With most NFL defenses now using nickel personnel for a majority of their snaps, slot cornerback has essentially become a starting position. That bodes well for Miami’s Keionte Scott, who recently completed pre-draft ‘visits with the Texans, Bears, and Dolphins, according to KRPC2’s Aaron Wilson.
The 24-year-old is viewed as a pro-ready nickel after a standout 2025 season. He contributed to the Hurricanes defense across the board with 64 tackles (13 for loss), five sacks, five passes defended, two forced fumbles, and two recoveries. Scott also returned both of his interceptions for touchdowns and was the only player in the FBS with multiple pick-sixes.
The Texans appear to be set in the slot with safety Jalen Pitre, who has played his best football as a nickel in the past two years. Scott is currently expected to be drafted on Day 2, so Houston may not want to use a premium pick on a potential redundancy. But adding a viable second slot could allow DeMeco Ryans to run more dime packages with both Pitre and Scott capable of playing bigger than their size in the run game.
The Bears will be hoping that Kyler Gordon can make a strong return to his role as their starting nickel after dealing with injuries in 2025. Scott would serve as an insurance policy if Gordon – who has never played more than 14 games in a season – were to miss more time. But Chicago just signed the 2022 second-rounder to an extension last year, so Scott’s long-term role would be unclear unless one of the two were to move to the boundary.
The Dolphins, who hosted Scott on a local visit, might be the most logical option. Few teams need help at cornerback more, especially in the slot. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Miami’s primary nickel last year, was traded to the Jets, and 2025 fifth-round Jason Marshall struggled mightily as a rookie. Scott could contribute on Day 1 for a Dolphins defense that badly needs starting-caliber talent in the secondary.