Jaylen Mbakwe CB Georgia Tech |
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| Jersey: #3 ROLE: Outside Man/Press CB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 11/02/2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2027 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FORTY time: 4.40 seconds (84%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Jersey: #3 | |
| ROLE: Outside Man/Press CB | |
| Last Updated: 11/02/2026 | |
| Draft Year: 2027 | |
| Forty time: 4.40 seconds (84%*) | |
| Overall Rating: |
65.6 / 100
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|---|---|---|
| Average rating of opposition Offense player has faced | ||
| Offense Rating: |
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73% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| QB Rating When targeted: | 107.8 | |
| Tackling: |
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68% |
| Run Defense: |
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69% |
| Coverage: |
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62% |
| Zone: |
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62% |
| Man/Press: |
|
63% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
UDFA
Overall Rank:
#968
Position rank:
#104 (DB)
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| College Games: 16 College Snaps: 581 | ||
ESPN RATING: 92/100
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247 RATING: 98/100
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RIVALS RATING: 6.1 (100%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Armani Chatman - North Carolina |
|
89% |
| Adrian Frye - Texas Tech |
|
88% |
| Chase Lucas - Arizona State |
|
85% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Jaylen Mbakwe was a five-star prospect, No. 12 nationally among 2024 recruits, from Clay-Chalkville High School in Alabama. In his final season he ran for more than 1,000 yards and threw for more than 2,000, accounting for 43 touchdowns, and he won state titles as a sprinter.Mbakwe played 221 defensive snaps for Alabama as a freshman in 2024, making 15 tackles and an interception while also returning kicks. He moved mainly to receiver in 2025 and caught three passes for 55 yards before leaving through the portal on 2 January 2026.
Mbakwe won a starting cornerback job at Georgia Tech. He was carried off on a stretcher in the 45-24 loss to Tennessee on 12 September after his helmet struck a teammate's knee, but he was released from hospital and returned to the lineup. He made five tackles against Duke and has allowed 10 catches on 18 targets this season.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Elite speed and athleticism from a former five-star prospect
- Intercepted a pass as a freshman during his time at Alabama
- Made five tackles and two run stops against Duke
- Has played cornerback, receiver and kick returner in college
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Carried off on a stretcher after a head collision against Tennessee
- Pitt beat him for a touchdown in the most recent game
- Allows about 10 yards per target in coverage this season
- Spent 2025 at receiver, so his cornerback technique lags behind
- Owns one interception across his three college seasons
Scouting Report: Summary
Mbakwe is a gifted athlete and former five-star prospect who has settled at cornerback for Georgia Tech. He has elite speed and has made plays at three different positions in college.However, his coverage has been uneven, with 180 yards and a touchdown allowed on 18 targets. He spent 2025 at receiver, and the frightening collision against Tennessee will need a medical review.
Overall, Mbakwe has starter traits but is still learning the position. He projects as a priority free agent with real upside if he develops.
How other scouting services rate Jaylen Mbakwe (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
456.0
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
97.0
*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.