A transfer from Colorado, Mekhi Blackmon stepped into the USC defense and started all 14 games, remaining healthy for a full season for the first time outside of the covid season. While I have Blackmon projected as a depth cornerback by NFL teams, I do not understand how he isn’t considered a starter at the next level. His positioning in coverage is exemplary. 

There is upside to Blackmon’s game, and it’s mostly found in his size and frame. He has room to expand on his frame without seriously hurting his quickness and speed. If he can become a stronger defender in space, his game drastically improves. The possibility is there because he’s a willing tackler. 

I really like USC CB Mekhi Blackmon as a mid-round prospect. Way better in press coverage than you'd expect, given his size. 8 PBU/3 INT/ 91.1 PFF Grade in 2022 pic.twitter.com/CtRTvnhr4g

— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) February 19, 2023

Missed the majority of the 2019 season with an injury. Missed some time in 2021 with minor injuries. 

Mekhi Blackmon’s scouting report

Athletic Ability (40)

Speed/Athleticism: 15

• Speed (5.5/7) – Good athlete. Has very good speed and is a very reactive defender. Tested well, but not great. 
• Lateral Quickness (3/4) – Lateral quickness is overall pretty good. Fairly athletic. 
• Acceleration (3.5/4) – Acceleration looks good. Has several levels that he can hit. 

Strength: 15 

• Upper Body Strength (2.5/5) – Doesn’t work well off of blocks on the perimeter. 
• Lower Body Strength (3/5) – Has good explosion and acceleration ability. Still has a lot of room to expand on his frame. 
• Brute Power (2/5) – Just overall a lanky prospect who failed to bulk up before the Combine. 

Hip Flexibility: 10 

• Change of Direction (4/5) – Very fluid hips. Doesn’t have much of a problem changing direction or rotating. Very reactive athlete. 
• Recovery (4/5) – Shows some solid recoverability. Very solid burst. 

Defender Ability (15)

Tackling: 10 

• Tackling Ability (3/6) – Not a great tackler. Decent at the point of contact. Just doesn’t have the body to really control the tackle. 
• Space Defending (2.5/4) – Lacks the frame to be an effective defender consistently in space. Is very willing and wants to be involved. 

Pursuit: 5

• Pursuit Angles (3.5/5) – Pursuit angles are good. Does a good job chasing the ball carrier. 

Coverage Ability (40)

Man Coverage: 15 

• Coverage Ability (8/10) – 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. Works through traffic well to stay on his man. Fairly reactive, can be a half-a-step too slow against better receivers but recovers nicely. 
• Physicality (3.5/5) – Not very physical, but is handsy enough not to draw flags while also disrupting the receiver’s focus. 

Zone Coverage: 15 

• Coverage Ability (8/10) – Solid zone technique. Stays with his receiver in the zone, making it very difficult to get a read on his coverage. 
• Recognition (4/5) – Does a good job reading and diagnosing in zone coverage. Positions himself very well. Showed ball-hawk tendencies. Can try to jump a play and surrender his deep coverage. 

Press Coverage: 10 

• Coverage Ability (5.5/7) – 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. 
• Physicality (2/3) – Shows good jam technique and is surprisingly sturdy in press. 

Overall: (76) – 3rd/4th Round