Lamarcus Joyner is a guy you don't know enough about, but you probably should. You should start doing your research, reading up, and watching film on him because by the time the 2014 NFL draft comes along he will be one of the most talked about prospects of the day. Or you can let me do all that dirty work for you and tell you why, as of now, Lamarcus Joyner is hands down the most underrated cornerback that you don't know enough about.
Don't let his size fool you, Florida State's Lamarcus Joyner may measure in at just 5'8", but he uses every ounce of his 190 pound frame to make sure his opponents question signing up to play the game of football when he's done.
Joyner recently was a key contributer on a Seminole team that won the National Championship over the Auburn Tigers leading the best secondary in the nation with 25 interceptions while allowing just 152 passing yards per game as a unit. On a personal level Joyner was a semi-finalist for the Chuck Bednarnik award (best defensive player) and the Jim Thorpe award (best defensive back). He also was named a Walter Camp first team All-American and voted to the All-ACC first team as well.
Since then Joyner has watched his draft stock rise from a late day two pick to now a fringe first rounder. Even with his recent loud buzz, Joyner still isn't getting the kudos of the national media or fan base like he deserves.
Why not? Joyner has been and will continue to be knocked for his short stature by scouts which is a bigger mistake than watching Randy Moss slip to pick 22 because of "character concerns". Joyner is one of the most physical players on the field actually using his low center of gravity to his advantage while flying to his opponent to make the tackle. His style of aggressiveness is brought on by his superb instincts allowing his to dissect the play and quickly fly to the ball no matter the spot on the field, proved by his team high five-sacks even though he was often deep in the secondary. He also lead his team with three forced fumbles thanks again to his aggressive nature along with producing 51 tackles with 6.5 tackles for loss.
The fact is if Joyner measured in at the combine at 6 foot-200 pounds he would be hear his name called in the first 15 picks and would be the first cornerback off the board. Instead, scouts are choosing to look at his lack of size as a problem questioning if he can produce the same way at the next level. This is a big mistake, as Joyner's film shows he is one of the best pound-for-pound players in the country and executed at a high level at safety, inside corner, and outside corner.
They say the NFL is the All-Stars of college. If thats true then Joyner is a safe bet to make an impact on the next level as he's already shown by making his presence felt of some of the NFL's current brightest stars.
Watch in this video as he Knocks out NFL wide receivers Kenny Stills and Michael Floyd.
Instincts/Aggressivness
Joyner's incredible instincts and awareness is what makes him so special. The speed at which he is able to dissect the play before it happens is what allows him to put himself in the right position to make the play.
Now its one thing to be able to read the play in your head, its another to have the physical tools to make the play, but it's a completely different category when players like Joyner have the god-given ability to do both. Once diagnosing the play, Joyner flips his switch and goes from 0 to 60 in a heartbeat with NFL acceleration.
When watching the film you can't help but notice how Joyner is consistently at or around the line of scrimmage making the play, using his great closing burst as his weapon.
Again, with his second to none instincts, Joyner is able to penetrate into the backfield to make splash plays and recognizes snap counts as he times his blitzes to perfection (led team with five sacks along with 6.5 tackles for loss).
Some players just love to hit and Joyner is one of them never shying away from the contact but instead the one you can always count on to deliver the blow. In an era where fundamental tackling seems to have gotten lost, Joyner is a breath of fresh air as an aggressive striker who loves to deliver punishing hits like he was getting paid. His physical and sometimes down right violent style of play is something you want on your team, specifically your defense as one hit from Joyner can set the tone and change the momentum on any given play.
But why try to explain it when I can just show you.
(1:50 mark)
Versatility
I've seen too many teams look at Joyner's glass as half empty knocking him due to his short stature, stating that once in the NFL he might not have an ideal position. It's time they looked at the glass half full and realized Joyner can do it all.
In a league thriving off different schemes, packages, and subs Joyner is a do-it-all player who will thrive in any defense, but especially a hybrid. If a team was smart and wanted to get their money's worth out of him, they would use him as a valuable chess piece moving him all over the field.
Joyner started as a cornerback at Florida State when he was a freshman until he was moved to strong safety for his sophomore and junior seasons. Finally, in his final season as a senior they wisely used him all over the field at safety, outside cornerback, and inside in the nickel role.
With his physicality, I personally would love to see him a the strong safety position allowing him to creep in the box and make plays with his instincts. However, at the next level he will most likely start out in the slot as a cornerback using his agility and speed against smaller quicker receivers while blitzing off the edge.
Want more? Joyner gives whatever team that drafts him the ability to play both sides of the ball on special teams right out of the gate, returning kicks and punts while handling coverage duties thanks to his elite awareness.
As the draft nears closer and closer, Joyner's stock will continue to get hotter and hotter. Teams will surely figure out that his versatility in numerous defensive packages are too valuable in today's day and age to let him slip too far on draft day.
As well as overlooking his smaller stature for the fact that on game day he flat out produces, and does so with authority. Make no mistake, Joyner is a guy you want on your team not the other way around. As it won't be long until teams are forced to gameplan against this special talent and are kicking themselves for passing on him when the time came.
NFL Comparisons
With his 5'8" 190 pound frame and his aggressive physicality as a punishing hitter combined with superb instincts, I for one can't help but see Antoine Winfield when I watch this kid play. Everything about him reminds me of the way Winfield loved to dish out the big hits specifically in the running game. His knack for big plays and his uncanny ability to always be around the ball are Honey Badger-esque as well. But when its all said and done, years down the road we won't be comparing Joyner to other players, we'll be comparing other players to Joyner as he's in a league of his own and starting to make his own name for himself.
Possible NFL Suitors
When draft day comes Joyner won't be as underrated as he is now. I can guarantee you that allowing teams to justify selecting the young playmaker near the end of the first round. Teams like the Broncos and Seahawks would make dangerous suitors while making a ton of sense. The Broncos are in need of secondary help anywhere they can get it, while the Seahawks are still bitter the real Antoine Winfield disappeared on them. After that there isn't one team in the early part of the second round that couldn't use the help and versatility that Joyner would bring to the table. The Jaguars, Falcons, Vikings, and Lions all jump to mind as teams that are still desperate for talent and youth in their secondary.
Follow Luke on Twitter @luke_spinman