Dorian Strong, CB, Virginia Tech
Size:
Height: 6010
Weight: 1985
Arm: 30 ⅞”
Hand: 9 ¼”
Accomplishments:
All-ACC Honorable Mention (2024) • Third-Team All-ACC (2023)
“Dorian Strong is an advanced cover corner with the athleticism and instincts to immediately become a contributor within an NFL secondary.”
Strengths:
Acceleration to stay in phase
Instincts
Advanced man corner
Consistently forces tight windows
Comfortable with his back to the QB
Concerns:
Occasionally too aggressive
Can play high in backpedal at times
Change of direction as WRs cross face
Film Analysis:
Dorian Strong is a dynamic cover corner who in 2023 became just the second FBS cornerback since 2014 with 300-plus coverage snaps giving up less than 10 receptions and less than 100 yards receiving in a single season. Nuanced as a perimeter or slot corner, Strong has excellent size and length to play inside-out, or wherever the coverage or opposing personnel takes him.
In man, Strong has excellent footwork and a highly intriguing athletic profile to mirror and match players across the field. Has instances where he has run the route for his opposition, showcasing an understanding of tendencies on certain down and distances, as well as the nuances in the body positioning of a wideout which he can quickly identify.
Strong has shown the ability to align neutral (shoulders square) at the line of scrimmage and flip and run, while also displaying the ability to align in a side saddle and force things in front. Excellent acceleration and burst to counter pass-catchers who look to press vertical where he forces QBs to make perfect throws into tight windows. Has also shown the ability to run step for step on crossing routes across the formation, a rare skill at the collegiate level. Instincts are apparent as well and Strong has proven he is comfortable in coverage with his back to the pocket. Length is evident in press-man situations but he can get grabby against twitchier wideouts that can win across his face (Miami). Overall as a man corner, Strong is nuanced in space and has showcased success against a wide variety of routes and body types.
In zone, Strong’s instincts and speed are outstanding to study. He’s a nightmare to target to his side due to his ability to close distance in a hurry. Highly communicative athlete on the backend that can slide, shuffle, and maneuver his way around a secondary with ease. Does well to read the QB’s eyes but does not sacrifice his coverage integrity often to jump a throw. Has reps in zone-match where he can quickly change direction and pursue the pass with ease.
As a run defender, Strong approaches the line of scrimmage with urgency. Effort is also there as a perimeter defender—he chased down Marshall’s running back 70 yards downfield to save a touchdown.
Overall, Strong has consistently showcased the ability to shut down opposing wideouts in man situations and is a player who touts many of the tools teams eye in a potential starter within a secondary.
Prospect Projection: Day 2 — Winning Starter
Written By: Ryan Fowler
Exposures: Clemson (2024), Miami (2024), Duke (2024), Virginia (2024)
