Eagles Draft Profile: Oregon State CB Steven Nelson

Oct 12, 2013; Pullman, WA, USA; Oregon State Beavers cornerbacl Steven Nelson (2) intercepts a pass against the Washington State Cougars during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Beavers beat the Cougars 52-24. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Film Study

It’s easy to talk about what Oregon State cornerback Steven Nelson can bring to a team at the next level. But actually watching him on the field is what should win people over. His competitiveness and desire to make a play on every down is outstanding.

The knock on his size is blown way out of proportion. He proved throughout his two seasons at Oregon State, as well as at the Senior Bowl, that he can defend the nation’s best receivers on the outside, and do it at a high level.

For this film study, I watched multiple games but I’ll primarily focus on Nelson’s performance against Arizona State and their highly touted wide receiver Jaelen Strong, who’s projected to be a first round pick in the upcoming 2015 NFL Draft. I’ll also take a look at some other Oregon State games and the 2015 Senior Bowl as well.

1) These first couple of plays are from Oregon State’s game against Arizona State where Nelson and Strong went toe to toe on the field. This was actually the first play of the game and was a tone-setter. Nelson reads the inside route and hits Strong immediately forcing an incompletion.

2) Here’s another play from the first quarter where Nelson blankets Strong in coverage to the sideline and the quarterback has nowhere to throw the ball but out of bounds.

3) On this play, Nelson shows his ability to read and react to a play. He recognizes the screen, gets off the block from the outside receiver and brings Strong down for a short gain.

4) Another play showing Nelson going against Strong with no help. This time it’s in the red-zone and Nelson does a great job of playing the boundary and being physical with Strong. He makes the contested catch but Nelson doesn’t allow him to come down with the ball inbounds.

5) Lastly from Nelson’s battles with Strong against the Sun Devils. Nelson stays with Strong step for step down the sideline, doesn’t bite on the quarterback’s pump fake and breaks up the pass after the receiver gets his hands on it.

6) Here’s another angle of the previous play where you see Nelson’s patience on the route and not “taking the bait” with the fake. He stays with Strong and does an outstanding job of punching out the ball once it’s in his hands.

Next: Film Study (continued)