| Prater, a three-year starter for the Hawkeyes, finished his collegiate career with the seventh-most interception return yards in program history with 173. Just one of his seven career INTs came in 2011, though, an 89-yard return in the season opener against Tennessee Tech. Prater was tied for 28th in the FBS in forced fumbles (four) last season and was named to the first-team All-Big 10 by league coaches and media for a second straight year. Additional strength is needed - he had just 14 reps on the bench press at the NFL combine - but Prater is an athletic corner who could definitely compete on Sundays, possibly most effectively in a zone scheme. He has shown he can turn and run and stick with receivers, but he can be too aggressive jumping routes and has struggled when looking back at the quarterback. Prater also needs to improve on returning to the line and assisting with underneath coverage and run support. Prater's work ethic will help at the next level, as will his willingness to tackle. He is a great leaper, but his average height could leave Prater at a major disadvantage against taller receivers. There's potential there, but Prater probably would be off the board before the fourth round. |
