Take a look at Vernon Hargreaves, cornerback from the University of Florida, in action on the field.
Florida defensive back Vernon Hargreaves runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Monday, Feb. 29, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
Florida defensive back Vernon Hargreaves III (1) returns a interception during the first half of an NCAA college football game between Florida and Georgia, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2015, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
Florida defensive back Vernon Hargreaves III (1) warms up before an NCAA college football game against South Carolina, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015, in Columbia, S.C. Florida won 24-14. (AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt)
Florida defensive back Vernon Hargreaves (1) celebrates after he intercepted a pass to secure their 28-20 over East Caroline late in the second half of the Birmingham Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, in Birmingham, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley (3) vies for a pass as Florida defensive back Vernon Hargreaves III (1) looks on during the first half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
FILE - In this Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015, file photo, Florida defensive back Vernon Hargreaves III, top, intercepts a pass intended for New Mexico State wide receiver Tyrain Taylor (5), during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Gainesville, Fla. Hargreaves had an interception and a reception in Florida's 61-13 win. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Chargers board the plane on Friday, Oct. 27, 2017.
Chargers board the plane on Friday, Oct. 27, 2017.
Chargers board the plane on Friday, Oct. 27, 2017.
Chargers board the plane on Friday, Oct. 27, 2017.
Dan Feeney, Hayes Pullard and Branden Oliver wait on the tarmac before boarding the plane on Friday, Oct. 27, 2017.
Dan Feeney, Hayes Pullard and Branden Oliver wait on the tarmac before boarding the plane on Friday, Oct. 27, 2017.
Branden Oliver waits on the tarmac before boarding the plane on Friday, Oct. 27, 2017.
Branden Oliver waits on the tarmac before boarding the plane on Friday, Oct. 27, 2017.
Michael Davis crosses the tarmac before boarding the plane on Friday, Oct. 27, 2017.
Michael Davis crosses the tarmac before boarding the plane on Friday, Oct. 27, 2017.
*In order to familiarize fans with some of the top names in the 2016 NFL Draft, Chargers.com will be highlighting a different prospect each weekday leading up to the first day of the draft on April 28th. *
We continue the series with a scouting report of Florida CB Vernon Hargreaves.
Name: Vernon Hargreaves
School: Florida
Height: 5-10
Weight: 204 pounds
Position: CB
NFL Network Pro Comparison: Joe Haden
The San Diego Chargers struck gold when 24 teams passed on Jason Verrett in 2014 to allow the Bolts to draft the star cornerback.
Odds are teams won't make that mistake again with the player many are comparing to the Bolts' Pro Bowler.
Vernon Hargreaves draws comparisons to Verrett as a feisty cornerback that makes up for being undersized with elite athleticism, natural instincts and a physical style of play. The 5-10, 204-pounder is a pest for receivers to deal with due to his competitive nature and pure talent. Scouts universally praise the quick-twitched Hargreaves as having some of the best cover skills in the draft, lauding his natural hands and fluid hips.
Hargreaves appeared in 37 games with 35 starts over three seasons at Florida, notching 10 interceptions and 38 passes defensed during his time in Gainesville. He earned First-Team All-SEC honors each year with the Gators, including All-American accolades following his sophomore and junior seasons. Hargreaves was a finalist for the Thorpe Award last year when he had a career-high four picks.
The success of Verrett and other undersized corners should alleviate concerns about Hargreaves ability to succeed in the NFL. As a result, some scouts and pundits rank Hargreaves as the top CB available in 2016.
Combine Metrics
40-Yard Dash:4.50 seconds
Bench Press: 15 reps
Vertical Jump: 39.0 inches
Broad Jump: 130.0 inches
3-Cone Drill: 3.98 seconds
The opinions, analysis and/or speculation expressed above do not represent the opinions or policies of the San Diego Chargers' front office staff, coaches or executives.
