Evaluating college cornerbacks is always a challenge, given the wide variety of defensive schemes that require different skill sets. Identifying players who can seamlessly transition to the NFL requires careful assessment of their physical traits, football intelligence, and adaptability. South Carolina’s O’Donnell Fortune is one of the intriguing cornerback prospects aiming to make his mark in the 2025 NFL Draft.
A redshirt senior, Fortune has largely flown under the radar in scouting circles but possesses a skill set that could intrigue certain teams. The way NFL franchises value his attributes will generate plenty of discussion in the coming months. As teams analyze his tape, they’ll see a player with unique strengths and some glaring weaknesses, making his draft stock difficult to pin down. Let’s dive into Fortune’s background, film analysis, strengths, weaknesses, and potential fit at the next level.
O’Donnell Fortune: Player Background & College Journey
Hailing from Sumter, South Carolina, Fortune attended Sumter High School, where he showcased his athletic versatility by excelling in both football and track. As a defensive back, he made enough of an impression to earn a three-star recruit rating, drawing multiple scholarship offers. Ultimately, he chose to stay close to home and committed to the South Carolina Gamecocks in 2020.
His early college years were relatively quiet, as he redshirted in his freshman season and saw limited action in his first two years. However, Fortune started to make a name for himself in 2022, recording his first two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. By 2023, he had earned a starting role and continued to grow into a key piece of the Gamecocks’ defense.
Despite earning honorable mention All-SEC recognition in 2024, questions remain about his consistency and off-field discipline. Notably, he was suspended for South Carolina’s 2023 matchup against Kentucky and was benched for a portion of the 2024 season following struggles against Ole Miss. NFL teams will need to evaluate these factors carefully when considering him as a draft prospect.
Measurables
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 188 lbs
Strengths: A Cornerback with Length and Ball Awareness
Fortune’s film reveals a player with several enticing qualities that could make him an asset in the right defensive scheme.
1. Length and Agility
Standing at 6 feet tall, Fortune has an ideal frame for an outside cornerback. His length allows him to challenge passing lanes and contest catches effectively. More importantly, he possesses suddenness in his movements, which enables him to recover quickly after a receiver gains separation. His ability to flip his hips and adjust mid-route makes him an intriguing option for teams looking for fluid athletes in the secondary.
2. Instincts and Ball Skills
One of Fortune’s most valuable traits is his nose for the football. He has a natural ability to dislodge the ball from opponents, reminiscent of the signature punch technique made famous by former Chicago Bears cornerback Charles “Peanut” Tillman. Whether he’s attacking ball carriers or jarring the ball loose from receivers post-catch, Fortune’s knack for creating turnovers is a valuable asset.
Additionally, he thrives in structured zone coverage schemes. His quick reaction time and twitchiness allow him to bait quarterbacks into ill-advised throws, making him a playmaker in systems that emphasize zone principles, such as Cover 2 or Cover 3.
3. Aggression and Playmaking Mentality
While he may not be the most physically imposing cornerback, Fortune brings an aggressive mindset to his game. His willingness to attack the football and play with energy on the field makes him a potential asset in a rotational role early in his career.
Weaknesses: A Work in Progress with Physical Limitations
For all his intriguing traits, Fortune also has significant concerns that could limit his ceiling in the NFL.
1. Struggles with Play Strength and Tackling
One of the most noticeable issues in Fortune’s game is his lack of play strength. He struggles to shed blocks quickly, making him a liability in run support. This is particularly concerning in press-heavy or physical defensive schemes that require cornerbacks to engage in more contact.
Additionally, his tackling technique leaves much to be desired. He often comes in too high on tackles, allowing ball carriers to power through his attempts. At times, this appears to affect his confidence, as his body language noticeably dips after failed tackles—particularly in goal-line situations where physicality is crucial.
2. Inconsistent Coverage Discipline
Despite his natural athleticism, Fortune has moments of undisciplined coverage. He has a tendency to bite on double moves, which can lead to big plays for opposing offenses. This was particularly evident in his 2024 matchup against Ole Miss, where he was benched after being beaten on multiple deep routes.
Additionally, he struggles against receivers with slow-developing releases, sometimes finding himself caught flat-footed. This will be an area of concern at the NFL level, where savvy route runners will exploit any hesitation.
3. Off-Field Questions and Team Rule Violations
While there haven’t been any major red flags regarding Fortune’s character, his 2023 suspension for an unspecified violation of team rules raises some concerns. Reports suggest that this wasn’t an isolated incident, meaning NFL teams will need to conduct thorough interviews to determine whether Fortune’s discipline and professionalism meet their standards.
Ideal NFL Fit and Projection
Potential Team Fits
Given his strengths and weaknesses, Fortune would be best suited for a team that plays a heavy dose of zone coverage and values ball skills over physicality. Some potential fits include:
Buffalo Bills: A team that values intelligent zone corners who can disrupt passing lanes.
Carolina Panthers: Could use depth in their secondary and may take a late-round flyer on Fortune.
Dallas Cowboys: A zone-heavy scheme could allow Fortune to develop without the pressure of a starting role.
NFL Projection
At this stage, Fortune is projected as a late-round draft pick or a priority undrafted free agent. His natural gifts—length, twitchiness, and ball skills—give him a chance to carve out a role in the NFL. However, his play strength, tackling deficiencies, and inconsistent discipline in coverage present significant hurdles.
His best path to success will be landing in a scheme that minimizes his weaknesses while allowing him to maximize his natural instincts for making plays. If given the right coaching and development time, he could emerge as a valuable depth piece and a contributor in sub-packages.
If everything clicks, Fortune’s natural playmaking ability could translate into an NFL career as a rotational defensive back, particularly in nickel and dime packages. But for that to happen, he’ll need to refine his technique, improve his tackling, and show that his discipline issues are behind him.
As the pre-draft process unfolds, interviews, pro day workouts, and team meetings will play a crucial role in determining where Fortune lands in the 2025 NFL Draft. Whether he hears his name called or not, his journey to the NFL will be one to watch.
2025 NFL Draft scouting report: O’Donnell fortune, South Carolina
