2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Malik Fleming, DB, Houston
Player Data
| Name, Jersey # | Malik Fleming, #15 |
| School (Code) | TXHO |
| Class Yr | Fifth-year Senior. |
| Height, Weight | 5084e, 187e |
| 40 Yd Dash | 4.49e |
| Position/Depth | NB, #1 |
| Honors/Captainship | 2022 Second Team All-AAC |
| Season Viewed (yr) | 2022 (East Carolina), 2023 (Houston) |
| Games Watched | TXSN, @TXRI, NCST (2022), @FLSO (2022) |
| Scout Name / Date | Ryan Vidales 9/12/23 |
Per Year Stats
| 2023 | 2 GP, 5 Tkls, 2 INT, 3 PR, 72 PR Yds |
| 2022 | 12 GP, 41 Tkls, 2.5 TFL, 3 INT, 9 PBU, 19 PR, 134 PR Yds, |
| 2021 | 12 GP, 34 Tkls, 2.0 TFL, 2 INT, 11 PBU |
| 2020 | 9 GP, 25 Tkls, 1 INT, 1 FF, 3 PBU |
| 2019 | 12 GP, 5 Tkls, 1 PBU |
Player Summary:
Fifth-year senior with below-average height, adequate weight, and sufficient length. Former three-star prospect and 150th-ranked cornerback in the Class of 2019. Became a three-year starter and All-AAC stand-out at ECU before transferring to Houston prior to the 2023 season. Started exclusively at the outside corner spot at ECU, but transitioned to Nickel in Houston’s 4-2-5 base defense. Has exhibited strong ball production in over 48 career games played. Confident hands-catcher with superb ball skills and hand-eye coordination to come down with interceptions amidst traffic. Keen awareness and timing to manipulate quarterbacks into forcing throws into tight windows. Proven to be a legitimate playmaker with the ball in his hands on defense and special teams. Flashes noteworthy play speed to mirror receivers in man coverage. Very effective in bump-and-run coverage given his high-level recovery speed and physicality off the ball. Tends to allow too much cushion at the top of the route because of inconsistent use of hands. Displays sharp FBI and DB instincts, especially in zone coverage. Plays assignment-based football; Rarely gets pulled out of position and does not vacate his zone on double moves. Uses sudden foot speed & burst-to-close to quickly break on balls in his zone to hold receivers to minimum gains. Has some lapses in spatial awareness in zone coverage and will turn his back to the play from time to time. Decent tackler in open space but lacks high-end pop and contact courage to transform into an enforcer at the CB spot. Offers unique position versatility due to his efficacy at the outside corner and nickel positions. Will also make an impact as a punt return specialist at the next level.
Scheme Fit:
4-2-5 Nickel Corner
Power Statement:
Fleming is an undersized defensive back who compensates for his height/weight deficiency with prominent play speed, notable ball skills/production, quality man & zone coverage ability, favorable scheme versatility, and high upside as a punt return specialist.
