2027 summer scouting report: Jermaine Mathews Jr., CB, Ohio State

As we look toward the 2027 NFL Draft, we continue the summer scouting report series. We continue the deep dive on cornerbacks, as we take a look at Ohio State prospect Jermaine Mathews Jr.

Mathews was a strong prospect coming out, but inconsistencies in his game, plus shallow growth in some areas of his game, have him lower on boards than he should be. Let's talk about it.

• Height: 5'11"
• Weight: 190 lbs
• Recruiting rank: Four-star recruit, no. 14 CB nationally
• Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
• Games watched: Texas, Penn State, Miami

Jermaine Mathews Jr. is one of the fastest cornerbacks in the 2027 NFL Draft class. He has exceptional closing speed, allowing him to recover if he lags off in coverage. Great hips give him the ability to flip outside on out-breaking routes. He isn't afraid to be physical in man coverage, showcasing strong press coverage skills on the line of scrimmage. He's played outside, as a nickel corner, and even rotated back as a safety in the box, which will go a long way toward his draft stock. Seems to play his best football on the biggest stage, highlighted by a great game against Miami.

His smaller frame makes him vulnerable to bigger receivers who can body him before launching for the ball. One massive opportunity is technique. He tends to lean on his physical abilities rather than cleaning up his footwork and hand placement when competing for the ball. It's curious that, given he's entering his senior year, the starting experience has been lacking. I'd love to see him refine his tackling ability this offseason, as he relies on arm tackles that get broken.

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 2027 summer scouting report on Ohio State CB Jermaine Mathews Jr.