Aydan White, CB, NC State
Size:
Height: 5’11” (v) | Weight: 183 lbs (v)
Arm Length: 31 7/8"
Accomplishments:
Third-team All-ACC (2023) • First-team All-ACC (2022)
“Headlined by electric footwork and instincts, Aydan White is a well-rounded corner who could challenge for a top-three role within an NFL secondary.”
Strengths:
Ball production (9 INTs and 23 PBUs)
Electric transitions
Inside-out versatility
Easy speed
Confidence
Concerns:
Play strength
Can play high at times
One-on-one tackling
Film Analysis:
A five-year contributor for the Wolfpack, Aydan White enters the draft process as one of the more mature and experienced corners available with 256 targets his way over the span of his collegiate career. Headlined by electric footwork and instincts, White is a well-rounded corner who could challenge for a top-three role within an NFL secondary. He aligns solely on the perimeter for the NC State defense.
In man coverage, White showcases a high level of patience in his backpedal to keep WRs in front of him. Plays with excellent tempo and technique in his backpedal and never looks rushed. Does not utilize a ton of hand strikes nor will he look to overpower opponents at the line of scrimmage. Attempting to overpower pass-catchers can often get him in trouble due to his lack of play strength in fact (Stanford). Rather, White trusts his technique and athletic profile at depth.
White is a fluid-moving athlete in side-saddle technique with a quick trigger downhill. Comfortable playing man at depth or near the line of scrimmage. With his back to the football, White displays a high level of confidence and control to read wideouts. Will not grab if initially beaten—another sign of White trusting his technique and overall skill set to work back into phase. Excellent instincts to locate the football. His PBU against Clemson down the boundary in 2023 exemplified White’s quick-twitch and instincts to a T.
In zone, White’s eyes, instincts, and change of direction showcase a high-level secondary presence. Transitions and footwork are sensational. White’s ability to change direction and tempo speeds is a dynamic part of his prospect portfolio. Can carry wideouts with ease and has the get-up-and-go to maintain coverage vertically as a Cover 3 corner. His nine career INTs showcase a high-level playmaker with the creativity to take it for six the other way.
Against the run, White is an active fringe-area defender who plays with a good amount of pop in his pads. Okay tackler at this point in time, but has room to improve in isolated opportunities (Duke). Can beat running backs to a spot and has shown the ability to chase down as a backside defender.
Concerns remain about White’s overall mass and strength. Snaps against more experienced run blockers at WR show White losing leverage quickly. White has shown a willingness to stick his face in the mud against anyone but added mass will assist in holding ground or working off of blocks. Added power will also assist in staying hip-to-hip against WRs that prioritize physicality to create separation.
Overall, White showcases a highly intriguing prospect profile. The combination of high-level coverage ability, accelerated movement skills, and proven ball production in the ACC paints the picture of an experienced corner that should compete for snaps right away at the next level.
Prospect Projection: Day 2 — Adequate Starter
Written by: Ryan Fowler
Exposures: Clemson (2024), Duke (2024), Stanford (2024), Wake Forest (2023), Notre Dame (2023), Clemson (2023), Duke (2023)
