Christian Uphoff 2021 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Name: Christian Uphoff

College: Illinois State

Height: 6020

Weight: 209

Overall Rank: No. 132 overall

Position Rank: S12

Strengths: Christian Uphoff is a long natural athlete at the cornerback position. He has a frame built for the NFL. Uphoff is loose on his feet and possess a quick twitch to his movement that allows him good range. He’s reliable enough in coverage to give the defense scheme versatility, particularly given the athleticism to his game. Uphoff is very quick at attacking the football and has great ball skills; he does an excellent job using his length reaching into force incompletions. 

Weaknesses: Uphoff was not a good tackler in college. He plays the position with the high energy and attitude a team would want; but he’s far too reckless with his tackling, and it cost his team on more than one occasion. Against the run, Uphoff doesn’t seem as comfortable and has been beat in the open field too often. 

What I Love: Christian Uphoff has a shined as an athlete in college. He encompasses several high-upside athletic traits. He has an elite combination of size and athletic ability. In year one, he could be an excellent special teams’ player with great playmaking upside. He’s a developmental prospect who could bring long-term stability at the safety position by year two or three. 

NFL Comparison: Tre Boston

Grade: 67/100

Position Specific Traits:
(key: +, ++, +++ positive scale | -, - -, - - - negative scale)

Athletic Ability: +

Man Coverage: +

Run Support: -

Speed: ++

Strength: ++

Tackling: -

Zone Coverage: ++