Would Cornelius be a worthwhile investment?
Are the New York Giants set on going into 2025 with Evan Neal as their right tackle?
It would certainly help their rebuilding effort if a healthy off season would let him build on his promising starts in the second half of the season. But even if the Giants want to give him the first crack at the job, it would make sense to have a player developing behind him just in case.
Oregon’s Ajani Cornelius has played 2,551 snaps over the last three seasons, and 2,547 of those snaps have come at right tackle. And of those 2,551 total snaps, he’s been a pass blocker on 1,463 of them — giving up a total of 4 sacks and 7 QB hits.
Cornelius isn’t generating much buzz at the national level. But considering his experience and ability on the edge, could he be a gem worth polishing?
Prospect: Ajani Cornelius (65)
Games Watched: vs. Oregon State (2024), vs. Ohio State (2024 – regular season), vs. Purdue (2024), vs. Illinois (2024)
Red Flags: none
Measurables
Height: 6-foot-5 (estimated)
Weight: 315 pounds (estimated)
Strengths
Best traits:
- Length
- Competitive toughness
- Foot speed
- Pass protection
Ajani Cornelius is a good-sized offensive tackle prospect at 6-foot-5, 315 pounds (school measurements), with long arms and a well-proportioned physique. He has long arms, good thickness in his upper and lower halves, and doesn’t appear particularly high-cut. He’s an experienced offensive tackle, who’s started 39 games for Oregon, nearly all of which have come on the right side.
Cornelius has solid flexibility in his ankles, knees, and hips, allowing him to play with good pad height and maintain his leverage throughout the play. He clearly understands the importance of leverage, and works to get under defenders pads to maximize his play strength. Likewise, he plays with a wide base to ensure stability and allow himself to absorb power and play with good balance.
He features quick feet and a smooth kick-slide that always leaves one foot in contact with the ground. He typically times his steps well so he can engage defenders with a good foundation and plenty of traction. And while Cornelius isn’t a particularly powerful blocker, he has plenty of play strength to control defenders throughout the rep.
Cornelius is a solid athlete for the position, with enough agility to get into position quickly and mirror pass rushers off the edge. He has solid hand usage to keep himself clean while also keeping defenders in front of him. Not only does that allow him to sustain his blocks, he’s able to pick up and pass off defenders they try to execute stunts or twists. Cornelius processes the defense well and is not only seldom surprised by pressure packages, he consistently looks for work.
He’s a capable run blocker who can seal off running lanes in man-gap, but is at his best in zone schemes. Cornelius is athletic enough to stay in phase in outside zone, has enough strength for inside zone, and is quick to the second level to block linebackers or safeties. He’s also an effective blocker on screen plays, with surprising speed to get – and stay – ahead of plays in space.
Weaknesses
Worst traits:
- Power
- Scheme diversity
- Technique consistency
While Cornelius is a strong prospect overall with a solid foundation upon which to build, he does have some flaws which will need to be coached up.
Most notably, he has a tendency to dip into contact. He doesn’t truly “lunge” but he does tend to lower his head and let his shoulders drift forward. That takes away from his punch and creates opportunities for pass rushers to beat him. He can also have a tendency for his hands to drift wide and land outside defenders’ framework. Not only does that expose his chest and make it difficult to win inside leverage, it could open him to holding penalties at the next level.
Those two flaws can occur independently, but his worst reps come when they both crop up at the same time. In those instances he is particularly vulnerable to technically savvy or athletic pass rushers. He was beaten by arm-over (or swim) moves on multiple occasions in different games. He can also be vulnerable to quick inside or speed-to-power moves when his head is lowered and chest is exposed.
Cornelius also has very unorthodox footwork when pulling. Rather than opening his hips, or even pivoting, he uses something approaching a carioca step. He will start his pull by bringing his right foot together with the left, occasionally crossing the left foot before pulling to the left. While it seems to work for him, that technique could leave him vulnerable to tripping or getting his feet tangled in the trash around the line of scrimmage. Likewise, it compromises his base and balance could be an issue if he gets hit before he can get his feet straightened out.
Game Tape
(Cornelius is the Oregon RT, number 65)
Projection
Ajani Cornelius projects as a right tackle – due mostly to all his experience being at that position – with starting upside with some development.
Cornelius might be able to step in and challenge for a starting job immediately on a team without an entrenched starter at right tackle. However, he would likely have a rocky rookie season and would benefit from some coaching to iron out his technical issues before facing NFL pass rushers.
He has a number of traits that are highly sought after by NFL teams and has the potential to be a reliable blocker early in his career. That alone should get him drafted on the second day, and he could be a good value pick if he reaches his ceiling.
Does he fit the Giants?
Possibly, as a developmental piece.
Final Word: A late Day 2, early Day 3 prospect
