Ajani Cornelius, a 6’5″, 315-pound offensive tackle from Oregon, is poised to make a significant impact in the 2025 NFL Draft. After transferring from Rhode Island, Cornelius solidified himself as a key player on the Ducks’ offensive line, showcasing his skills and potential as a future NFL starter.
2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Ajani Cornelius, Oregon
Background
Cornelius’s journey to the NFL draft began at Archbishop Stepinac High School in New York, where he led his team to back-to-back state championships and earned Catholic High School Football League AAA Offensive Lineman of the Year honors as a senior. Despite being a 0-star recruit out of high school, Cornelius’s talent and work ethic propelled him to become a 4-star transfer prospect.
College Career
Cornelius started his collegiate career at Rhode Island, where he quickly became a mainstay on the offensive line. He started all 11 games at right tackle in both 2021 and 2022, earning first-team All-Colonial Athletic Association honors in his sophomore year. His dominant performance caught the attention of Power 5 programs, leading to his transfer to Oregon for the 2023 season.
At Oregon, Cornelius took his game to new heights. He started all 14 games at right tackle in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons, anchoring an offensive line that led the nation with just five sacks allowed in 2023. His stellar play was instrumental in Oregon’s high-powered offense, which led the nation in passing (346.9 YPG) and ranked second in total offense (531.4 YPG) in 2023.
Strengths
1. Pass Protection: Cornelius excels in pass protection, not surrendering a single sack in 512 pass-blocking snaps during the 2023 season. His technique and awareness make him a reliable protector for quarterbacks.
2. Size and Length: At 6’5″ and 315 pounds, Cornelius possesses ideal size for an NFL tackle. His good arm length allows him to engage defenders effectively and maintain leverage.
3. Hand Technique: Cornelius has heavy hands that deliver a powerful jolt on contact, providing him with excellent stopping power against pass rushers.
4. Run Blocking: While known for his pass protection, Cornelius is also a capable run blocker. His nasty streak in the run game will appeal to coaches looking to establish a physical identity up front.
5. Versatility: Cornelius has shown the ability to excel in both pass protection and run blocking, making him a valuable asset for teams employing a balanced offensive scheme.
Areas for Improvement
1. Footwork in Space: Despite his overall mobility, Cornelius can be somewhat heavy-footed in space, which may limit his effectiveness on certain blocking assignments.
2. Consistency: While Cornelius has shown flashes of dominance, he will need to maintain a high level of play consistently against elite NFL competition.
3. Technique Refinement: As with many college prospects, Cornelius will need to continue refining his technique to adapt to the speed and complexity of the NFL game.
NFL Projection
Cornelius projects as a solid day-two draft pick with the potential to develop into a reliable starting right tackle in the NFL. His exceptional pass protection skills and versatility in the run game make him an attractive prospect for teams employing a balanced offensive scheme.
In the NFL, Cornelius is likely to find success in an offense that emphasizes quick passing and zone running concepts, allowing him to maximize his strengths in pass protection and lateral movement. His ability to anchor against power rushers will be valuable in passing situations, while his physical play style in the run game will endear him to coaches looking to establish a dominant ground attack.
Draft Outlook
As of early 2025, Cornelius is ranked as the 20th overall prospect and projects as a potential second-round pick. His performance at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine will be crucial in solidifying or potentially improving his draft stock.
Conclusion
Ajani Cornelius represents a low-risk, high-reward prospect who should contribute early in his career while offering significant long-term upside. His combination of size, technique, and football IQ makes him an intriguing option for teams in need of offensive line help. While he may need some time to adjust to the speed and physicality of the pro game, Cornelius’s intelligence and work ethic suggest he’ll be able to make the necessary improvements to become a valuable NFL starter.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Ajani Cornelius stands out as one of the top offensive tackle prospects, offering teams a chance to secure a potential cornerstone for their offensive line for years to come.
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