AUBURN, Ala. – Nehemiah Pritchett turned some heads at the NFL Combine this year when he recorded a 4.36 in the 40-yard dash. It was the fifth-fastest time among cornerbacks and the eighth-fastest time among all players at the event.
Pritchett wasn't surprised.
"I've always been fast," he said. "Training only helped me. I wanted to run lower, to be honest, but I was pretty content with a 4.3."
Most NFL teams will be pretty content with a 4.3 40-yard dash as well. But speed isn't the only thing a team will be getting if they draft Pritchett. They will be getting a competitor, a playmaker, and a guy who can fit just about any scheme.
"They will be getting a dog, for sure," Pritchett said. "Somebody who loves football. Somebody that is going to come in and do whatever the team needs, whatever we need to win. Someone that can adapt to any team. I had a lot of coaches here at Auburn, so I think I can adapt to any type of coaching and any type of team."
In five years at Auburn, three years as a starter, Pritchett racked up 113 tackles, 29 passes defended and three interceptions. He played for three different head coaches and four different defensive coordinators.
But even with all the turnover, one thing never changed.
"Auburn never changes on you," Pritchett said. "You always feel welcome here with open arms. It's been a family feeling for sure. That never left this program."
Pritchett will be with his family in Jackson, Alabama, for the NFL Draft later this week. He's been playing football since he was little, and to get that phone call from a team and hear his name announced – it's a moment he's grown up preparing for.
"It's going to be a dream come true for me," he said.
NFL Combine
40-yard dash: 4.36 seconds
Bench press: N/A
Vertical jump: 34.5"
Broad jump: 9'11" (Pro Day)
These DBs are moving. @AuburnFootball DB Nehemiah Pritchett with a 4.36u.
— NFL (@NFL) March 1, 2024
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Draft Analysis
A four-year starter at Auburn, Pritchett was the boundary cornerback in former defensive coordinator Ron Roberts' zone scheme (with some man looks worked in). After putting his name on the map during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, he had his best coverage season in 2023, allowing just 46.2 percent completions (and two completions of more than 15 yards). A rangy athlete, Pritchett has the balanced footwork and stride speed to play man-to-man, although his production suffers once his back is turned to the ball. In off coverage, he gets a tad high in his pedal but reads routes well with the drive burst to close on the football.
Overall, Pritchett needs to improve his tackling and downfield judgment skills, but his length, speed and football character are traits NFL teams want to bring into the building. He projects as a rotational cornerback for an NFL secondary.
Grade: 4th Round
- Dane Brugler, The Athletic (@dpbrugler)
Signature Moment
Nehemiah Pritchett never did score a touchdown at Auburn, but he got as close as you could get in his sophomore season on what was his first interception for the Tigers.
Auburn was hosting LSU in 2020. The quarterback overthrew his receiver on a short out route, and it went right to Pritchett along the sideline. He juked the receiver and raced 50 yards down the field, diving for the pylon at the end of the run. It was initially called a touchdown on the field, but the replay showed he stepped out before crossing the goal line. The home Tigers scored one play better to take a 7-0 lead.
For Pritchett, it will always be his signature moment whether he scored or not. It helped put his name on the map and set the tone for what was a decorated career on the Plains.