:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59477203/usa_today_10677151.0.jpg)
Sean Chandler
College: Temple University
HEIGHT: 6’
WEIGHT: 190 pounds
40 YD DASH: 4.65 seconds (combine) / 4.56 (pro day)
BENCH PRESS: 16 reps
VERTICAL JUMP: 34.5”
BROAD JUMP: 119.0”
20 YD SHUTTLE: 4.62 seconds
2017 STATS: 79 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 1 sack, 3 INT, 4 PD, 1 FF, 1 FR
STRENGTHS: Like many players who come from the Temple football program, Chandler is a grinder. He was a four-year starter for the Owls, playing corner his first two years in Philadelphia before switching to safety for his final collegiate seasons. Chandler was a two-time All-American Athletic Conference second-team selection and was named to the 2017 preseason watch lists for the Chuck Bednarik Award, Lott IMPACT Trophy and Jim Thorpe Award.
His versatility in the secondary should attract teams and he has the size to matchup against NFL wide receivers. His footwork makes up for his lack of top end speed when guarding faster receivers. He has no problem attacking the line of scrimmage and consistently wraps up ball-carriers at the point of attack. He also has experience on special teams, including returning kicks, which should boost his draft stock.
He’s not only tough on the field, but off it as well. Chandler grew up in Camden, New Jersey, one of the roughest places in the country, and lived with his family in homeless shelters for much of his young life. Those struggles made him a relentless worker, which shows on the field. Nicknamed “Champ” by his peers in Camden, no one will be able to question his intangibles at the next level.
WEAKNESS: While Chandler’s versatility is sure to attract certain teams, it will hamper his draft stock for others. His 40 time is sure to concern some as the knock on Chandler is his lack of range to cover the entire field. He can be guilty of biting on double moves, and the lack of premier speed does not allow him to make up the lost ground. He also has a tendency to follow quarterbacks’ eyes rather than stay with his coverage. Chandler loves to get into the mix at the line of scrimmage, but can be overwhelmed by the bigger bodies if he fails to reach the ball carrier.
Projected Round: 6th - Free Agent
Regardless if he is drafted or not, whatever team ends up with Chandler will have a player that will make it hard for coaches to give up on him. He should have no problem making a NFL team in August as a reserve and make plays on special teams to start his professional career.