Cobie Durant: College | Draft | Related to Kevin Durant | PFF | Stats

The NFL continues to discover talented defensive backs from smaller college programs, and Cobie Durant is a perfect example. The Los Angeles Rams cornerback rose from a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to become one of the league’s promising young defensive players.

From his standout college career to his rise in the NFL, Durant has built a reputation as a playmaker with strong ball skills and coverage ability. Fans frequently search topics like Cobie Durant college, Cobie Durant draft, Cobie Durant PFF grade, and whether he is related to Kevin Durant.

This article explores Durant’s journey, including his college dominance, NFL Draft selection, professional performance metrics, and key statistics.

Who Is Cobie Durant?

Cobie Durant is an American professional football player who plays cornerback for the Los Angeles Rams in the National Football League.

Durant was born on February 9, 1998, in Lamar, South Carolina. He played college football at South Carolina State Bulldogs football, where he developed into one of the best defensive players in HBCU football.

Standing around 5-foot-11 and weighing about 180 pounds, Durant relies on athleticism, speed, and instincts to defend against elite wide receivers.

After entering the NFL in 2022, he quickly earned playing time and developed into a reliable member of the Rams’ secondary.

Cobie Durant College Career

South Carolina State Bulldogs

Cobie Durant attended South Carolina State University, playing for the Bulldogs from 2018 to 2021.

During his time there, Durant emerged as one of the top defensive backs in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).

Key College Achievements

• MEAC Defensive Player of the Year (2021)

• Multiple All-MEAC honors

• Key contributor to South Carolina State’s defense

• Known for strong coverage and interceptions

Durant’s senior season helped raise his national profile. His ability to read quarterbacks and create turnovers made him a standout defensive player at the HBCU level.

He played a major role in the Bulldogs’ defensive success and became a legitimate NFL prospect despite coming from a smaller program.

Cobie Durant NFL Draft

He declared for the 2022 NFL Draft after his strong senior season.

He was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in:

• Round: 4

• Overall Pick: 142

Durant’s draft selection was part of the Rams’ effort to strengthen their secondary after their Super Bowl championship run.

Although he wasn’t a first-round prospect, scouts believed his athletic traits, instincts, and college production made him a strong developmental cornerback.

Cobie Durant NFL Career

Since entering the league, Durant has steadily improved his role with the Rams.

He initially started as a rotational cornerback but eventually earned more playing time due to his strong coverage ability and knack for interceptions.

Durant has demonstrated:

• Strong ball skills

• Aggressive tackling

• Good positioning in coverage

• High football IQ

In recent seasons, he has become an important part of the Rams defense.

In fact, he recorded career-best numbers in one of his recent seasons, including 40 tackles, one interception, one sack, and one forced fumble as a starter in the Rams’ secondary.

Cobie Durant PFF Grades

Analytics platforms such as Pro Football Focus evaluate player performance using advanced metrics.

According to PFF:

• Overall grade: 66.7

• Coverage grade: 67.4

• Run defense grade: 56.4

These grades place him around the middle tier among NFL cornerbacks but show solid potential for improvement.

What PFF Grades Mean

PFF grades measure:

• Coverage efficiency

• Tackling performance

• Impact plays

• Pass defense success

Durant’s grading suggests he has strong coverage skills but still has room to improve in run defense and overall consistency.

Cobie Durant Stats

Here are some of Cobie Durant’s notable defensive statistics from recent seasons.

Career Defensive Highlights

• Solo tackles: 30+ in recent seasons

• Interceptions: Multiple per season

• Passes defended: 7+ in several campaigns

• Coverage snaps: 500+ per season

In one recent season:

• Solo tackles: 34

• Interceptions: 3

• Receptions allowed: 41

• Coverage snaps: 506

These stats highlight Durant’s value as a coverage defender capable of forcing turnovers.

Cobie Durant Playoff Impact

Durant has also proven capable of performing on the biggest stage.

During playoff appearances with the Rams, he recorded several key defensive plays including interceptions and sacks in postseason games.

In one notable playoff performance, he became one of the few Rams defenders to record both a sack and an interception in the same postseason game.

This ability to deliver in critical moments has helped elevate his reputation within the team.

Cobie Durant Awards and Honors

Durant’s career includes recognition both in college and in the NFL.

Major Awards

• MEAC Defensive Player of the Year (2021)

• Black College Football Pro Player of the Year (2025)

The NFL Players Association named him the Black College Football Pro Player of the Year in 2025, recognizing his success as a professional player from an HBCU background.

This award highlights his influence as a representative of HBCU football in the NFL.

Is Cobie Durant Related to Kevin Durant?

Many fans wonder whether Cobie Durant is related to NBA superstar Kevin Durant.

The short answer is no.

Despite sharing the same last name, the two athletes are not related.

Their names simply sound similar. Interestingly, Durant’s full name is Decobie Durant, which contains the nickname “Cobie,” a name that also reminds fans of basketball legend Kobe Bryant.

While they share a surname and athletic excellence, Cobie Durant and Kevin Durant come from different families and sports backgrounds.

Cobie Durant Playing Style

Cobie Durant’s playing style is defined by several key strengths.

1. Ball Skills

Durant has excellent timing when contesting passes and often positions himself well to intercept the ball.

2. Coverage Ability

He is particularly effective in zone coverage schemes where his instincts allow him to read quarterbacks.

3. Athleticism

Durant’s speed and agility help him stay with fast receivers.

4. Competitive Mentality

Coming from a smaller program, Durant entered the NFL with a chip on his shoulder and a strong desire to prove himself.

Cobie Durant’s Impact on HBCU Football

Durant’s success has also helped shine a spotlight on talent from Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Players from HBCU programs sometimes receive less national attention, but Durant’s rise demonstrates that elite talent exists across all levels of college football.

His NFL success has inspired younger players from HBCU programs to pursue professional football careers.

Future Outlook for Cobie Durant

As Cobie Durant continues to develop, his future in the NFL looks promising.

Key areas that could determine his long-term success include:

• Improving run defense

• Increasing interception totals

• Becoming a consistent starter

• Developing leadership in the Rams secondary

If he continues progressing, Durant could eventually become one of the more reliable cornerbacks in the league.

Conclusion

Cobie Durant’s journey from South Carolina State to the NFL is a story of perseverance and talent. Despite coming from a smaller college program, he has proven he belongs among the best defensive backs in professional football.

His strong college career, solid NFL performance, and recognition from the NFLPA demonstrate that Durant is a rising star.

While he is not related to Kevin Durant, Cobie Durant is making a name for himself in his own sport—one interception at a time.

FAQs

Who is Cobie Durant?

He is an NFL cornerback who plays for the Los Angeles Rams.

Where did Cobie Durant play college football?

He played college football at South Carolina State University.

When was Cobie Durant drafted?

He was selected in the fourth round (142nd overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Is Cobie Durant related to Kevin Durant?

No, he is not related to NBA star Kevin Durant.

What is Cobie Durant’s PFF grade?

His PFF overall grade in one recent season was about 66.7.

What position does Cobie Durant play?

He plays cornerback in the NFL.