If you’re looking for a top cornerback in the 2018 NFL Draft, UCF’s Mike Hughes projects as one of the top options and is a top return man too.
One of the best stories from college football last season was the dominance of the UCF Knights. The team finished their season undefeated after beating Auburn in the Peach Bowl and claimed the national championship.
One of the star players on Scott Frost’s old team was cornerback and return man Mike Hughes. The North Carolina transfer was their top cornerback and an ace return man. Now, he could find himself picked in the first round of the NFL Draft that begins on Thursday night.
If your team is mocked to take Hughes in the draft and didn’t watch much UCF last year and need to know what type of player he is and what your team may be getting if they do draft him, here’s what I think you’ll be getting.
Mike Hughes, cornerback, UCF
Hughes really came out of nowhere this year. He began his career at North Carolina before being kicked off the team for a violation of team rules. He was a JUCO All-American and transferred to UCF where he made an immediate impact for the Knights.
Hughes is an incomplete prospect with only two years of major college action and only one as a starter. Still, it was a great one year and earned All-AAC honors, but teams have to be concerned about how raw he is.
Hughes may have a tough transition to the NFL and could be best served as a No. 3 corner as a rookie who plays in nickel and dime situations. He may never be a real No. 1 corner at only 5-10 and 189 pounds but he has really nice ball skills and speed to run with the fastest receivers.
He also brings added value as a returner on special teams and that may be where his greatest impact comes as a rookie.
Hughes has the speed and the raw talent to be successful but he’s very much a boom-or-bust prospect because of his inexperience. If Hughes goes to a team with a great secondary coach and defensive coordinator, he will be much more likely to reach his potential.
Draft Projection: Late first/early second