FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Notre Dame cornerback Cam Hart.
2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Cam Hart
Cam Hart (CB – Notre Dame)
6’2″ – 207 lbs.
Background:
Cam Hart played wide receiver in high school. He appeared in three games as a true freshman before injuring his shoulder and then played sparingly over eight contests the following year. Stepped into the starting lineup in 2021, starting all but three games, allowing 32/66 passing (48.5%) for 335 yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions and five breakups. Followed that up in 2022 by allowing 22/44 passing (50%) for 240 yards, three touchdowns and two breakups. This past season he allowed just 15/28 passing for 137 yards and two breakups.
Positives:
Three-year starter who made his senior season by far his best. Very tall, long-limbed corner with a strong build and good flexibility; should meet just about any team’s size requirements. Tends to play a lot of zone and a lot of press coverage. Active pre-snap communicator. As an athlete he looks smooth and fast with nice transitions; shouldn’t have too much trouble turning and running with most pro receivers. Closes fast from off coverage to defend underneath throws. Physical and confident corner who uses his hands to stay connected through the route. Looks relatively patient when processing in zone coverage. Willing tackler with some explosiveness to help set the tone defensively. Comes up to support the run.
Negatives:
Has been somewhat penalty prone over his collegiate career and can be overly physical at times. Occasionally gets too aggressive trying to undercut throws. Could squeeze the top of the stem more when defending against in-breaking routes; looks floaty at times, creating timing-based windows. Has some clunky and out-of-control movements. Struggles to locate the ball quickly when his back is turned, forcing him to face-guard and play a receiver’s hands. Didn’t make too many plays on the ball over the past two seasons, although they did have him playing some off-coverage from zone. Contact balance when taking on stalkers in the run game is not quite what you’d expect given his size.
Summary:
An interesting fifth-year player who made some pretty significant strides this season. He offers an excellent combination of size and athletic traits and has the competitiveness and physicality to mix things up with opposing receivers and create disruption. As it currently stands, when considering how many years he spent in school, there are probably a few more technical issues than you’d like to see, but has some starting-caliber traits. Consequently, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if someone bet on his tools and trajectory in the middle rounds.
Projection: Round 4/Round 5
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