Cornell Powell 2021 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Name: Cornell Powell

College: Clemson

Height: 6’0”

Weight: 204

Overall Rank: No. 113

Position Rank: WR20

Strengths: Five years in the Clemson program and Cornell Powell comes with an NFL-ready competitive toughness and work ethic. As a result of time spent in a top-tier program, Powell shows some nuance to his game that is rare for a rookie. He uses subtle techniques throughout his route stem to create space, fight off contact, and win back leverage down the field at break points. He has a solid overall frame and can be counted on to get the job done in the run game. He’s a boundary receiver that can be an immediate rotational depth piece and core special-teamer. Fundamentally, his game checks all the boxes of a solid NFL player.

Weaknesses: Powell turns 24 in late October of his rookie season and may not be seen as much of an ascending prospect. He’s been stuck on the depth chart behind some studs at Clemson and really only produced one statistically impressive season. NFL teams will wonder if it’s a lack of opportunity or a lack of ability. Powell’s play speed is adequate, but won’t threaten NFL defenders vertically. He doesn’t seem to show much variance in his route-running and often is a one-track mind speed and style guy. There isn’t much of a trump card to any of what Powell does well and he may struggle to stand out in a wide receiver room.

What I Love: Powell isn’t confused about how he wins as a receiver and he isn’t afraid to use any tool in the toolbox to get open and make himself available for the QB.

NFL Comparison: Jakobi Meyers

Grade: 72/100

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

Agility: +
Big Plays: -
Hands: ++
Jumping: +
Route-Running: ++
Speed: +
Strength: ++