2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Chris Chukwuneke, DB, James Madison
Player Data
| Name, Jersey # | Chris Chukwuneke, #34 |
| School (Code) | VAJM |
| DOB, Class Yr | 02/28/99, Sixth-Year Senior |
| Height, Weight | 5110, 193 |
| 40 Yd Dash | 4.49 |
| Position/Depth | NB, #1 |
| Honors/Captainship | N/A |
| Season Viewed (yr) | 2023 |
| Games Watched | @VAUN, ALSO, GASO, @WVMA, NCAP |
| Scout Name / Date | Ryan Vidales 2/8/24 |
Per Year Stats
| 2023 | 11 GP (6 GS), 36 Tkls, 3.0 TFL, 1.5 Sks, 1 INT, 2 FR, 3 PBU |
| 2022 | 9 GP (8 GS), 34 Tkls, 6.0 TFL, 1.0 Sk, 1 FR, 1 PBU |
| 2021 | 12 GP (12 GS), 60 Tkls, 5.0 TFL, 1.5 Sks, 1 FF, 3 FR, 1 PBU |
| 2020 | 8 GP, 7 Tkls, 1 PBU |
| 2019 | 10 GP, 16 Tkls, 1 INT |
| 2018 | DNP (Redshirt Year) |
Player Summary:
Chris Chukwuneke is a sixth-year Defensive Back who appeared in 50 games during his six seasons at James Madison, which included 34 starts at Rover as a part of JMU’s 4-2-5 personnel group. Offers moderate height/weight measurements, medial physical traits, and a lean build. Does not carry extensive mass on his frame, but he’s a quality tackler and willing run defender with high-contact courage & deceptive pop/explosiveness behind his pads. Attacks the outside hip to secure open-field tackles when protecting outside contain. Possesses strong click to close to pursue the ball to the boundary and trigger downhill to the flats. Exhibits proficient play speed/range to cover open space in deep zones & hook/curl/flats coverages. Decent use of hands to maintain a tight cushion in press-man and 2-man. Sufficient hip fluidity and COD at the top of the route to stay in the receiver’s hip pocket. Boasts solid make-up speed to trail on intermediate crossers and vertical concepts to the deep range. Uses alert instincts/awareness and keen reading & reacts to put himself in a position to compete at the catch point. Presents capable ball skills to convert misplaced throws into interceptions, but could be more aggressive when attempting to play through the hands on contested catches. Quick burst/acceleration and effective blitz ability to rush the passer from the slot. Strong use of hands allows him to stack and shed blocks when in pursuit of the quarterback. Displayed great toughness and adequate play strength to hold his own in the first level as a box safety. His pass-rushing upside, run-defending capabilities, and versatile coverage skills provide him with intriguing third-down value in nickel, dime, and quarters packages.
Scheme Fit:
4-2-5 Big Nickel
Power Statement:
Chukwuneke is a tough-minded nickel-type DB with requisite instincts, toughness, and click-to-close to provide significant production in run support. His well-rounded coverage acumen and pass-rush upside create a unique skill set that could be valuable in a base 4-2-5 defense at the next level.