NFL DraftScouting Reports

2023 NFL Draft Diamonds Scouting Report: AJ Finley, S, Mississippi

AJ Finley is a big, strong safety for the Ole Miss Rebels who's a good quality tackler. Hula Bowl scout Syrus Amirian breaks down Finley as an NFL Prospect in his report.
AJ Finley is a big, strong safety for the Ole Miss Rebels who’s a good quality tackler. Hula Bowl scout Syrus Amirian breaks down Finley as an NFL Prospect in his report.

Player Data

Name, Jersey #AJ Finley, 18
School (Code)MSUN
DOB, Class Yr9/19/2001, Sr
Height, Weight6017, 207
40 Yd Dash4.65
Arms, Hands3278, 1000
Position/DepthFS/1
Honors/Captainship
Season Viewed (yr)2021, 2022
Games WatchedALUN 21, VALB 21, GATC 22, OKTU 22
Scout Name / DateSyrus Amirian, 12/12/22

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

202212GP, 43 solo, 28 assisted, 2 INT, 4 PD, 1 FF, 1 FR
202113GP, 36 solo, 55 assisted, 3 INT, 7 PD, 1 FF
202010GP, 40 solo, 22 assisted, 3 INT, 10 PD, 2 FR
201912GP, 12 solo, 4 assisted, 2 FR

Player Summary:

Sr who aligns at FS for MSUN. He has great height and good size with a built and proportionate upper and lower half. He plays a decent amount in the box, helping against the run. Against the pass, he is better in man than zone. He does a good job in man coverage, and is able to cover against the slot or TE. He does a good job in off man as well. He plays conservative in pass coverage. He plays with good burst and above-average speed. He looks faster than someone who runs a 4.65 40. He plays with cushion and does a good job sticking his foot in the ground and driving in on the receiver once they make their break. He often does not allow the play get behind him. His back pedal is below-average, it does not look too fluid. He also has slightly below-average fluidity in his hips. He has decent recovery speed. In zone, he is average. He plays with slightly below average instincts and awareness. He does a fine job knowing where the offensive players are, yet is a bit slow on reading the play and following the QB’s progressions. He is rarely used as a blitzer. Against the run, he is good. He is a good tackler. He does a good job positioning himself well and wrapping up to make the tackle.

Scheme Fit:

Free or Strong Safety in a man-dominant defense. 

Power Statement:

Finley has elite size, good burst and above average speed along with good man coverage skills. With those attributes I like his potential and believe he will provide value to an NFL team. 

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