Penton's had his issues off the field, reportedly cited twice for marijuana possession in 2014. On the field, though, he's been the Tigers' best cornerback since the departure of E.J. Gaines. Penton was a first-team All-SEC selection in 2016, which is quite an accomplishment given the level of defensive back talent in that conference; he made 43 tackles on the year and led the SEC with 17 passes defended (five interceptions, one for TD, and 12 pass breakups). Penton won Missouri's award for the team's top cornerback in 2015 by registering 59 stops, 4.5 for loss, an interception and eight pass breakups. He was a full-time starter as a sophomore (36 tackles, two TFL, three INT) after being an injury replacement for Gaines as a true freshman (two starts, 16 tackles, one INT, two PBU.) Penton was born with the last name Maxey, but had it changed to Maxey-Penton a few years ago to honor his stepfather and had just Penton on his jersey for most of his career.
Analysis
Strengths
Considers himself a receiver when the ball is in the air. Highly reactive once he reads the break point. Attacks passing lane rather than receivers when he's got a bead on the route. Has hands to flip the field with interceptions or rake aggressively through the catch point if he wants to disrupt. Displays excellent timing when challenging high point throws. Pesky in man coverage and does everything he can to stay under the wide receiver's pads.
Weaknesses
Short and thin. Can be big-boyed against press coverage and knocked completely off-balance by powerful challenges. Make-up speed is below average. Allowed 20 yards per catch this season. Lacks fluidity in his transitions. Gives up massive swaths of open ground to shifty route runners. Unable to handle take-on tackle duties on a consistent basis. Could be consistently targeted by offenses in run game.
Draft Projection
Round 6-7
Bottom Line
Undersized ball-hawk with great ball skills but an inability to carry speed or quickness around the field when matched against it in man. Penton is extremely competitive when the ball is in the air, but the Senior Bowl practices exposed coverage issues against slot quickness as well as long speed. He will have to fight for a back-end roster spot.
-Lance Zierlein
