Hogs Haven takes a look at 2025 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Commanders
Dorian Strong, CB
School: Virginia Tech University | Conference: Atlantic Athletic Conference
College Experience: Redshirt Senior | Age: 23 (Week 1)
Height / Weight: 6’0” | 180 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 3rd round
Player Comparison: Levi Wallace
Statistics
| Tackles | Def Interceptions | Fumbles | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Solo | Ast | Comb | TFL | Sk | Int | Yds | Avg | IntTD | PD | FR | Yds | FRTD | FF | Awards |
| 2020 | Virginia Tech | ACC | FR | DB | 11 | 18 | 4 | 22 | 0 | 0.0 | 1 | 27 | 27.0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2021* | Virginia Tech | ACC | FR | DB | 13 | 20 | 3 | 23 | 1 | 0.0 | 1 | 7 | 7.0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2022 | Virginia Tech | ACC | JR | DB | 4 | 7 | 3 | 10 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2023* | Virginia Tech | ACC | JR | CB | 13 | 18 | 7 | 25 | 1 | 0.0 | 3 | 28 | 9.3 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2024* | Virginia Tech | ACC | SR | CB | 12 | 20 | 12 | 32 | 0 | 0.0 | 2 | -7 | -3.5 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 12 | 0 | 1 | |
| Career | 53 | 83 | 29 | 112 | 2 | 0.0 | 7 | 55 | 7.9 | 0 | 28 | 3 | 12 | 0 | 1 | |||||
Player Overview
Upper Marlboro native Dorian Strong played his entire collegiate career at Virginia Tech after graduating from Henry Wise HS as a three star recruit. Starting as a true freshman, he made steady improvements each season, starting 44 games. He was recognized for his talents with 3rd-team All-ACC honors in 2023 and All-ACC honorable mention in 2024. In 2023, he became the second FBS cornerback to give up less than 10 receptions and 100 receiving yards in at least 300 coverage snaps in a single season.
Strong profiles as a dynamic cornerback with the profile and capability of playing slot and the perimeter. Strong possesses NFL-ready instincts and athleticism to contribute immediately in the secondary. He’s best when in press-man coverage and able to use his ball-hawking abilities. While his weight limits his aggression and matchups against bigger receivers, Strong has the attributes to be a Week 1 contributor.
Metrics
PFF: 73.9 overall grade
A big congrats to @Dstrong_25 on being named Virginia Tech Defensive MVP for te 2023 season. Dorian had as good a year as any corner I’ve coached in my 25 year career. His consistency and dominance was evident week to week. The ultimate compliment you can receive as a corner is… pic.twitter.com/FuamoIqMfP
— Derek Jones (@CoachdjCheetah) December 5, 2023
Awards & Accomplishments
- Third Team All-ACC (2023)
- All-ACC Honorable Mention (2024)
- Senior Bowl Participant
Strengths
- Excels in press-man coverage
- Forces tight window throws
- Strong awareness in zone coverage
- Fluid hips help him keep up with receivers in short and immediate routes
- Good instincts and anticipation
Weaknesses
- Can play too aggressively
- A bit underweight for the next level
- Has trouble shedding blocks
- Open space tackling is mediocre, too often dives for the ankles
- Can get caught up with WR changing direction
Let’s See His Work
Virginia Tech DB Dorian Strong deserves some more love.
Quick, fluid, instinctive corner that can really run who is also competitive as a run defender. I think he shows that in Mobile next week. pic.twitter.com/uzrtB1qfSj
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) January 22, 2025
Still don’t see much buzz around Virginia Tech CB Dorian Strong (#44)… he’s a zone based corner but plays with outstanding feel and spatial awareness. Starter upside in the right system.
Able to avoid the mesh on 3rd and 5, and close for the big stop. Kid is so consistent. pic.twitter.com/sbc03bn793
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) January 24, 2025
Dorian Strong putting the clamps on Pat Bryant #Seniorbowl pic.twitter.com/xjFWP62tg9
— Mike Vallerie (@FF_DirtyMike) January 28, 2025
Interview
How does he fit on the team
Washington has a good track record when it comes to former Virginia Tech cornerbacks. The Commanders have their top two cornerbacks, Mike Sainristil and Marshon Lattimore, on the roster but could use another one in the room that can provide length and with less mileage. Dorian could continue the trend filling in as a scheme flexible boundary cornerback providing length and depth. Even though Strong is on the lighter side, his coverage versatility could have him see the field in a variety of matchups and situations. Selecting Dorian Strong would give the Commanders a future starter for the long term.