2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Will Lee III (CB – Texas A&M)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Texas A&M cornerback Will Lee III.

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Will Lee III

Will Lee III (CB – Texas A&M)

6’1″ – 189 lbs.

Background

Originally attended Iowa Western Community College, where he spent two seasons. Then transferred to Kansas State, starting nearly all of the 2023 season there and recording 42 tackles, six passes defended, and two interceptions. Transferred to Texas A&M and recorded another 42 tackles, ten breakups, and two interceptions (one for a touchdown) before a 2025 line of 50 tackles and eight breakups.

Positives

Tall, long-limbed corner who has three seasons of productive FBS starting experience under his belt between two programs, the last two coming at the SEC level. Plays on both sides of the defense (typically on the short side), playing a lot of bail technique out of press looks, with some shuffle mixed in; primarily works in zone coverage. Gets depth quickly when dropping into zone, keeping things in front of him and maintaining good sight lines; overall temperament is more conservative. Processes route combinations well and can break off of his initial man when he sniffs out something developing underneath. Able to carry opposing receivers down the sidelines when shuffling from off-coverage, with very good speed. Smooth mover with nice transitions and impressive overall fluidity to his game. Overall burst is solid, and looks fast when driving on a spot from shuffle. Given his very conservative approach to coverage, was able to limit more opposing completions than anticipated, making a nice amount of plays on the ball.

Negatives

Not quite as polished as usual for someone who spent five years in school, and his development trajectory isn’t the most favorable. Base can get a little bit narrow at times. Can turn all the way around, rather than into opponents. Doesn’t always get his head around when targeted downfield, forcing him to play the opposing receiver’s hands. Has been flagged eleven times over the past two seasons, and can arrive and make contact too early when targeted. This is more of a scheme critique, but coverage approach was very conservative, and seemed to get lucky that he wasn’t targeted more often than he was, especially on underneath, in-breaking, and timing-based throws, as he doesn’t squeeze routes very tightly. Missed tackles ticked up this past year, and there’s not a ton of physicality to his game in run support in terms of attacking blockers.

Summary

A tall, fast, and smooth cornerback with the length to make plays on the ball, he played in a defensive scheme which asked him to be very conservative, bailing to depth and keeping everything in front of him. For that reason, it can be a bit difficult to evaluate him, as the generous cushions he gave opposing receivers can make it tough to judge just how twitchy he was. His impressive physical/athletic tools should interest teams, although there should be questions about his development trajectory and iffy run support.

Projection: Round 4