Scouting Journals for Wardell Mack

Smooth moving defensive back with the length and playmaking ability to make an impact as a cornerback or safety. Measured in at around 6-foot-0.5, 170 pounds prior to his senior season. Has elite length for the position with arms that measure 33.75 inches. Shows the ability to stick with receivers, using his length and movement skills to stay in-phase. Physical in press coverage, using his length to reroute receivers at the line of scrimmage. Shows loose hips and is fluid when changing directions. Has refined footwork with a very smooth backpedal in the camp setting. A willing downhill defender, not scared of contact or being physical as a tackler. Shows solid top-end speed, but not look to be top-tier in that regard. Ball skills are good not great, as he does not look to be the most natural pass catcher. Is still comfortable playing the ball at the catch point, getting his hands on the football. Viewed as a high floor prospect who could see an immediate role as a nickel corner at the next level and eventually developing into a field corner. Relatively young for the class, turning 18 in April of his senior year of high school.

After catching Ehret play under-manned early this season, the offense had a different feel with top-100 DB Wardell Mack out wide as a receiver and also at his natural spot at corner. Mack showed off the speed and ability to instantly accelerate after the catch on offense with a handful of splash plays in the contest. He beat a defender on an in-breaking route for a touchdown at the tail end of the first half showing his suddenness. Mack’s speed also translates at cornerback, where he largely occupied the field side. He consistently puts himself around the football in coverage and is a willing tackler. Equally as important, Mack calls the shots on that side of the ball as a junior.

Top-100 junior defensive back Wardell Mack was all over Ehret’s depth chart on Friday as the starting quarterback as well as a starter in the secondary. The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder was dynamic toting the rock when there were lanes. Mack boasts elite speed to the outside and was exceptional keeping defenders off-base in space. Defensively, Mack shifted back and forth between field corner and high safety. He was targeted once in coverage and made a handful of wrap-ups on stops underneath. His upside and ability to step into big shoes so frequently is noteworthy.

Wardell Mack was among the top performers at LSU skills camp on June 5 playing outside at cornerback. Mack, who is long at 6-foot-2 and 180 pounds, wastes little movement and is seamless breaking on the ball in coverage. Mack has speed and length to disrupt attempts downfield and can go stride for stride with opposing receivers. He's instinctual and times his break-ups over the middle of the field well. He has position versatility to line up at corner or safety, with the ability to play all over the secondary.