Mock Draft Consensus on Washington Huskies Football NFL Prospects – 2.0
Elijah Molden – Cornerback, 5-10, 190 pounds
- Highest Draft Spot – Round 1, Buffalo, 30th overall.
- Lowest Draft Spot – Round 4, Indianapolis, 127th overall.
- Most Common Draft Spot – Round 3, Houston, 67th overall.
Washington only played four games last year, but it was enough for Elijah Molden to earn All-Pac-12 First Team honors. Pro Football Focus named him the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and a Second Team All-American.
Scouting Report
Molden played mostly inside during his tenure at UW. Ideally, he plays the same role in the NFL. Although smaller than most teams would like, Molden plays with instincts beyond his years.
The ultimate “tweener” defensive back, he isn’t a traditional outside cover cornerback, but at the same time, Molden might be the best slot corner in this draft class. Unfortunately, NFL teams don’t draft for nickel corners. They do, however, draft good football players. Molden is the type of versatile player who can carve out a long professional career for himself.
Fearless slot corner who can lock down underneath routes and handle shifty weapons. Lines up inside, outside, at corner and as a blitzer. Showcased safety flexibility in 2020 games vs. Utah and Stanford. Despite long-speed limitations, rarely lets receivers get a step on him — great body control and understanding of leverage. Often beats his man to the spot and cuts off routes before they develop.
Plays bigger than his size and isn’t afraid of delivering contact — scrapper who belies his size. Terrific tackler who drives through his man and typically brings him down — very few missed attempts. Manages to slip blocks and somehow disengage from them consistently to make plays. Attacks the run and screens well and cuts ball carriers’ legs out from underneath them. – Eric Edholm, Yahoo.
Prospects 2.0
Although Molden is a borderline first-round talent (number 35 on Dane Brugler’s Big Board), it’s not likely he goes on Day 1. Then again, it’s certainly not out of the question either. Rob Rang of Fox Sports has him going to the Buffalo Bills at the tail end of Round 1.
In the 23 mocks we audited, 15 predict Molden’s selection in Round 2. A solid pro day certainly raised his draft stock. One of the more intriguing mock drafts have Molden going to the Seattle Seahawks in the second round. A whole lot of dominoes have to fall for Seattle to draft a nickel cornerback that early.
According to the mock results, Molden’s most likely destination is to Pittsburgh in Round 2 (55th overall).