Dwayne Gratz Scouting Report

UConn Huskies cornerback Dwayne Gratz is an athletic option with some nice measurables like long arms and big hands. Still developing in his coverage skills, he figures to be a solid Day 2 or early Day 3 prospect.

Gratz really shines when he's able to make plays on the football. Great instincts and can break on the football. Good hands, above-average leaping ability. Can really challenge receivers on 50/50 balls. Shows a lot of promise in press-man coverage. Has enough speed to recover if beat off the line. Doesn't lose balance or get pushed around often at the line of scrimmage. Sometimes plays too aggressive, but this can also sometimes work in his favor. Feeling the route and anticipating that next step are two areas of concern. Seems to play a very reactionary style of defense which leaves him a step late in man coverage.

Quick feet and excellent short-area movement. Closes on the reception fast and hard. Will make up a lot of ground while the ball is in the air. Willing tackler in run support. Tackling technique is average, must remember to stay low and not just check players arms and shoulders. Above-average upper body strength.

Gratz projects as a third to fourth round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.