Justin Walley CB Minnesota | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Justin Walley CB Minnesota
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| ROLE: Outside Zone CB | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 03/19/2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.40 seconds (84%*) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 22.7 DOB: 09/22/2002 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bowl Invite: Shrine Bowl | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ROLE: Outside Zone CB | |
| Last Updated: 03/19/2025 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.40 seconds (84%*) | |
| Age: 22.7 DOB: 09/22/2002 | |
| Bowl Invite: Shrine Bowl | |
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| Overall Rating: | 74.4 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Offense player has faced | ||
| Offense Rating: |
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80% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| QB Rating When targeted: | 77.5 | |
| Tackling: |
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63% |
| Run Defense: |
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71% |
| Coverage: |
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68% |
| Zone: |
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69% |
| Man/Press: |
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64% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
UDFA
Overall Rank:
#320
Position rank:
#57
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| College Games: 47 College Snaps: 2294 | ||
ESPN RATING: 77/100
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247 RATING: 87/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.6 (92%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Storm Duck - Louisville |
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95% |
| Starling Thomas V - UAB |
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92% |
| Nic Jones - Ball State |
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85% |
Drafted: ROUND: 3 - Pick Number: 80 (IND)
Draft Profile: Bio
Justin Walley played high school football at D'Iberville High School in Mississippi, wearing No. 5 for the Warriors. As a senior, he led his team to a 10-1 record and Region 4-6A title, earning Class 6A Mississippi Mr. Football honors. His senior stats included 55 tackles, two interceptions, two blocked kicks, 1,005 rushing yards with 19 touchdowns, and 28 receptions for 329 yards and one touchdown. Junior year: 74 tackles and one interception.Collegiate career at Minnesota spanned three seasons. Freshman year (2021): Played all 13 games, started final six. 29 tackles, seven pass breakups, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, one interception. Named to 247Sports True Freshman All-American team. Sophomore year (2022): Started all 13 games. 39 tackles, three interceptions, two pass breakups, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery. Junior year (2023): Started all 13 games. 45 tackles (39 solo), two tackles for loss, eight pass breakups, one interception, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery. Earned All-Big Ten Honorable Mention.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Displays quick-twitch athleticism and fluid hip movement, allowing for smooth transitions and effective mirroring of receivers in man coverage situations.
- Possesses above-average straight-line speed, enabling him to stay in phase with vertical threats and recover when beaten initially.
- Shows natural feel for zone coverage, demonstrating good route recognition and the ability to quickly close on underneath throws.
- Boasts a stout frame for his size, allowing him to match up physically with larger receivers and hold his own in the run game.
- Demonstrates consistent tackling technique and willingness to support the run, rarely shying away from contact in the box or on the perimeter.
- Showcases opportunistic ball skills, with a knack for high-pointing passes and timing his jumps to disrupt at the catch point.
- Displays scheme versatility, having played effectively in both man and zone coverages throughout his collegiate career at Minnesota.
- Demonstrates natural instincts on the field, often anticipating routes and putting himself in position to make plays on the ball.
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Lacks ideal length for the boundary cornerback position, which may limit his ability to contest catches against taller NFL receivers in jump-ball situations.
- Can be overzealous in run support, occasionally taking poor angles to the ball carrier or overrunning plays when coming downhill.
- Needs refinement in press coverage technique, as he can get caught lunging or opening his hips too early, leaving him susceptible to quick releases.
- May face challenges against elite NFL speed, as his timed speed suggests he could be stretched vertically by the league's faster wideouts.
- Turnover production was inconsistent throughout his college career, indicating room for improvement in creating game-changing plays at the next level.
Scouting Report: Summary
Walley brings a well-rounded skill set to the table, with the potential to contribute in multiple defensive schemes. His ability to play both man and zone coverages effectively makes him an intriguing option for teams employing diverse defensive packages. Walley's physicality and willingness in run support project well to nickel corner duties at the next level.While not possessing elite measurables, Walley compensates with solid technique and instincts. His experience as a three-year starter in the Big Ten should ease his transition to NFL game speed. Walley's best fit may be in a zone-heavy scheme that allows him to read and react, utilizing his quickness and route recognition skills.
Walley profiles as a potential late day three selection with the upside to outplay his draft position. His special teams experience and versatility in the secondary could see him carve out an immediate role as a sub-package defender and core special teamer, with the potential to develop into a reliable starter down the line.
Written By:
K.C. Martinez (Big Ten)
Justin Walley percentiles vs other Cornerbacks (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance)
How other scouting services rate Justin Walley (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
174.0
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
39.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.