NFL Free Agent HUB Report: Ta'Corian Darden

HUB report for defensive back Ta'Corian Darden

The NFL Draft Bible | Jan 2, 2022

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Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

TA’CORIAN ‘COCO’ DARDEN | School: Western Kentucky | Position: DB | Height: 5080 | Weight: 190 | Hand: 0918 | Arm: 2900 | Wing: 7148 | Agent: Jeff Whitney | Age: 24

One-Liner:

A physical, instinctual safety/slot defender with high football intelligence, an aggressive demeanor and attacking style of play, along with special teams experience.

Evaluation:

Wore #4 at HUB Football ‘Futures CAMP’ on 12/15/21. Can play an array of roles including safety, nickelback and special teams. Darden had a solid showing during one-on-one drills, making several nice stops defending from the slot and demonstrating natural instincts reading the quarterback. He displayed very active hands; at times, borderline too grabby but overall plays with a tenacious style. The Kentucky native will need to further develop his footwork and hip flexibility. One of the more improved players by the end of the CAMP workout, Darden really took well to defensive back coach Derrick Gardner. His best position projects as a deep safety prospect who can serve as the last line of defense; he may need to find a developmental league to enhance his overall game. While his college film could warrant some looks, there are some size barriers that teams will need to get over. However, Darden could be a candidate to play in an alternative league, as he continues to develop.

Background:

From walk-on to team captain, Darden reportedly timed in the sub 4.4-range prior to the draft. He currently lives in Bowling Green, Kentucky and was recently hit by a tornado. Has been working in the community, as they recover, while working and training daily at D1 in Nashville. A member of the Louisville Extreme in 2021, where he played defensive back and kick returner. Darden prepped at Russellville High School, where he played safety, quarterback and wide receiver.

College:

A 2020 Hula Bowl Participant. All C-USA Honorable Mention in 2019 and 2018. In his final season at Western Kentucky (2019), Darden was the team's starting nickelback for the third straight year. He recorded 54 total tackles (35 solo, 19 assisted), including three and a half tackles for loss, to become only the sixth Hilltopper in the program's FBS Era (since 2009) to reach 200 career tackles.