The Kansas City Chiefs need to consider selecting cornerback help and a nickel option in the 2025 NFL draft. Louisville Cardinals standout Quincy Riley didn’t play in the slot much in college, but his traits make him a fit to play inside. He also possesses the ball production and physicality to warrant consideration for a role on the perimeter.
Riley stands 5’10 3/8″, 192 lbs. with arms that are shorter than average for an outside corner, but that’s the role he filled across six seasons split between Louisville and Middle Tennessee State. Across his three seasons with the Cardinals, Riley amassed eight interceptions and 27 passes defensed, including an ACC-leading 13 in 2024.
Riley missed some time during his final college season with an ankle injury that limited him throughout the second half of the year. He looked completely healthy at the Senior Bowl in late January and turned in one of the week’s best performances by a cornerback.
Riley stays patient and poised in press coverage to mirror the receiver’s release. He occasionally delivers a nice two-handed jam but lacks the length to land his punches consistently. Riley drives outside releases into the sideline and stays attached to shallow crossers on inside releases. His quick footwork and loose movement skills help him stay attached to receivers on comebacks and curls.
Louisville DB Quincy Riley is just a straight up dog pic.twitter.com/GlOsnFYYrZ
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) January 28, 2025
Riley takes risks by jumping and undercutting routes in man coverage. He lacks elite closing burst and range, so these attempts sometimes bite him. However, his aggressive approach is a net positive that generates highlight reel pass break ups. Riley’s timing at the catch point is excellent.
Riley’s vision and leverage in zone help him limit big plays. He quickly closes on routes breaking in front of him to deter throws or limit yards gained after the catch.
Riley is a human torpedo attacking downhill. He blows up screens and flies in from the perimeter to assist in run defense. His size and play strength limit his ability to stack and shed blocks and finish tackles, but he plays the game with the right mentality.
Riley’s big week at the Senior Bowl elevated his draft stock and reminded analysts of his ceiling when healthy. His size limitations and age could drop him into the fourth round in this loaded cornerback class, but the third round isn’t out of the question.