2016 NFL Draft Prospect Preview: Kendall Fuller

Kendall Fuller, 6-0/196 Cornerback Virginia Tech

Kendall Fuller 2015 Preview
By Charlie Campbell

Career Recap: The Fullers have been a family that is blessed with a lot of athletic ability and the skill sets to play professional football. Kendall Fuller is the youngest of four brothers. Vincent Fuller played seven seasons with the Titans and Lions. Corey Fuller also played with Detroit, while Kyle Fuller was a first-round pick of the Bears in 2014. They all were standouts at Virginia Tech, thus there were high expectations for Kendall Fuller when he signed on with the Hokies.

Kendall Fuller didn't disappoint as he made an immediate impact as a freshman. He played alongside his brother Kyle and was voted the ACC's rookie of the year by the conference's coaches. Kendall Fuller had six interceptions and 58 tackles in his fabulous debut in 2013. He was a good cover corner who was quite instinctive.

Kendall Fuller played at a very high level in 2014. The sophomore had 17 passes broken up and two interceptions, 50 tackles and 4.5 tackles for a loss. He shut down East Carolina's Justin Hardy in their matchup. Pittsburgh's Tyler Boyd was a challenge for Fuller, but Fuller held his own. He also showed his toughness as he played with a wrist fracture all season and that required offseason surgery.

2015 Season Outlook: The 2015 season will give Fuller some challenges of future NFL receivers. It starts in Week 1 when the Hokies take on Ohio State. The Buckeyes will be looking for revenge after Virginia Tech beat them last year. Fuller will have the challenge of covering Michael Thomas, Jalin Marshall and a talented group of receivers.

After a few easy opponents, Fuller will take on one of the best wide receivers in the country with Pittsburgh's Tyler Boyd. Boyd could be a first-round pick, and this could be one of the top draft matchups of the 2015 season. After Boyd, Fuller has an easy slate and should be able to finish the year strongly.

Skill-Set Summary: Fuller is like his older brothers; a natural on the football field. It is clear that growing up around the game has been an asset for Kendall Fuller as he has superb instincts. That can be seen in his pass coverage, run defense, blitzing and tackling. Fuller is a big-play producer who always has a nose for the ball.

In pass coverage, Fuller has quick feet and agility. He is able to run with receivers and prevent separation. Fuller runs the route with speed receivers while showing the ability to battle with big wideouts. He high-points the football well and never seems to panic when the ball is coming his direction. The junior has won a lot of 50-50 passes with his superb ball skills to smack away completions.

Fuller also is solid in run defense. He isn't afraid to take on ball-carriers and stick his shoulder into a back. It wouldn't be surprising if his listed measurements are an exaggeration, so building to a playing weight close to 200 pounds would be good for the next level.

For the NFL, Fuller looks like he has the potential to be a No. 1 man-cover corner to go against elite receivers.

2016 NFL Draft Expectations: Entering the 2015 season, Fuller looks like a first-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.






RELATED LINKS:


2016 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie's | Walt's


2016 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings


2016 NFL Draft Scouting Reports