The San Francisco 49ers held a pre-draft interview with Michigan State cornerback Josiah Scott via FaceTime, according to Justin Melo of USA Today's Draft Wire. He also spoke with the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers, Las Vegas Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs, and Miami Dolphins.


Scott racked up 52 tackles and three interceptions with six passes defensed, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery as a junior in 2019. That was part of a three-year total that included 95 tackles, two for a loss, six interceptions, and 22 passes defensed with the Spartans.

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At the NFL Scouting Combine, the 5-foot-9 and 185-pound Scott had a 40-time of 4.42 seconds and 17 reps in the bench press. Other measurables for Scott include an arm length of 29 3/8 inches and hands that measure 8 3/4 inches.

NFL.com projects Scott to be a fourth-round draft pick.


Below is the NFL.com draft profile bio on Scott:

Scott excelled as an honorable mention All-Big Ten junior corner for the Spartans, leading his squad with three interceptions and eight pass breakups in 13 starts. He overcame a knee injury that cost him the first eight games of the 2018 season to earn the RedBox Bowl Defensive MVP Award (three tackles, one for loss, four pass breakups) in the Spartans' 7-6 loss to Oregon. Scott started only five games on the year but still intercepted two passes and broke up seven others (along with making 13 tackles). He was an honorable mention all-conference pick as a true freshman, starting all 12 games and breaking up 12 passes (30 stops, two interceptions). The Ohio native's three brothers won national titles at perennial Division III football powerhouse Mount Union.

Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, who compares Scott to Avonte Maddox, wrote the following about Scott within his scouting report:

Affectionately nicknamed "The Gnat" by teammates for his pesky, persistent coverage talent and playing style. He has no issues checking athletic boxes with quick feet, smooth hips and explosive speed. He has above average recovery burst and athleticism, so he should be able to make the move to the slot despite limited reps there. He lacks play strength for matchups against size and will go ankle-biting in run support in order to avoid heavy collisions. He has ballhawking traits and coverage talent is not an issue. His ability to stay healthy and overcome his size/strength limitations could be the difference between being a starting nickel or solid backup.

Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network wrote the following about Scott within his scouting report:

Summary - Josiah Scott projects as a potential nickel defender at the pro level. Scott shows good combativeness, effective COD skills and a strong enthusiasm to play into contact. Those qualities make sense to put him in the nickel as a D-gap defender, but any team that takes him on will have to be willing with some tackling limitations on account of his lack of wingspan and lean frame. Coverage diverse defender who can bring value to any defense — just limited in boundary upside.

Measurables


Height: 5-9
Weight: 185 lbs.
Arm length: 29 3/8 inches
Hand length: 8 3/4 inches

NFL Scouting Combine


40-time: 4.42 seconds
Bench press: 17 reps


College Statistics
Year School Class G Solo Ast Tot Loss Sk Int
2017 Michigan State FR 12 21 9 30 1.0 0.0 1
2018 Michigan State SO 5 7 6 13 1.0 0.0 2
2019 Michigan State JR 12 36 16 52 0.0 0.0 3
Total Michigan State 64 31 95 2.0 0.0 6

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