his transition to the pro game. He can bulk up as needed to play professionally.
