Robert Longerbeam, CB, Rutgers
Size:
Height: 5110
Weight: 175
Arm: 31 ½”
Hand: 8 ½”
Accomplishments:
All-Big Ten Honorable Mention (2024, 2023)
“Robert Longerbeam is an extremely competitive corner who, despite his lack of mass, competes his tail off in man coverage and has the instincts and awareness to offer value at multiple alignments within a secondary.”
Strengths:
ELITE competitor
Footwork
Explosive mover
Spatial awareness
Concerns:
Wiry frame
One-on-one tackling
Play strength at top of route
Delayed transitions at times
Film Analysis:
Robert Longerbeam is an extremely competitive corner who, despite his lack of mass, competes his tail off in man coverage and has the instincts and awareness to offer value at multiple alignments within a secondary. He’s comfortable in man coverage, where his fluid hips, quick feet, and innate feel for route timing allow him to mirror receivers with confidence.
Longerbeam plays with patience at the line, rarely panicking or opening up too early, and shows a knack for staying in-phase on vertical routes. His ability to stick with shiftier slot receivers or transition seamlessly against outside threats makes him a versatile coverage asset both in the shallow areas and downfield. Forces QBs to make perfect throws into tight windows where timing is paramount. Transitions out of breaks can be inconsistent at times, where he can play a bit too upright, but overall,l he does a nice job of staying low in his backpedal or side-saddle. Excellent eyes and ability to jar the ball loose in tight confines.
In zone, Longerbeam has outstanding awareness and vision to understand alignment, route concepts, and timing. Diagnoses route combinations well and his transitions in off-zone look smooth to close space quickly. While he isn’t the most physically imposing presence in his third of the field, he rarely busts assignments and often forces quarterbacks to move off their first read.
Tackling is an area of both strength and some concern. Longerbeam is a more than willing tackler, where his competitiveness is showcased, and he doesn't shy away from contact. Takes good pursuit angles and can make open-field tackles, especially against smaller receivers or when coming downhill. However, his lean frame limits his stopping power, and he can struggle to finish against more physical ball-carriers. He’s not a liability, but it’s fair to question how he’ll hold up against NFL size and physicality in run support or after the catch.
The primary concern for Longerbeam lies in his frame and overall play strength. He’s a high-level football player, but at under 180 pounds, it’s a question of whether he’ll be able to transfer the ways in which he won in college to the NFL level at a consistent clip. Additionally, while he’s athletic and agile, he doesn’t have elite long speed, which could be tested against faster vertical threats at the next level.
Overall, Longerbeam projects as a reliable, scheme-versatile corner who fits best as a nickel early in his NFL career. His coverage traits and competitiveness give him a real shot to stick on a roster and contribute in multiple phases. With added bulk, he could evolve into a dependable rotational piece.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Scheme Specific Contributor
Written By: Ryan Fowler
Exposures: Washington (2024), Maryland (2024), Kansas State (2024)
