Rising UConn corner-safety Obi Melifonwu visits a dozen NFL teams

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NFL teams' interest in Connecticut safety Obi Melifonwu has been increasing markedly over the past few weeks with several evaluating him as a cornerback due to his rare blend of size, athleticism and positional flexibility.

Melifonwu is 6-4, 224 pounds with 4.40 speed in the 40-yard dash, a 44-inch vertical leap and a 11-9 broad jump.

Melifonwu has met with 14 NFL teams recently, including official visits with the Carolina Panthers, Detroit Lions, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks, Washington and the San Francisco 49ers, according to a league source not authorized to speak publicly.

He worked out privately for the Tennessee Titans as a cornerback. The New England Patriots visited him at his school.

The Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, Oakland Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars have displayed steady interest. Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer is a fan along with Vikings safety Harrison Smith. The Cincinnati Bengals attempted to schedule a private workout, but Melifonwu's schedule was too packed.

The Texans spoke with Melifonwu at his Pro Day and met with him at the Senior Bowl all-star game.

Melifonwu is regarded as a rising draft prospect who is expected to go in the first round. He played cornerback in the prestigious Senior Bowl all-star game and did well.

File - In this Sept. 12, 2015, file photo, Connecticut safety Obi Melifonwu (20) follows the play during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game against Army, in East Hartford, Conn. UConn, one of several programs being mentioned as a candidate for expansion by the Big 12, is dealing with something new in head coach Bob Diaco’s third season as its head football coach _ expectations. The defense, which gave up just 19.5 points per game, is expected to be the team’s strength, led by safety Obi Melifonwu, touted by Diaco as the best at his position in the nation. (AP Photo/Stew Milne, FIle) less File - In this Sept. 12, 2015, file photo, Connecticut safety Obi Melifonwu (20) follows the play during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game against Army, in East Hartford, Conn. UConn, one of ... more Photo: Stew Milne, Associated Press Photo: Stew Milne, Associated Press Image 1 of / 8 Caption Close Rising UConn corner-safety Obi Melifonwu visits a dozen NFL teams 1 / 8 Back to Gallery

Teams like the Saints covet a bigger, fast defensive back who can match up with imposing wide receivers in the NFC South like the Buccaneers' Mike Evans and the Panthers' Kelvin Benjamin.

He met with the AFC South champion Texans at the Senior Bowl along with 14 other teams.

At the NFL scouting combine, Melifonwu had formal meetings with the Ravens, Chargers, Atlanta Falcons, Seahawks, Washington, Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, Panthers and Colts.

He had a 44-inch vertical leap. Melifonwu also registered an 11-9 broad jump and bench pressed 225 pounds 17 times.

Melifonwu's ascent as a draft prospect is reminiscent of Dallas Cowboys cornerback Byron Jones going in the first round after a strong workout circuit and playing at Connecticut.

Melifonwu had 118 tackles last season and four interceptions. A four-year starter, Melifonwu had six interceptions over the past two seasons and cut down on his penalties.

Melifonwu has drawn high marks for his character and intelligence.