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Atlanta Falcons draft Isaiah Oliver: Instant grade and analysis

By Brad Weiss

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 05: Colorado defensive back Isaiah Oliver (DB30) participates in a drill during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 05: Colorado defensive back Isaiah Oliver (DB30) participates in a drill during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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The Atlanta Falcons selected Isaiah Oliver in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Here’s all you need to know about Oliver, including our grade.

Strengths

When it comes to the ideal size for a cornerback, it does not get much better than Isaiah Oliver. The stud corner from Colorado has great height, weight, and length, making him one intriguing defensive back prospect in this draft class. In fact, he is one of the longest cornerback prospects we have seen in a long time, as his arms measure at 33.5 inches long.

The length of his arms will play well in the NFL, as he has a tremendous catch radius. Being able to get longer on jump-balls will also help him on deep balls, enabling him to have the advantage down the field. Oliver also has some very soft hands, which go well with his ballhawk mentality from the cornerback position.

After showing good speed at the NFL Scouting Combine, running a 4.5 40-yard dash, Oliver basically cemented his place within the top-50 prospects in this draft class. He also is a strong kid, and will be a dominant player in press coverage at the next level.

Weaknesses

While his long arms are certainly a strength, Oliver needs to do a better job utilizing them. With the right coaching at the next level, he should be a premier press cover cornerback, though he just is not there yet. He also needs to be tougher, as he is one of the strongest, and biggest cornerbacks in his position group.

Due to his size, Oliver will need to also work on his change of direction in the NFL. He often can find himself getting turned around, and it is hard for him to go from really fast, to making the adjustment on the fly. Again, this is a very coachable thing, and he should be able to be better in zone coverage with the right coaching staff around him.

Oliver is going to be a solid player at the NFL level, but he needs to raise his physicality. He has everything you look for in a shutdown corner, and his strengths definitely outweigh his weaknesses at this point.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Sam Darnold goes to Browns

Grade

Grade: A-

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