INDIANAPOLIS – Drafting two cornerbacks was always a strong possibility for the Colts in 2017 and that happened during Saturday's fifth round
In Round Five of the 2017 NFL Draft, the Colts took Temple cornerback Nate Hairston (6-0 and 193 pounds). **
Getting To Know Nate Hairston-Why Hairston?**
Hairston played just two seasons at cornerback (one year as a starter) but his final one was strong enough to earn draft consideration. In 2016, Hairston did not allow a touchdown in 36 targets his way. Per Pro Football Focus, Hairston had the 8th-best yards per coverage snap of any college corner last season. Colts area scout Mike Derice said that Hairston did play some nickel/slot cornerback at Temple. Hairston was asked to occasionally shadow wide receivers at Temple, so has experience lining up all over the field.-Hairston's Raw At Cornerback
In spring of his 2015 season, Hairston made the switch to cornerback after three seasons of playing wide receiver. At first, Hairston was not the biggest fan of the move. But after current Jets head coach Todd Bowles (and former Temple player) saw Hairston at practice, his opinion of the change became more positive. Bowles saw serious potential in Hairston at cornerback. Two years later, Hairston was drafted as an NFL corner. -Where Does Hairston Fit In 2017?
On paper, the Colts needed a second cornerback in this draft. There are plenty of reps to be had behind Vontae Davis. Hence the reason Quincy Wilson was taken in the second round and the Colts followed that up with Nate Hairston in Round Five. Hairston could push for nickel/sub package playing time, along with seeing action on special teams. After taking just one cornerback in the previous five drafts, the Colts selected two in 2017.
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