Detroit Lions 2019 Draft Prospect: Cornerback Rock Ya-Sin

SideLion Report continues to examine potential targets for the Detroit Lions in the 2019 NFL Draft. Today, it’s Temple cornerback Rock Ya-Sin.

Prospect: Rock Ya-Sin
Position/School: Cornerback / Temple
Height/Weight: 6-0, 192
2018 stats: 12 games played, 2 interceptions
Draft Projection: 1st-3rd round

The Detroit Lions added two veteran cornerbacks in free agency in Justin Coleman and Rashaan Melvin. However, Melvin is on a one-year deal, and Coleman is primarily a slot corner, leaving the door open for a young, athletic defensive back to patrol the outside. Enter Temple’s Rock Ya-Sin.

Ya-Sin, (given name Abdurrahman Ibn Ya-Sin) transferred from small Presbyterian College in South Carolina to Temple for his senior year.  At six feet, he has passable length for a defensive back, and it helps him in disrupting catches at their high point.

Height however, isn’t always a precursor for NFL success among cornerbacks. You need to be able to run as well. Ya-Sin doesn’t have blazing speed, but his 40-yard dash time of 4.51 at the NFL Scouting Combine in February was good for 18th among cornerbacks. It also ranked him above projected first round corners Deandre Baker of Georgia and Byron Murphy of Washington.

Ya-Sin is a tough defender, who makes it his mission to keep his man from getting open. He is still slightly underdeveloped due to his years at FCS Presbyterian, particularly with regards to his footwork. However, he has an NFL-ready physique that should allow him to quickly adjust to the finer elements of press-man coverage, a scheme favored by Lions head coach Matt Patricia.

He has also been lauded for his quiet leadership and tone setting amongst his teammates. As an Owl, he received a single digit number to don, an honor given solely to players who exude the highest form of leadership and dedication on the team.

The Lions are certainly still in the market for cornerback help in the draft. Their two young players at the position, Teez Tabor and Jamal Agnew have underwhelmed in their opportunities, and Agnew has a clear roster edge for his punt return abilities. Ya-Sin would likely be brought along slowly behind most of the aforementioned veterans, but he has the look of a high-upside contributor who could make sense for the Lions with one of their early picks.

Do you think that Temple’s Rock Ya-Sin would be a good draft selection for the Detroit Lions? Let us know in the comments section below.