Mekhi Blackmon transferred into USC this past offseason from Colorado and was listed on the 2022 Senior Bowl watchlist. A lanky, versatile cover corner, Blackmon looks like he will have to add weight and muscle to his frame to take the physicality of the next level. That being said, Blackmon has incredible coverage ability, being an incredibly reactive defender who can stay with very fast receivers. His style should be admired by most NFL coaches and could be considered a high value prospect in the 2023 cycle, assuming that he doesn’t declare.
HT: 5116
WT: 175
Year: Super Redshirt Junior
High School: Menlo-Atherton (East Palo Alto, CA)
Rating: 3-star (0.8100)
Mekhi Blackmon scouting notes
Pros:
- Good athlete. Has very good speed and is a very reactive defender.
- Very fluid hips. Doesn’t have much of a problem changing direction or rotating. Very reactive athlete.
- Solid man ability. Uses the sideline well. Has the athleticism to run with fast receivers. Stays in the hip pocket well, positioned to make a play on the football.
- Solid zone technique. Stays with his receiver in the zone, making it very difficult to get a read on his coverage.
- Does a good job reading and diagnosing in zone coverage.
- Typically works into a mirror/trail out of press. Does a good job with his jam technique, keeps solid positioning and reacts to the receiver well.
Cons:
- Doesn’t work well off of blocks on the perimeter.
- Just overall a lanky prospect who will need to bulk up before the Combine.
- Not very physical, but is handsy enough not to draw flags while also disrupting the receiver’s focus.
- Not a strong tackler – lacks a lot of strength in those regards.
