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Justin Layne isn’t a name that’s getting much attention heading into the 2019 NFL Draft, but one analyst believes the former Michigan State cornerback could surprise some folks.
Jonah Tuls, a draft analyst for NFL Network recently gave a rave review about Layne, saying he’s one of the top three players at his position in the draft class. He also believes the ex-Spartan could really impress at the NFL Scouting Combine this week.
“Finished Michigan State CB’s Justin Layne’s tape last night…he’s firmly in my top three at the position,” Tuls wrote on Twitter. “Think he’ll absolutely blow up the Combine.”
Finished Michigan State CB’s Justin Layne’s tape last night… he’s firmly in my top three at the position. Think he’ll absolutely blow up the Combine.
— Jonah Tuls (@JonahTuls) February 25, 2019
Tuls later said his top three cornerbacks headed into the Combine, along with Layne, are Byron Murphy (Washington) and Joejuan Williams (Vanderbilt).
Layne finished the 2018 season with 72 tackles and 15 pass break-ups in 12 games for the Spartans. He also registered one interception for the year.
In three seasons in East Lansing, Layne totaled 130 stops, broke up 24 passes and grabbed three interceptions. He also had 4.5 tackles for loss.
Layne has been a member of some elite defenses at Michigan State, including last year’s which was considered to be one of the best in the nation. He’ll be a guy to keep an eye on over the next few weeks.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB