Zy Alexander is an impressive cornerback prospect who stands out due to his remarkable physical traits, including his 6’2″ frame and strong athletic ability. After transferring from Southeastern Louisiana to LSU, Alexander has proven himself as a dynamic presence in the secondary, demonstrating an ability to excel in press-man coverage, contribute in the run game, and utilize his length effectively. His combination of size, strength, and agility gives him the potential to become a valuable asset to any NFL team looking for a cornerback with a high ceiling.
Strengths
One of Alexander’s most notable attributes is his size. At 6’2″ and weighing 194 pounds, he has excellent length, which he utilizes to control receivers both at the line of scrimmage and as he works downfield. His ability to disrupt routes in press coverage is enhanced by his size, allowing him to maintain tight coverage and make life difficult for receivers trying to get off the line. Additionally, his long arms are a key asset when engaging with blockers in the run game, as he can extend and disengage to maintain positioning. This physicality helps him excel in both coverage and tackling, making him a well-rounded defensive player.
Athletically, Alexander moves with impressive fluidity for a player of his size. He demonstrates smooth, quick transitions when turning to run with receivers, easily staying in phase even as they accelerate downfield. His ability to sink his hips and transition from full speed into a change of direction is an asset in coverage, allowing him to track receivers closely. This athleticism makes him a versatile corner who can handle a variety of receivers, whether they are larger, physical players or faster, more explosive threats.
Another standout feature of Alexander’s game is his ball skills. He is excellent at tracking the football and has a keen sense of timing when going after the ball. His ability to break up passes, particularly at the high point, is impressive. He excels at using his length and leaping ability to challenge throws and deflect passes, demonstrating a high level of awareness and anticipation in coverage. Alexander’s ball skills set him apart as a cornerback with the potential to contribute not only as a cover man but also as a playmaker in the secondary.
In terms of his tackling, Alexander is a reliable and physical presence. He is aggressive in supporting the run, coming up quickly from his position and taking solid angles to the ball carrier. His tackling technique is secure, and he often looks to cut out the legs of ball carriers, preventing them from gaining additional yardage. His strong tackling is a sign of his willingness to engage in all phases of the game, not just pass coverage. He shows discipline and efficiency, and this makes him a valuable asset in the run game, especially on the edge.
Areas for Improvement
Despite his strengths, Alexander has some areas that need refinement. One of his main weaknesses is his hand usage in press coverage. At times, he can be inconsistent when using his hands to engage with receivers, allowing them a free release off the line of scrimmage. This can be problematic, especially against faster, more explosive receivers who can quickly gain separation. This was evident when facing teams with high-caliber receiving groups, such as Alabama, where Alexander struggled against quicker athletes who were able to exploit his hand technique.
Another issue that Alexander occasionally faces is his pad level when transitioning in coverage. When he breaks into his backpedal or when flipping his hips to follow a receiver, his pad level can rise, which creates unnecessary separation and makes it more difficult for him to remain in phase. This issue sometimes leads to extra steps or lost ground during route transitions, which can be costly in tight coverage situations.
Additionally, while Alexander has solid coverage skills, his ability to recover when beaten by explosive athletes is still a work in progress. In games against faster receivers, particularly those with elite speed, Alexander has sometimes been caught out of position, requiring him to recover in ways that highlight the need for more refinement in his footwork and reaction times.
Notable Career and Injuries
Alexander’s career trajectory has been marked by notable achievements as well as setbacks. In 2020, he was an unrated recruit according to 247Sports but has since proven his value through his performances at Southeastern Louisiana and LSU. His transfer to LSU showcased his adaptability and ability to handle the increased competition at the Power Five level.
However, Alexander has also faced some challenges along the way. In 2023, he suffered an ACL injury during a game against Army, which was a significant setback for him. This injury caused him to miss some time and required him to work hard on his recovery. Additionally, during the 2024 season, he experienced a concussion against UCLA, which kept him out of action for the following week against South Alabama. Despite these injuries, Alexander has demonstrated resilience and the ability to return to form, showing that he has the mental fortitude to overcome adversity.
Conclusion
Overall, Zy Alexander is a cornerback with an intriguing skill set and a high ceiling. His combination of size, athleticism, ball skills, and physicality makes him a promising prospect for the NFL, especially as an outside cornerback. He excels in press coverage, has the ability to handle a wide range of receivers, and is a reliable tackler in the run game. His ball skills further elevate his potential, making him a threat to generate turnovers and disrupt the passing game.
However, Alexander does have areas that require improvement, particularly with his hand usage in press coverage and his consistency in maintaining proper pad level. With further development and refinement, particularly in his technique, he could become a reliable starting cornerback at the next level. His competitiveness, athleticism, and versatility make him an intriguing option for teams seeking a cornerback who can develop into a starter and contribute immediately in various defensive schemes. As he continues to grow and adapt, Zy Alexander has the potential to become a standout player in the NFL.
