Player comparison

Xavier Scott

Dean Kindig

Scott was a foundational breakout underclassman corner during Jim Leonhard's defensive schematic overhaul at Illinois. Scott mastered the slot-blitz and fluid zone coverage switches that define a classic Leonhard-influenced secondary. Positional flexibility to switch flawlessly between perimeter cornerback and nickel makes him an immensely valuable commodity. DNP due to ankle vs USC. Scott led the Big Ten in pass breakups (11) and tied for the conference lead in passes defended (14), Tied for second in the Big Ten and 15th in the nation in interceptions (4) during the regular season, 5 solos in the Illini's only 2024 scouted game vs Oregon. Consistent missed tackle rate (8%), ball skills (12 PBU & 6 INT in 23-24). 2025 Senior. No. 139 overall player in college football according to CBS.com's spring rankings, Phil Steele Preseason All-Big Ten first team, 2024 Junior. All-Big Ten First Team (Media and AP). Started all 13 games at DB. Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalist as one of the top 15 defensive backs in college football, Led Big Ten cornerbacks in snaps played (792), No. 3-ranked cornerback in the Big Ten by PFF (82.3), No. 4-ranked tackling grade among cornerbacks in the Big Ten by PFF (85.1),. First player in the nation to force three turnovers in a game in 2024 (Kansas, 9/7/24). Recorded his first-career pick-six and his first-career two-interception game against Kansas (9/7/24).13GP-49TT-2TFL-4INT-6PBU in '24.

Eli Bowen

Dean Kindig

Bills scouts saw both his INTs in 2025 (Bama, Mizz), Bama's being an 87-yard pick six. Developed under new Bills cornerbacks coach Jay Valai, who served as Oklahoma's co-defensive coordinator and cornerbacks coach. 2025 (OKLAHOMA): Earned All-SEC Third Team honors by the league's coaches. Started each of the last nine games at cornerback. Missed the first four contests with injury. Totaled 24 tackles, two interceptions (totaling 100 return yards) and four pass breakups. Made an interception (returned 13 yards) vs. Missouri (11/22). Named Thorpe Award National DB of the Week and SEC Defensive Player of the Week after returning an interception 87 yards for a TD and notching a season-high five tackles (all solo) at Alabama (11/15). Registered two tackles and one pass breakup vs. Ole Miss (10/25). Tallied three solo tackles vs. Texas (10/11). 2024 (OKLAHOMA): Named to SEC Fall Academic and First-Year honor rolls. An ESPN Freshman All-American. Played in 11 games and made eight starts at cornerback. Started each of last eight games.