STRENGTHS - Under-rated athletically, Lacy has the quick feet and loose hips to flip hips to turn and run without losing a step. Although he lacks great size, he shows no hesitation being aggressive with hands to jam receiver in press alignment. He can flip hips to stay with receiver off the LOS, has speed/athleticism to stay on receiver's hip and the ball skills to reach in front of receiver to break up pass. Despite often being smaller than receiver he has strength to re-route man during route to throw off timing between QB and WR. From off alignment, Lacy is fast to close on quick pass to receiver behind the LOS and on short passes in front of him and gets there in time to either make a strong tackle after the catch or to break up pass. He has good hands to make INT.
WEAKNESSES - Lacking in ideal size, Lacy will struggle to be as effective in the NFL because he likes to play physical with receiver and NFL receivers will be able to push him around. Much more effective in press man coverage, Lacy needs to tighten up his pedal and stay over feet better in order to transition out of pedal and close quicker on pass. While he has the ball skills to break-up and intercept passes, big receivers have shown the ability to shield him and make the catch and use that shield to spin free and run after the catch. Although he is willing to be a strong and physical hitter, he is not a consistent wrap-up tackler and due to his lack of size/strength big receivers can run through his tackles to gain yards after contact.
SUMMARY - I am confused by the lack of interest in Lacy as he impressed with his athleticism and production on film, but did not get invited to the Combine. His lack of good height (5'8) and thin frame are definitely concerns as most cornerbacks that size can be pushed around and struggle to effectively coverage NFL receivers because NFL receivers run sharper routes and know how to out-physical small cornerbacks who like to play physical. Overall, I doubt that Lacy will be drafted before the late rounds because of his slight frame and not being invited to the Combine. However, from what I saw on film I believe he can be a productive nickel cornerback in the NFL and that is why I have him rated higher than most.