Will Parks

A two-star cornerback recruit out of high school, William "Will" Parks originally committed to Pittsburgh, but after a coaching change there he re-opened his recruitment and bought into Rich Rodriguez and Arizona. After seeing limited action as a true freshman on special teams, he was a part-time contributor on defense as a sophomore (four starts), finishing with 31 tackles, seven passes defended and two interceptions. Parks became a full-time starter at Arizona's "Spur" safety spot in 2014, posting 81 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss, 10 passes defended and two interceptions as a junior over 14 starts. He returned in 2015 as a senior and started all 13 games, finishing with a team-best 76 tackles and adding 7.0 tackles for loss, seven passes defended and two forced fumbles to earn All-Pac 12 Honorable Mention honors. Parks accepted his invitation to the 2016 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.

in our view

A two-year starter, Parks played the "Spur" safety position in Arizona's 3-3-5 base defense, playing a hybrid safety role where he often served as a nickel corner lined up over the slot receiver - consistent tackle and pass break-up production as a starter. He tends to allow spacing to receivers out of their breaks, but does an admirable job in man coverage and just needs some tweaking with his footwork. Parks anticipates well to get a head start, showing the play speed to almost always be in the vicinity of the ball.

strengths

Quick click-and-close burst to drive on throws - sees the play unfold and reacts quickly...above average speed for the position to make up for false steps and chase down the action from behind...owns the lower body burst of a cornerback with good leaping skills and closing hustle...turns his head to find the football downfield.

he will have his hiccups in coverage and when hung up on blocks, but parks has a quick trigger with the athleticism and versatility to provide quality depth in a nfl secondary - could fight for starting reps if he improves his consistency.

--Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) (4/27/16)

adequate height, but lacks ideal bulk and body armor...gives up too much spacing in zone coverage, partly due to undisciplined eyes, staring into the pocket too long...caught flat-footed at the top of routes with choppy transition, allowing receivers to gain a step or two...does a nice job getting his head turned, but late to locate and make a play on the ball.

Average ballskills and needs to better squeeze passing windows (only four career interceptions and didn't pick off any passes as a senior)...will shoulder strike at times instead of wrapping, causing him to overpursue his target on the move...average-at-best play strength to disengage and fill the hole.

stays centered as an open field tackler, coming to balance and breaking down to finish...willing to stick his nose in the fire...consistently holds contain as a run defender, sacrificing his body to funnel the action to one of his teammates...active hands to work off blocks or disrupt routes...versatile experience at multiple safety alignments, also covering the slot receiver in man coverage...considered a team leader in the arizona locker room.

WEAKNESSES