Chargers Scouting Report: Mississippi State CB Martin Emerson

With bowl season wrapped up and the college football season at a close, the draft process and preparations are officially in full swing.

With veteran Chris Harris Jr. likely on his way out, bolstering the cornerback position figures to be a priority for the Chargers this offseason.

Today, we are taking a look at Mississippi State cornerback Martin Emerson.

40-yard Dash: N/A
Bench Press: N/A
Vertical Jump: N/A
Broad Jump: N/A
3-Cone Drill: N/A
20-Yard Shuttle: N/A

Career: Three-year impact player that earned Third Team All-SEC honors from Pro Football Focus as the site’s highest-graded Bulldog. Played in 36 games, racking up 152 tackles, 15 pass breakups, and an interception. 

Red Flags: None

Strengths: Tall 6’2″ frame and one of the lengthiest cover men in his class, which he finds use for press jams and reroute strikes. Demonstrates good eye discipline, vision, and multitasking abilities in zone coverage. Most comfortable stalking the field with the offense in front of him or bailing with his eyes on the quarterback. Maintains his cushion throughout the route and reacts promptly to quash underneath routes. Shows impulse to rake through the catch point when contesting quick-hitting concepts. Vocal communicator and pre-snap director. A fierce and proud run defender with an appetite for statement hits that routinely beats blocks and gets his uniform dirty. 

Weaknesses: Lacks twitch and instinct, which the Bulldogs disguised well with a conservative scheme that limited big-play potential. Struggles with shiftier receivers that can win with lateral quickness. Recovery speed when stretched vertically is a concern. Predominantly relegated to the left-field corner position at MSU. Would need to go to a zone-heavy team to be a contributor. Average ball skills – only one career interception.

Final Word: Emerson is a long, competitive, and zone cornerback that can section off a boundary while surveying the action in front of him. Emerson plays the position with great awareness and avoids taking risks that can jeopardize his coverage integrity but isn’t the most flexible player. He projects as a Cover 2 or 3 zone man that will succeed in off coverage scenarios.

Fit Likelihood: Low

Grade: 3rd

Film Highlights

Emerson flashing his awareness and vision while carrying assignments downfield against Georgia, ultimately finding the ball for the pass breakup.

Prospect to keep your eye on: Martin Emerson.

– 6’2”, 200 lbs | Junior from South Carolina.
– Not the flashiest prospect; has the traits & vision to be a lockdown CB
– Wins with physicality and by using his leverage
– Could be on the board in R2pic.twitter.com/INfQPzOluA

— Willie Lutz (@willie_lutz) December 22, 2021

Emerson recognizing the screen pass and getting out in front of the wall of blockers to halt the Kentucky ball carrier in his tracks.

MSST JR CB Martin Emerson has a press build but is played off or in bail because of the scheme. He excels in this role, attacking screens, RBs in the flat, and dropping under deep throws. His height makes it tough to throw over him or get a jump ball. #SnapScout22 pic.twitter.com/7MfgH8qfd2

— Chad Reuter (@chad_reuter) July 17, 2021