O’Donnell Fortune: Scouting South Carolina’s Under-the-Radar NFL Draft Prospect
Evaluating college cornerbacks can be challenging, as different defensive schemes require unique skill sets. South Carolina’s O’Donnell Fortune enters the 2025 NFL Draft as a talented but under-the-radar prospect, leaving NFL teams to determine how his abilities fit at the next level.
Player Profile & Background
- Height: 6’0″
- Weight: 188 lbs
A Sumter, South Carolina native, Fortune was a standout at Sumter High School, excelling in both football and track. Rated a three-star recruit, he received six scholarship offers before choosing to stay in-state and join South Carolina in 2020.
His early college years were quiet, but in 2022, he made his presence felt, recording his first two interceptions—including one returned for a touchdown. By 2023 and 2024, he had earned a starting role, capping his college career with an honorable mention All-SEC selection. However, questions arose regarding a 2023 suspension against Kentucky and what appeared to be a benching against Ole Miss in 2024. These off-field concerns, along with his film study, will be key discussion points for NFL teams evaluating Fortune.
Strengths: Length, Quickness & Playmaking Ability
Fortune’s physical attributes make him an intriguing prospect. His 6’0” frame and long arms allow him to match up well against NFL receivers, and his quick-twitch movement helps him recover when beaten off the line.
His ball skills are another standout trait. Fortune has a knack for forcing turnovers, with an aggressive approach reminiscent of Charles “Peanut” Tillman’s punch technique—though not as refined. He excels at disrupting catches and making plays in zone coverage, where his instincts and reaction speed make him a valuable asset.
“His twitchiness and reactivity make him a major asset in zone schemes, especially in baiting coverages,” analysts note.
Despite questions about his tackling, Fortune’s aggressiveness in pursuit shows he’s willing to engage ball carriers.
Weaknesses: Tackling, Play Strength & Discipline
Fortune’s biggest weakness is his physicality in run support. He struggles to shed blocks quickly and lacks the strength to handle physical receivers at the top of routes. His tackling technique is inconsistent, often coming in too high, allowing ball carriers to break free.
His coverage discipline also raises concerns. Fortune has a tendency to bite on double moves, which was evident against Ole Miss in 2024, seemingly leading to his benching after repeated mistakes.
“Slower-developing routes and deceptive releases can leave him flat-footed,” a scouting report noted.
Additionally, NFL teams will want to clarify his suspension against Kentucky in 2023 and reports of past disciplinary issues. While not an immediate red flag, it’s something that will be addressed during the pre-draft process.
NFL Projection & Potential Team Fits
Teams looking for a versatile zone corner with ball-hawking instincts may find Fortune to be an intriguing late-round or undrafted free agent pickup. He hasn’t played much press-man coverage, which suggests he’s best suited for heavy zone schemes with some off-man assignments against smaller receivers.
Possible Landing Spots:
- Buffalo Bills – A strong defensive system that values versatile DBs.
- Carolina Panthers – Could add depth to their secondary.
- Dallas Cowboys – A team known for taking chances on athletic corners.
Currently, projections place Fortune as a Day 3 pick or undrafted free agent. His athleticism and ball skills could allow him to carve out a depth role, but his success will heavily depend on coaching and scheme fit. If properly developed, he has the potential to become a key playmaker at the next level.
