2018 NFL Draft Profile: Mike Hughes, CB, UCF

Mike Hughes - CB

• HEIGHT: 5’10”
• WEIGHT: 189 pounds
• 40 YD DASH: 4.53 seconds
• BENCH PRESS: 20 reps
• VERTICAL JUMP: 35.5”
• BROAD JUMP: 127.0”
• 3 CONE DRILL: 6.7 seconds
• 20 YD SHUTTLE: 4.13 seconds
• 2017 STATS: 49 tackles, 4 INT, 11 PD, 1 FF, 2 KR TD, 1 PR TD

It was a series of unfortunate events that lead Mike Hughes to UCF. Hughes was heavily recruited out of high school, receiving offers from programs like Auburn, UF, Ohio State and Clemson, to name a few. After committing to UNC, Hughes played in 12 games his freshman year but was suspended for violating team rules. He decided to leave UNC and spent his sophomore season winning the JUCO National Championship at Garden City C.C. where he was a JUCO First-Team All American.

Coming out of JUCO, Hughes was originally committed to South Carolina. He couldn’t sign with the Gamecocks because his degree wasn’t completed in time at Garden City. One thing lead to another and 2 weeks before the first game of the season, Mike Hughes became a Knight. Hughes had a huge season for UCF in 2017, highlighted by 4 interceptions, 1 pick-6, 2 kick return touchdowns and 1 punt return touchdown.

After declaring a year early for the draft, Hughes put on a show at the NFL Combine. Out of the cornerback group, he had the second-most bench reps, tied for the fourth-longest broad jump and had the third-fastest 3-cone drill. Everyone, including himself, expected a faster 40-time but he was still solid at 4.53 seconds. If you watch his game film like the kick return above or the chase-down below, his actual speed is pretty evident.

Hughes is an athlete through and through. He’s quick, strong and physical which leaves me no doubt that he’ll be able to hang with any receiver in the NFL. The only thing working against him is his height and experience. Here’s how he stacks up against some of the NFL’s best.

Draft Projection: Rounds 1-2