College: Florida State
Class: Senior
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 190 pounds
Positives
Aggressive Mentality: Joyner’s violent demeanor helps his game in a number of ways. Despite his size, Joyner takes on blocks much better than most other cornerbacks. He does not let anyone boss him around. Likewise, Joyner is a much stronger, more technically sound tackler than a large percentage of cornerbacks. He attacks the ball carrier, wrapping him and taking him down. On a tangent, Joyner has a knack for forcing fumbles by punching the ball out, as well as a deceiving ability to lay a destructive hit. Such aggressiveness also makes Joyner an impressive blitzer. His quickness in space along with his instinctiveness to terrorize the quarterback allowed him to take down the quarterback instead of intercepting him.
Fluidity in Coverage: In zone concepts, Joyner flows well, making sure not to overextend himself one way or another. Often times, he is in perfect position to attack a poorly place pass and take advantage of the quarterback’s mistake. When playing man coverage in the nickel, Joyner sticks tight to his man’s hip, allowing little room between himself and the receiver. If the quarterback decides to attack him, Joyner’s short area speed allows him to close on the ball and defend the pass.
Negatives
Size and the Limitations Along With It: Joyner is a lockdown nickel cornerback and even has safety versatility, but at 5’8”, Joyner can not handle outside cornerback responsibilities. Even if he has the fluidity, speed, and technique to keep up, a 6’2” wide receiver could beat him almost every play based solely on his size. The quarterback would simply have to throw the ball a bit high and his man will come down with it. That sounds too simple of a flaw, but it is what it is. Joyner, in the case of being an outside cornerback, can not overcome his size.
NFL Comparison: Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers
Joyner is not quite as explosive and special as Polamalu, but then again, there may never be another like Polamalu. Although, their styles and the ways in which they win and make plays are quite similar. Joyner would thrive in a similar role.
Draft Outlook
He may be limited from playing outside, but Joyner’s skill set is still worth a late first round pick. The impact that he can bring as either a safety, a nickel cornerback, or both is worth a late first round investment from a team with few holes. If he falls to the early second round, he will slip through until about the mid second, at least. Teams picking in the earlier parts of the rounds will need to address more pressing needs than the luxury of a superb nickel cornerback.
Best Fits
Considering their plethora of picks, the San Francisco 49ers could complete their defense and add a playmaker by adding Lamarcus Joyner in either the end of the first round or the middle of the second round (Chiefs pick acquired via Alex Smith trade).
If Joyner miraculously falls to the end of the second round, the Carolina Panthers would have a tough time passing on Joyner. No matter what role they choose to play him in, he would be an upgrade over their current personnel.