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Cornerback Ifeatu Melifonwu may have been the first non-lineman selected by the Detroit Lions in the 2021 NFL draft, but he matched the team's theme of drafting elite athletes: checking in with a 9.70 RAS score.
“I remember when scouting his brother years ago,” Lions general manager Brad Holmes said, “and he’s got the same physical specimen traits for a big, long corner that from the outside it looks like he’s just a press corner, but he’s actually not. How Iffy grew on me in the process is his ability to actually play in off-coverage and actually be able to maneuver, show quickness in a short area, in zone and off-coverage, which usually guys that long and that big aren’t able to do.”
While Melifonwu is still developing as a player, he had some very impressive intangibles that could get him on the field this season. But instead of waiting that long to see what he’s got, let’s take a look at some of his career highlights, starting off with the video produced by the Lions:
Quick clips
Watching CBs this week - and this rep from #Syracuse CB Ifeatu Melifonwu really stood out.
— Fran Duffy (@EaglesXOs) April 6, 2021
Was a big fan before he went to the @seniorbowl; big reason why he was one of my top DBs there was reps like this
Great size. Solid athleticism. GREAT instincts / spatial awareness pic.twitter.com/5veuwUONJA
Melifonwu one hell of a force player and tackler... Fights off perimeter blocks like rag dolls and will use those long limbs to wrangle ball carriers. Throws body around.
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) January 26, 2021
Size, length, physicality - good skillset on Ifeatu Melifonwu 6’2 205lbs with 80” wingspan pic.twitter.com/3eWuEobZJk
Take a look at the amount of ground Ifeatu Melifonwu covers to make this play. pic.twitter.com/bq5XETClgJ
— ACC Content (@ACContent__) July 5, 2020
In the @Cover1 Slack chat, I did an NFL Draft Q&A and was asked about Ifeatu Melifonwu (CB 2 Syracuse). I hadn't watched him yet so I didn't have an answer. That being said, I turned on the tape & here he is making a tackle on Dyami Brown of UNC. Melifonwu is listed at 6-3 213 pic.twitter.com/L50SXkeDyz
— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) January 9, 2021
Syracuse CB Ifeatu Melifonwu had himself a game against UNC/Dyami Brown. He was in Brown's kitchen all day, playing both press and off-man. Threw in some impressive tackles as well.
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) March 30, 2021
Really intriguing size/athleticism prospect. Moves extremely well for 6-3/210. #Patriots pic.twitter.com/f8efgN1yUh
Senior Bowl
Ifeatu Melifonwu showing up in 1-on-1's pic.twitter.com/2YBBpIeo15
— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 28, 2021
Hadn’t even thought about this but Ifeatu Melifonwu possesses the physicality, length and athleticism to handle tight ends if he has to. pic.twitter.com/27o7tH1i1m
— Lorenz (@ScoutingLenz) January 29, 2021
We got short area movement skills for days at 6025 212 lbs with Ifeatu Melifonwu pic.twitter.com/kvzYuKBwcs
— Lorenz (@ScoutingLenz) January 29, 2021
Ifeatu Melifonwu will make his money at Senior Bowl 1-on-1's pic.twitter.com/kDnKtO4Wi0
— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 26, 2021
Game cut-ups, breakdowns
Interviews
Ifeatu Melifonwu on what sets him apart from the CB Draft Class ️⬇️ pic.twitter.com/riA3jV36Sv
— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 31, 2021