After looking at the linebackers last week it is now time to have a look at the defensive backs. Now there were more of these than LBs before them so I decided to split the DBs up into 2 articles. One with the corners and one with the safeties. Also I want to point out something that I found very interesting as I was researching the safeties. I now realize what McDs worst move is, (wouldn't surprise me if X-man was the one that signed off on this, but for now lets blame McD), it wasn't Hillis, Smith or any of that. The worst move was waviering Josh Barrett, Barrett was one of my favourite safeties that I thought really had the talent to be great, I miss Barrett and I hope if he ever gets cut we jump all over him. The record for the 40 yard dash for Safeties is 4.35 secs and that is held by Barrett. I just want to shout out to Barrett, that I hope he gets better and that he will always have a fan in me. Now onto the prospects.
Patrick Peterson, CB, LSUHeight: 6-0. Weight: 218.
Hand size: 9 ¼ in.
Combine 40 Time: 4.32 unofficial, 4.34 official
Bench: 15. Vertical: 38. Arm: 32.
Projected Round (2011): Top 4 Pick. Date of birth: July 11, 1990 (age 20)
Peterson is built like a safety, has the speed of a corner and is an elite playmaker. He has the explosion and range to play on an island and the instincts to be effective in zone heavy schemes. He has elite ball skills and is a shifty runner that is nightmare to take down in the open field. He is a supremely confident kid that always looks to make plays, but at times can get burned by ball fakes and double moves. Peterson is a freakishly talented football player and should be a Top-10 pick.
Peterson is a monster corner with good speed. Possesses terrific footwork and the hip fluidity to mirror in man coverage. Displays a strong press and uses his hands to effectively reroute receivers. Smooth athlete that tracks the ball well in the air and has the body control and hands to make interceptions. Willing tackler with sound technique.
Read - React: Possesses good instincts for the position. Reads his man and will sneak a peek at the quarterback, showing the anticipation necessary to make the big play. Can get over-aggressive and bite on double-moves, though he shows good straight-line speed to recover and possesses excellent ball skills. Could come up more aggressively when he reads run, as he's content with allowing teammates to make the tackle, but isn't afraid to come up in run support when he has to.
Man Coverage: Rare fluidity and straight-line speed for a defender of his size. Quick feet and balance when backpedaling and when he switches to a side shuffle technique. Rarely uses his hands to jam the receiver, opting instead simply to turn and run with his opponent. Will occasionally misjudge the speed of his opponent when in off-man coverage, allowing the receiver to eat up too much of the cushion. Easily flips his hips and shows very good burst out of his breaks (especially considering his size) to mirror the receiver. Good acceleration and has a burst to close. Good route-recognition. Good body lean and use of the sideline to ride wideouts out of bounds. Excellent size, overall physicality and competitiveness for jump-ball situations. Times his leaps well and can high-point the ball due to excellent hand-eye coordination.
Zone Coverage: Good recognition for zone coverage, but will drift out of position when he's reading the eyes of quarterbacks, resulting in some big-play interceptions, but also in allowing receptions when savvy passers bait him. Quick feet and balance to change directions. Good route anticipation. Switches off his target quickly when he sees the quarterback throwing elsewhere. Closes on the ball quickly. Closing/Recovery: Some concern over what his time in the 40-yard dash will be, but shows very good field speed and possesses a second gear of acceleration to close on the ball. Locates the ball quickly and has the long arms to break up passes (or even make the interception) when it appears that he is beaten. Has good, but not elite burst to break downhill out of his cuts, making him susceptible to comeback routes against bigger receivers who challenge him vertically (see Alabama, Texas AM). Among best attributes is his size, leaping ability and ball skills on fade and go-routes against bigger receivers. Matches up well in jump-ball situations. Isn't afraid to get physical in these confrontations, but because he's going for the ball, doesn't draw the flag. Very good ball skills. Times his leap well, showing a good vertical and possesses the long arms and soft, strong hands to pluck the ball out of the air. Excellent return skills once he has the ball in his hands.
Run Support: When not in press coverage, reads run quickly and either provides the contain to push the runner back inside or makes the tackle himself. Focuses on his primary target - the receiver - when he's in press coverage and can be a step slower to recognize run. Trusts his teammates to make the play, showing good strength and toughness to fight through blocks, but not always the sense of urgency scouts would prefer. Good effort in pursuit. Takes good angles to the ball and has the speed to run down the ballcarrier.
Tackling: Reliable open-field tackler. Breaks down well in space to make the stop against elusive athletes. Willing to take on the bigger ballcarrier and does a nice of wrapping his arms securely around the legs to make the effective stop. Good effort in pursuit. Not an explosive hitter, but plays his size, strength and long arms help him knock down ballcarriers quickly.
Intangibles: Confident, almost cocky demeanor on the field. Possesses the short memory of all great cornerbacks. Extremely competitive. Seems to relish the battles against top receivers in man coverage. Campaigned to be used on special teams and even offense while at LSU due to his natural playmaking skills. Good bloodlines. Cousins of NFL cornerback Bryant McFadden and wide receivers Santana and Sinorice Moss. Characterized as "freak" athlete.
My Take:
I have read a lot recently that people don’t think that Peterson is elite, and doesn’t distinguish himself from the other top picks. The thing is he is elite, the reason being I believe he played most of his college career on purer talent and athletic ability. Reading this and what I have seen it seems that he plays with little technique, in the sense using his hands and reading through his keys correctly. The cocky demeanour that he displays further demonstrates this as he knows he is a better athlete than most WR and likes to challenge himself when he goes up against good WRs. He does remind me a lot of Woodson, in his size, return ability and that he made a lot of ints. Remember he got 4 his last year when teams supposedly were not throwing in his direction. I think it further emphasises the point when he gets 9 on the wonderlic (though this could be wrong, remember Gabbert was meant to have gotten 40+ but only got 30 something), but if it is true it further proves my point. He knows how to play corner and uses his talent and not much else. The question will be how he takes to coaching as he is a bit of a project as his technique will need to be developed and redefined. I do think he can become a dominate corner than move to safety later in his career (like Woodson). And who better to learn all this from the most technically sound CB in the game Champ Bailey. Only turn off I have is he wore diamond studded ear rings to the combine.
Prince Amukamara, CB, NebraskaHeight: 6-0. Weight: 206.
Hand size: 8 ½ in.
Combine 40 Time: 4.37 unofficial, 4.43 official.
Bench: 16. Vertical: 38. Arm: 30 1/2.
Projected Round (2011): Top 11 Pick.
Date of birth: June 6, 1989 (age 21)Amukamara has the size, speed and awareness to start from day one and turn into one of the league's finer players at the cornerback position. Takes advantage of his instincts and smarts in zone coverage but also has the ability to hold up when asked to cover on an island. Possesses good overall ball skills and hands. Will help out and support the run. Durable, aggressive, competitive and hard-working. No major weaknesses in his game, but isn't an elite, quick-twitched athlete or a true burner in terms of straight-line speed. Amukamara will likely be selected early in the first round.
Amukamara is an exceptional blend of height, strength and speed. Very sound positioning and instincts in zone coverage and diagnoses quickly. Can play on an island in man. Uses size to press and re-route at the line, can turn and run and recover, and tracks the ball well. Willing and productive in run support.
Not too many holes in his game. Does not possess elite fluidity and idles down a bit in and out of his breaks and when turning to recover. Can struggle at times to get off blocks near the line. Not a big hitter. Only has two-plus years of starting experience.
Read - React: Strong instincts with very quick reactions. Reads the quarterback's eyes and anticipates routes, closing quickly to jump underneath routes. Gets into the flat in a hurry to attack screen plays and outside runs. Inconsistent biting on double moves and pump fakes, will get overly aggressive during the course of a game and give up the deep ball.
Man Coverage: Perfect NFL press-cover corner with his combination of size, strength and speed. Is patient in man coverage, reading the receiver's move and reacting quickly. Quick feet and smooth hips to turn and run, maintains contact with most any receiver down the sideline. Closes well when playing off the line, attacks midsection and wraps to tackle. Capable of playing very physically, especially in the five-yard area. Has the lateral movement to shadow jerk routes. Maintains cushion in his backpedal.
Zone Coverage: Owns the prototypical man-press build but has the closing speed and physicality to excel in zone coverage. Excellent anticipation of underneath throws, cuts under receivers to make a play on the ball with exceptional hand-eye coordination. Comes off deep routes to support shorter patterns to his side. Secure tackler who rarely gives up yards after the catch. Has dropped interceptions not thrown in his breadbasket. Fair foot speed in his backpedal, but needs to stay over his feet instead of leaning backward.
Closing/Recovery: Excellent closing speed for his size. Changes from pedal to forward motion quickly, plants hard and has a burst to the ball. Inconsistent recovery speed if frozen by double move, can get back into the play (and make a play on the ball) but quicker receivers seem to maintain separation.
Run Support: Has the size and aggressive nature to excel in run support. Willing cut tackler, gets into the thigh of the running back. Good strength to rip off receiver blocks, could be more consistent using his hands to disengage. Sticks his nose into piles and can stand up running backs coming with a head of steam.
Tackling: Excellent strength for the position, effective wrapping up receivers after the catch or cutting down backs in run support. Breaks down in space to avoid missed tackles. Will attack the shoulder pads of running backs to bring them down or force them out of bounds. Very effective cut tackler whether attacking the thighs of running backs or violently taking out the legs of receivers in the open field. Even when he does not bring down the ballcarrier, he gets enough to slow him down giving help time to arrive. Helps teammates finish off tackles in space. Could be more consistent getting off receiver blocks.
Intangibles: Spiritual man, involved with Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Has matured greatly since arriving on campus, applying himself on the practice field and the film room more diligently since 2009. Parents are from Nigeria
My Take:
Prince will be a good corner, I think he could be even better than Peterson, but it will take work. Prince is still learning the position and I think he can only get better. If he ran the same as Peterson he could have been taken before him. Prince has the best lower half of all the corners, has real solid legs. Prince is a guy I would keep an eye on into the future.
Jimmy Smith, CB, ColoradoHeight: 6-2. Weight: 211.
Hand Size: 9 ¾ in.
Combine 40 Time: 4.38 unofficial, 4.46 official
Pro Day 40 Time: DNP. Bench: 24. Vertical: 37. Arm: 32 1/4.
Projected Round (2011): Top 25 Pick.
Date of birth: July 26, 1988 (age 22)
Corners with Smith's size, speed and confidence in press coverage don't grow on trees. He'll likely serve as reserve/nickel early in his career but has the skill set to eventually become a starter. Very effective playing man coverage close to the line of scrimmage where he can use his size and length to disrupt timing patterns. Can recover after initial bump and compete for the football. Isn't as comfortable in off-man or zone but could improve over time. Has the mentality and physical tools to be very productive in run support, just needs some more polish. Smith's tools and upside will likely land him in the second round if not earlier.
Smith has outstanding height for a corner coupled with good speed. Very effective in press-man using his length and size to jam and re-route. Can turn and run, recover when beat, and break up passes with his great leaping ability and ball skills. Likes to mix it up in run support and is also very physical here.
Hip stiffness in his angular, long build shows when playing off-man and breaking on underneath routes. Not as comfortable in zone as in press-man. Needs to be more consistent getting his head turned around to avoid interference calls. Must take better angles when tackling in the open field.
Read - React: Reads the body language of receivers and keeps his eyes in the backfield to detect what's coming. Reacts quickly to throws in his area to his assignment or another receiver. Likes to attack the run but gets overaggressive, biting hard on play-action fakes. Some of his quick reactions are negated by his inability to get off blocks.Man Coverage: Physical press corner. Not afraid to extend his hand (usually his left) at the line of scrimmage to keep receivers from getting into his route. Maintains contact throughout the five-yard area. Lined up against opponents' biggest receiver, playing outside and in the slot. Flashes good feet in his pedal, but could be lower and more balanced. Must keep his feet moving as receivers approach when playing off; they eat up his cushion quickly. Flips open to trail even if he plays outside leverage and the receiver runs inside. Uses long arms to reach in front of receivers to knock away passes without interfering. Uses strength and good timing to dislodge the ball from his man while he tries to secure the catch. Fast enough to stop quick screens behind the line when playing off. His hands for the interception are improving, but work needs to be done. Needs to tighten up his footwork when transitioning from pedal to plant-and-drive.
Zone Coverage: Good awareness in zone coverage. Comes off receivers leaving his area to pick up underneath routes. Stays between two receivers on the outside if he sees his safety help has been taken away by seam routes, but will end up in no man's land occasionally not trusting over-the-top help. Attacks receivers in front of him. Size makes him difficult to for receivers to avoid after the catch. His height and vertical make throwing over him and in front of safeties perilous.
Closing/Recovery: Combines speed with length to close on the ball. Good recovery speed for his size, can flip his hips and wrap up receivers in trail coverage. His height and ability to find the ball in the air prevent quarterbacks from challenging over the top. Undercuts crossing routes by closing hard and extending; also takes chances NFL quarterbacks can exploit.
Run Support: Owns prototypical size to be a run stopper on the edge. Effective as a wrap-up or cut tackler. Knows to chase at a deep angle to prevent touchdowns on runs to the opposite side of the field. Usually gets outside position to force plays to linebackers, showing quickness to move around his man, but needs to be more violent with his hands to disengage from the blocks of larger receivers to make tackles.
Tackling: Physical tackler with NFL size and excellent length to wrap, but must get more consistent in the open field. Able to knock away passes and force fumbles while he wraps up receivers. Must drop his hips and break down more quickly attacking ballcarriers on the run, as they can elude him with a quick move or slip off when he tries to tackle shoulder pads.
Intangibles: Maturing player taking over as a leader on the field, directing teammates. Began studying film before his junior season. Missed first two games in 2008 due to injury. Suffered concussion against Baylor in 2010.
My Take:
Smith is the biggest corner in the draft and to me is a badass. He has character concerns and maturity problems, but I like defenders that are badasses and have a bit of nasty to them, so I can over look some of the concerns of Smith. He needs to stay focused, could be great if he buckles down and trains hard, but I don’t see it happening.
Brandon Harris, CB, Miami Height: 5-10. Weight: 191.
Hand Size: 8 ½ in.
Combine 40 Time: 4.43 unofficial, also ran much slower than this at the combine.
Bench: 13. Vertical: 35.5. Arm: 30 5/8.
Projected Round (2011): 1-2.
Harris is a true gamer that is at his best when the lights are on and he has the tools to become a starting cornerback at the next level. He excels in man coverage, as he is explosive with an elite closing burst and he has very fluid hips to maintain speed in transition. He also shows very good instincts when lined up one-on-one, but he seems confused at times in zone coverage and can get caught out of position. His press skills are still raw, but he is a strong kid with a tireless work ethic and he should be a mid-to-late first round pick.
Lacks the instincts in zone coverage to jump routes and can be caught out of position at times. Struggles to consistently reroute bigger receivers in press coverage. Will not always break down the ball carrier in the open field and tends to launch himself when tackling.
Read - React: Quick to recognize run and does a nice job of coming up in support. Reads the body language of the receiver and is typically in good position to a make a play on the ball due to his instincts and standout athleticism. Rarely out of position, especially when playing man to man. Does a nice job of focusing on his receiver rather than peeking into the backfield, though this leads to fewer interceptions than he'd have if he "cheated" more.
Man Coverage: Better in man to man coverage than zone due to his pure athleticism. Quick feet, loose hips, good balance and outstanding speed to remain in the hip pocket of his opponent. Doesn't back down from the challenge of playing bigger receivers. Keys on the receiver and gets his head around late. Quick hands to knock passes away, but doesn't have the time to locate the football, leading to more PBUs than INTs.
Zone Coverage: Improved his overall recognition as a junior, but remains a better man to man corner than zone defender. Good feel for where receivers are around him, but can get flat-footed and savvy QBs can "push" him laterally, opening up holes for receivers to expose. Generally a reliable open-field tackler, but isn't a punisher.
Closing/Recovery: Possesses outstanding game speed, including a late burst to recover if beaten initially. Can plant and drive downhill on the ball. Good recognition to know when he's beat and to make the tackle and when he has a chance to break up the pass or go for the interception. Times his collisions well so he doesn't draw the flag. Times his leaps well to compete for jump passes and shows good hand-eye coordination to slap away the ball as the receiver is attempting to secure it. Doesn't turn enough PBU's into interceptions, however, only securing four despite 26 passes defensed over his career.
Run Support: Recognizes run quickly and isn't afraid to come up in support. Good agility and flashes physicality to break free from receiver blocks. Maintains his containment responsibility and will force the back inside. Isn't a physical tackler, too often resorting to duck and swipe techniques, but gets the man on the ground.
Tackling: A reliable open-field tackler, but isn't always pretty doing it. Has a tendency to lead with his shoulder and/or lunge at the defender, resulting in some precarious tackles. Flashes the ability to deliver a pop, but relies too much on arm tackles. Has to do a better job of wrapping up the ballcarrier, though important to note that he did not miss a tackle on the games reviewed. Occasionally asked to blitz off the edge. Times the blitz well, shows good closing speed and the wherewithal to strip the football. Did take a terrible angle on a big play by Notre Dame WR Michael Floyd in the Sun Bowl.
Intangibles: Passionate and accountable. Quoted as saying that he and his classmates (2008 signing class) should dedicate their 2010 season to head coach Randy Shannon and that they were largely to blame for Miami's inconsistency. (Despite Harris' words, Shannon was ultimately fired.) Ran track for Miami as a freshman in the 60 meter (indoor), 400 meter (outdoor) and 4x400 meter (both). Good bloodlines. Coached in high school by his father, Tim Harris, USA Today's National Coach of the Year (2007). His brother, Tim, Jr. was a four-time All-American in track for Miami. Only needs to serve a two-month internship to earn his bachelor's degree in Business
My Take:
Too small and too slow, has great footwork and did really well in drills. To me that says slot corner, or the nickel or dime corner. Which we all ready have in Squid, I say no.
Aaron Williams, CB/FS, Texas Height: 6-0. Weight: 204.
Hand Size: 9 ¼ in.
Combine 40 Time: 4.52.
Bench: 18. Vertical: 37.5. Arm: 31 1/2.
Projected Round (2011): 1-2.
Williams is a confident corner that should be able to contribute immediately as a nickel back. He lacks the hip fluidity to play on an island at the next level, but he has experience lining up over the slot and maintains proper position to take away the easy crossing routes. When the ball is in the air, he has a great closing burst and the superb hands to make plays even on errant throws. He is aggressive in run support, but lacks the fundamentals to make tackles in the open field. Williams is good football player and should be an early second day pick.
Williams is a long corner with great closing speed. Well-prepared player that is always in sound position and quickly recognizes routes. Possesses excellent ball skills and has the hands to pluck the ball away from bigger receivers. Has quick feet to mirror slot receivers in man coverage. Willing tackler that consistently wraps. Over aggressive at times making him vulnerable to play action and double moves. A bit stiff in the hips and will lose speed in transition in man coverage. Does not show a strong press at the line. Can take poor angles in run support and struggles breaking down ball carriers in the open field.
Read - React: Reads routes well and starts to close when receivers throttle down to catch curl or hitch. Sniffs out bubble screens. Gets fooled on double moves and misdirection when receivers and backs sell their routes. Recognizes run immediately in man or zone coverage and gets around the receiver to make the play.
Man Coverage: His size makes him a prototypical outside corner, able to stay with NFL pass-catchers down the sideline. Usually matches up with opponent's biggest receiver. Shows relatively quick feet when in the slot. Mirrors receivers on most straight-line routes but struggles to stop and return on throws behind him. Stays too high in his pedal, however, lets receivers eat up cushion too quickly. Needs to play more physically; usually plays well off the receiver, fails to land his hands when on the line. Gets pushed around too easily, allowing separation outside.
Closing/Recovery: A bit slow transitioning forward to plant and drive, but likes to make big hits and is tough for receivers to escape when he closes. Owns only adequate hands for the interception; picks off some easy passes but drops high and wide throws when in position to make the play. Able to knock away passes by swiping his long arm in front of receivers and winning jump balls. Lacks recovery speed if beaten off the line and does not gain ground running down the field.
Run Support: Solid run defender on the edge. Not afraid to take on large outside receivers and reacts quickly to get around potential blockers to make the tackle on running plays to his side of the field. Gets outside of the blocker to funnel plays back inside, but could do a better job shedding blocks when he's not able to elude them. Takes deep angles to be a last line of defense.
Tackling: Inconsistent tackler who displays the length and aggressiveness to wrap up ballcarriers but lacks great strength. Like to hit running backs on the edge and usually leads with a shoulder. Gives good effort, coming off his man to help teammates and laying out to make ankle tackles. Blitzes effectively due to his straight-line speed and size. Height can be a detriment against smaller, quicker ballcarriers; will leave his feet instead of dropping his hips to wrap and tackle. Gets dragged for extra yardage by stronger receivers.
Intangibles: Showed great maturity working though disappointing dropped punt against Oklahoma last fall. Missed UCF game in 2009 with a right knee injury. Uncle, Ken Taylor, played defensive back at Oregon State (1981-84) and Super Bowl XX champion Chicago Bears.
My Take:
Is too slow to be a corner unluckily for him. Could find work as a nickel or dime corner but I think he may be better served putting on 10 pounds and becoming a safety, but for us I say no.
Davon House, CB, New Mexico State Height: 6-1. Weight: 200.
Hand Size: 9 ½ in.
Combine 40 Time: 4.43 unofficial, 4.50 official
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.35.
Bench: 14. Vertical: 33.5. Arm: 31 7/8.
Projected Round (2011): 2-3.
Date of birth: c. 1989 (age 21–22)
House is a physical corner that excels in press coverage, and could develop into a starter in a Cover-2 scheme. He uses his big strong hands to jar receivers on the line of scrimmage and he can flip his hips and run. He also shows the ability to anticipate routes in zone and has enough speed to close with the ball in the air. However, he is a bit stiff in transition and will struggle to mirror receivers on double moves. His ultra-aggressive style of play makes him vulnerable to ball fakes and he will probably be flagged often. House looks like a middle round pick.
House is a big physical corner. Delivers a good press at the line to reroute receivers. Reads quarterback's eyes in zone coverage and shows the ability to anticipate routes. Possesses big hands and good timing to knock away passes. Flashes a mean streak and is a willing tackler in run support.
Lacks elite recovery speed and the hip fluidity to consistently stick with shiftier wide receivers in man coverage. Over confident at times and can get burned by play action. A step slow reacting to the play and struggles to disengage from blockers. Physical play could result in a lot of flags at the next level.
Read - React: Has adequate reaction time and instincts on the outside. Explodes into ballcarriers on outside runs but can also be a step late supporting against the run or stopping his pedal to get to receivers on stop routes. Maintains contact with his man on misdirection plays; can recover from double moves quickly. Very good hand-eye reaction time to pick off bobbled passes and knock away passes at the last second.
Man Coverage: His best asset, as he uses his size, speed and length to adeptly handle outside responsibilities in man coverage. Good backpedal and quick feet to wait until his man makes a move inside or outside. Runs with any receiver down the sideline and maintains contact to prevent separation. Tight coverage forces quarterbacks to often go in another direction or take a sack. Good ball skills; times his jumps well if quarterbacks test him deep and looks to return the ball as far as possible after making a pick.
Zone Coverage: Plays a lot of man coverage but shows promise as a productive NFL zone corner. Solid tackler who can plant and drive to stop receivers after the catch and support the run when playing off the line. Stays cognizant of the quarterback in the end zone, will come off his man to make a play on the ball. Must prove he has the discipline to come off receivers leaving his area so quarterbacks don't throw behind him into the vacated area.
Closing/Recovery: Closes on the ball very well whether it is in the air or he's bringing down receivers to prevent yards after catch. Is sometimes turned around by double moves or outside-in head fakes, but recovers quickly to get back into the play. Time his jumps well when going up for the ball. Needs to tighten up his steps when transitioning forward from his pedal.
Run Support: Looks the part of a physical corner who will get the job done in run support. Flashes the ability to stay low and square to wrap up elusive ballcarriers in the flat. Gets outside angle on receiver to force plays inside, and can rip off blocks with his long arms, but must have more consistent urgency to get to the ball. Will stand around piles instead of inserting himself.
Tackling: Effective as a wrap and cut tackler against receivers and running backs. Generally gets the thighs of ballcarriers on cut tackles to bring him them down. Willing to lower a shoulder to hit a back, even if it's a bit late. Impressive chasing to the opposite side of the field, using his speed and the angle to track them down before they reach the end zone. Also capable of chasing down running backs from behind if they get outside him to the sideline.
Intangibles: Coaches have no issues with his work ethic. Has gained bulk in the weight room during his time at NMSU. Did not play football until his junior year of high school, focused on baseball before that. Hasn't missed a game in his Aggies career.
My Take:
House interests me (plus he has a cool last name). The question I have is his speed, why the big difference from the combine to the pro day? To find the answer it means going back to the tape. Which isn’t great, House will be a good backup and rotational player, but I just don’t see him as a starter.
Ras-I Dowling, CB, VirginiaHeight: 6-1. Weight: 198.
Hand Size: 9 ½ in.
Combine 40 Time: 4.40 unofficial, 4.46 official.
Bench: 19. Vertical: N/A Arm: 31. Projected Round (2011): 2-3.
Date of birth: May 9, 1988 (age 22)
Dowling entered the 2010 season as one of the nation's top cornerbacks, but after playing in only five games due to injury, his draft stock may have taken a hit. He is a monster of a cornerback who seeks out contact in run support and is a sound tackler. He really excels in zone coverage with terrific instincts and has the ball skills to make plays on underneath routes. He does not have the recovery speed to play in a man-heavy scheme at the next level, but he should be a good fit in a Tampa 2 system. A potential first-round pick before the season, Dowling still likely will be a second-round pick.
Dowling has safety size and adequate speed. Very confident kid that reads quickly and shows the ability to jump routes in zone coverage. Presses effectively at the line and displays very good footwork. Big hitter that likes to mix it up in run support and consistently wraps the ball carrier.
Lacks elite recovery speed and will struggle against real burners in the NFL. A bit stiff in the hips and does not show the ability to stick with receivers in and out of their breaks. Rarely looks back at the ball in man coverage which limits his more than adequate balls skills. Missed most of his senior season with an ankle injury.
Read - React: Experienced corner who has seen all the tricks. Rarely out of position, even against double-moves, due to his instincts and vision. Keeps an eye on the quarterback and breaks on the ball quickly. Height and long arms make it very difficult to beat him over the top.
Zone Coverage: Savvy zone coverage defender. High in his backpedal, but is surprisingly fluid. Keeps his eyes on the quarterback, but has a good sense of where his receiver is. Will bait the passer into making the throw. Reacts quickly because of his vision and acceleration.
Closing/Recovery: Lacks elite recovery speed, making him susceptible to double-moves by NFL route-runners. Shows good instincts, however, and his rare height and arm length make throwing over the top of him dangerous. Locates the football quickly and is an explosive leaper with good timing and good ball skills.
Run Support: Reads run quickly and fights through receiver blocks efficiently through lateral agility and good upper-body strength. Willing to take on bigger ballcarriers with no hesitation. Uses the sideline to help defend the run. Understands his role in keeping contain and pushes the action back inside when he can't make the play. Willing to take on blocks to free up teammates for the easy stop.
Tackling: Good balance and lateral agility to handle tackling smaller, quicker players in the open field. Breaks down well and makes strong, secure tackles. Likes to intimidate his opponent with big hits. Will hit-lift-drive the ballcarrier into the ground when he can, resulting in impressive stops. Good pursuit and takes good angles to the ball, masking a lack of elite straight-line speed.
Intangibles: Played a postgrad season for coach Robert Prunty at Hargrave Military Academy following his senior year at Deep Creek High School. Had appeared in 35 of a possible 37 games for the Cavaliers prior to his senior season. Only started twice in five games played in 2010 due to injuries. Fractured his left ankle Nov. 13 against Maryland. Well respected teammate. Hard worker. Team captain in 2010. Nominee for the 2010 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.
My Take:
Dowling I like, has great size and above average speed, has a long history of getting intercepts. With work could be a starting corner, reminds me of Cox a little but with less problems. And in the second is good value, but if he falls to the third I would look long and hard at him there.
Finally. JK.
ReplyDeleteTime for "your" guy. Peterson. I was there for a short period. He is elite. In fact he seems to me to be another Champ( or Woodson as you said). Either one of their careers were steller. To posibly have 10 more seasons of that would be outstanding. People say good CBs don't get you wins, you have to have pressure on the QB. True, but in today's NFL pressure is not enough either. Almost getting the sack is worth nothing if he gets away and finds a guy open. I would love to have PP for 10+ years. And Champ for 4 more.
I didn't look closely at the rest of your guys. Sorry. I liked Harris, too short though. Dowling if he falls to #67.
Haha Peterson is one of my guys, and would love to have him on the team.
ReplyDeleteI like Dowling too if he falls, but that is if we don't get Peterson in the first.
I look at the Packers v Steelers superbowl. The packers showed the way to beat a team with a really good pass rush. Go to the spread and pick a part their backup corners. As we know the Steelers lost and Rodgers walked all over the Steelers. Pass rush isn't everything. I didn't mention it but one of the main things people say for 'No to Peterson' is the 'you can throw to the other half of the field and elimate that corner'. Most better forget that for the Broncos the other half is covered by a guy named Champ Bailey. Who I think would love to see more passes coming his way. Which means going after the slot, which would be Squid and possibly Cox who I think will do well. That means picking on the safeties. But you have to go deep to get at those guys, meaning more time for the pass rush. That leaves you with running and you can't run every play.
Read this:
ReplyDeleteThe Texans are expected to make Okoye available for trade. Trouble is, he's shown no pass-rush ability, is due a $2.95 million salary in the final year of his contract, and the rest of the NFL is well aware Okoye doesn't fit Houston's new 3-4 defense. They can't expect more than a late-round pick in return.
I would gladly have him for a late round pick.
3mil for him isn't to bad. His contract is up next year and he's shouldn't be able to demand much then. He's only 24. I said earlier Haggan for him would be great IMO. Both starters last year and borderline starters this year depending on the draft. Both don't fit new systems. Hagan's 7 years older so they may want something extra. Unrein maybe.
ReplyDeleteYeah I like the fact he has been in the league 4 years and is young 23 turning 24. Switch for Haggan could be good and maybe our 6th? Unrein is next to nothing so no real value there.
ReplyDeleteYeah they'll want a pick rather than a PS player.
ReplyDeleteMaybe someone like Larsen (hate to say it) but he can play ILB in a 3-4 the position he should be playing, Or who else we got?
ReplyDeleteAlso when Princess pops in I have a question for her, back to what is and isn't a sport. The question is do you think fighting (all forms, so boxing, MMA/UFC, Wrestling) are sports?
I just had a brainwave (I know a rare thing) but I think the Broncos will take Gabbert with no.2 and trade Orton. Why? So we then have the best looking QB corps in the league! Princess can you agree with me? Who would have a better looking QB corps than that?
ReplyDeleteLarsen can go. We need a new FB IMO anyway.
ReplyDeleteyes. fighting is sport.
queer.
Yeah that is what I thought.
ReplyDeleteI think fighting is a sport but would like to get the ladies perspective.
And come on we all have our man crushes haha.
And I bet Princess is looking forward to the Tebow Jockey deal haha.
ReplyDeleteSorry, been busy past couple of days. Got some MAJOR stuff done on my car. Purrs like a kitten, stings like a bee. ahaha!!
ReplyDeleteSo, is fighting a sport?? gee, let me think about that one... uh, yep. Just look at how fit some of those guys are. I don't watch it but I've seen enough commercials to say it is. So is wrestling... even if they look twice as funny as football players wearing tight uniforms (I guess you call them)?? lol
hahaha, does Aussie have a wittle crush on Gabbert??? ahaha You can have him! I'd take Tebow ANY day... Bronco QB or Jockey model. I'd rather him be our QB this season. Won't go there though.
Haha nice Princess, what you get done to the car? Also been meaning to ask how is life after graduation, got a job yet?
ReplyDeleteOk that is what I thought, love me some MMA haha.
Not really a crush, just trying to work out the reason why we are looking at QBs? Thought getting rid of Neckbeard for someone better looking was the most logical. Plus we got an extra 7th pick which is always nice. Could use that in the trade for Okoye.
If those jockey undies have the bronco logo on them I may have to get a few haha.
I couldn't begin to tell you what had to be done to my car. I kid you not the list of things they did is 2 FULL pages. I honestly didn't think it was that bad. Needed a full coolant system flush, engine light was on and there were a few times where it would have trouble starting. I'd have to turn the key like 5 times just to start the car. Just to name a few things. I even had to leave it overnight on Thursday night. Anyway, its like a whole new car. Love the sound of the engine. vroom, vroom! lol
ReplyDeleteWhat makes you think they are looking at drafting a QB? I say if they are gonna draft a QB they need to get rid of Quinn first. I'd much rather keep Orton than Quinn. Quinn is cute but if he can't be a solid QB he is of no use and once again, getting him in the trade for Hillis was THE DUMBEST thing ever. I'm convinced McDumb-dumb was on drugs when he made that decision.
LOL, I doubt they'll have the Bronco logo but that would be funny. Maybe they'll do it just for Tebow since he's their new model.
Oh and post-graduation is bleh. Doing some admin stuff for a business near my house (same city) and also putting in some time at a few stores in downtown. Just some stuff to tide me over for awhile. I may be moving back to Denver sooner than I thought. Long, long, long story but it has to do with my mom's job at the airport. She works for an airline that is apart of the world's biggest airline merger and things are just crazy. Her new boss is a complete joke - meaning he's as good of a boss as McD was a coach for Denver. That should explain it all. Not worth a thing to the company but yet somehow one fool and one fool only was blind enough to hire him.
ReplyDeleteThey say they're giving all the new managers of each city station a year to get their station in order and then they'll have an audit to see how things are going and if they aren't doing what the company wants, their out. This guy, he won't last a month. World's biggest butt-kisser oh and this will put things in perspective for you. His arrogance and ego make OchoCinco look like a humble little bee. ha
So anyway, we may be headed back to CO real soon depending on what this fruitcake does or doesn't do.
Haha good to hear your car is back in working order, I can just imagine what you are like on the roads haha.
ReplyDeleteWe are looking at QBs, we have visited with pretty much every one which is interesting. I think Quinn stays because he is so cheap at the moment.
Good to hear you found work and doing something other than at home annoying your mum haha. And sounds like her boss is an asshat. Hope everything goes ok with her job and you end up in Denver.
G
ReplyDeleteYour next post will have to be QB prospects.
BP
I'm glad to hear you didn't run your car totally into the ground like my daughter is in the process of doing. I'm with G, I would hate to see you behind the wheel. Road rage! LOL. I bet you make driving a sport. LOL.
LOL, I don't drive as crazy as it may sound but I do LOVE to drive fast. I definitely could make driving a sport. Maybe I should be a race car driver?? Would that be fun or what? I've had my car for 8 years now (come this June) so I treat it like the Porsche I wish I had. lol I'll have to get a 2nd one soon, hopefully not for a few more years. But when the time comes, I want one of the newer Chevy Camaros (paint it blue & orange).
ReplyDeleteDidn't know they were looking at QBs so much. I've hardly been on the DB site or anywhere to know that. I've only come on here since the end of the season. I can see why they keep Quinn cause he's so cheap and cuz no one else is going to want him, lol, but he's not worth keeping if you ask me. We're paying him to sit on his rear and watch football. My concern is if we ever have a season and we need a our 3rd string QB he's not worth a lick on the field. We could be spending the money we're paying him to do nothing on a defensive draft pick or something more useful. If he goes, that's the only reason to look at other QBs... to get a more reliable 3rd stringer.
Yeah the jobs are just to keep me busy for awhile. It was actually a really good thing I hadn't been working much cuz we had to get some things done here around the house (new patio doors, etc) and we needed someone to be here. Anyway, yeah her new boss shouldn't even be a GM to begin with but he's got too much of an ego to turn down the job. So, he'll probably end up getting fired instead which will be much more funny. lol Sounds terrible to say but he needs to go. I blame this whole thing on the guy who hired him to begin with. Just stupid.
Digger, I was hoping I wouldn't have to, but it looks like I will need to put one up about the QBs, maybe the last week leading up to the draft. But if they have convinced us hopefully that means they convinced yhe rest of the league.
ReplyDelete"I don't drive crazy....but I do love to drive fast" ?? I think that is the perspective that we both had. You speeding down the highway yelling at the top of your lungs "whoopee" haha. Blue and orange car would be sick, those camaros are nice but a bit pricey I thought?
I will be pissed if we take a qb early in this draft, it is ok if we take a later round guy to be the 3rd stringer over Quinn.
So you are at home annoying your mum haha, or does she go to work while you are at home living it up? but if this guy is as much of an asshat as u say he should get fired. If he does is your mum changing jobs? Or she thinking about moving back to Denver anyway?
There's a difference between driving crazy & driving fast. I love to drive fast but believe it or not I rarely go over the speed limit, I wish I could but I just don't. When I do get to go about 75, then you better watch out. I OWN the left lane there. haha I've never been caught either... ahaha, never been pulled over, never been in an accident, squeaky clean record. I'm nowhere to be found in the system. So there - how's that for crazy? lol And I don't yell at the top of my lungs saying "whoopee" but I sure do think it. lol Only you would think of that.
ReplyDeleteThe 2012 camaros are higher I'm sure, they've come out with a camaro convertible too. SWEET!!!! I'm sure that one's higher than the ones I see now. I actually thought the price was ok for that kind of car. I expected it to be in the 30K... the MSRP. One of them is real close to that, could be the convertible, not sure. The ones I've seen pics of are around $22K. But yeah I would paint mine Bronco blue and then put orange flames all around the bottom and if I really had it my way... my dream camaro would have the Bronco logo on the hood, say the team name. And then on the driver's door below the window I'd put 'Super Bowl XXXIII Champs
MVP John Elway"
and on the passenger side below the window,
"Super Bowl XXXII Champs
MVP Terrell Davis"
Now that would be a sick ride. Oh and the license plate would say "Tebow's Grl" ahahaha That would be too sweet. I'd have to get past copyright laws though to do the logo, NFL probably wouldn't let me do that. Then again, who knows??
I'll be ticked too if we take a QB or any offensive player in the first 2 rounds. We need to go all defense for at least rounds 1 & 2. Possibly 3 if they can stand to go without offense. Our D is at an all time low. Needs major help.
ReplyDeleteNot annoying my mom, she's at work all day anyway. She just needed me to be here for certain things and I was. Her new boss should get fired but the guy who hired him for this new job doesn't see it that way. He's as blind as a bat. I give the new boss a month at best cuz he's already said he refuses to do some of the things the new company is DEMANDING he do and I just don't see them giving him a full year if he doesn't do what he's supposed to. That's why him getting hired makes no sense in the first place. But I remind you that this guy is the world's best butt-kisser... if there was a gold medal for it, he'd be handed it right now.
For now though, my mom's job is safe. But I can see a few years from now or even a year from now, we could be moving. We both want to go back to CO. I'm tired of living in the middle of nowhere. Gets boring, real boring after 17 years.
No, I live in the middle of nowhere.
ReplyDeleteLet's get real here. We have 4 picks that amount to anythig. One for sure will go toward offense. I'll bet you on that part.
I'm impressed. Clean driving record and your car running great now.
Oh and G, I was joking about the QB prospect thingy. I see through the hoax.
ReplyDeleteYour a safe speeder haha, yes I can just imagine you flying by on the highway.
ReplyDeleteAs for your ride that sounds sick. You would be a superstar at the tailgate parties at home games. But you could only have that car if you lived in Colorado. Outside of that, some 'expletive' would for sure key your car. I think the NFL would let you do that, may just need permission.
I agree with you, no offense on the first two days of the draft.
I think there is value for Safeties in the 3rd and LBs after that so 4th onwards. Value for DTs or DL is in the second. So my draft is looking like:
1st Peterson/Miller (not a fan of Miller at SAM takes away his best ability the pass rush, but am open to the idea)
2nd Nevis, Austin, Paea, any two of the DTs in this round are good, there are more than I have listed.
3rd A safety, I like Sash and Sands in this round. DT Eliis is a backup plan or Carter (carter doesn't fit as he is a WLB but has talent).
4th Homan, Herzlich, McCarthy, KJ Wright are all interesting prospects.
Now your mums boss, if he doesn't do the things that are demanded of him and keeps his job that dude needs a medal. Otherwise the boot haha. Being in Denver would be better than being in Chief land. At least it would be easier to stalk Tebow haha.
Digger, I think it is a hoax to, but I had the same feeling last year when I thought we would go defense. I just hope EFX doesn't do a McD.
Well, I feel like I'm in the middle of nowhere. Even after 17 years of living in this boring state, I'm still not used to not having the Rockies to the West of everywhere I go. But if you drive at least a mile in any direction of where I live, you'll be in the middle of nowhere, literally. So I guess I'll say I live on the outskirts of nowhere. lol
ReplyDeleteEven with 4 picks, I can't see them going offense for 1 of them with the kind of D we have. It definitely wouldn't surprise me but if they're wise, they'll go defense with all 4 picks. We need another RB but I think we need to get one with more experience than Moreno to balance things out. He's had a difficult time, we need an RB with experience that's actually legit. I wish White could come back but I don't see them keeping him. I think they'll look within the league (if they ever get the chance) to find a more experienced RB than Moreno. But if they do draft a QB or WR, I'll be p'od. We don't need 'em. We got our young gun and oddball Orton. Get rid of Quinn and go for another experienced QB but not one that will outshine Tebow. And we have more WRs than I can count.
Safe speeder, lol, you could say that. I'm no reckless driver that's for certain. I've had some close calls but nothing that would've been my fault. The only ways I get real mad (anything close to road rage) is when I get stuck behind a slow driver (really ticks me off) or when I have someone behind me that's practically driving in my backseat. I'll purposely slow down to like 2 miles an hour, even on a major highway, just to tick them off and I make sure they can't get around me. ahaha Within seconds they back off, like 20 ft. Needless to say I get a good laugh. lol I've made it a point to never get a ticket or anything. I'm not looking to be in "the system" anytime soon.
No, no!!! Can't give the new boss a medal if he manages to keep his job, it will only boost his painfully-high ego even more! lol He needs to be brought back down to earth and realize he can't schmooze his way through everything. Not everyone, especially me, tolerates favortism, I hate it. He needs to get that picture. He's butt-kissed his way up to GM. It needs to end so he can realize that you can't get everything you want by sucking up to your boss. I for one would fire his rear end in a heartbeat. No way would I put up with that crap. Then again, I'm not stupid either so blame it on the guy who hired him. ha
ReplyDeleteAgreed, being in Denver is much better for any Bronco fan but I gotta say living in Chief zone has been fun. Especially when we won our 2 SBs. Boy did I ever rub it in. ahaha I get compliments & people saying crap left & right on my Bronco jacket with autographs. Its fun. But when it comes time to watch a game on TV at home and they don't show the Broncos, I go mental!
IF we re-sign Harris, feel our TEs(Quinn and Gronkowski) can get it done and get a RB in FA then I think our first 4 picks may be defense.
ReplyDeleteI am hoping we resign Harris. I like Gronkos but need to see more, but I think a late rounder or FA will fix that position. And RB I think can be fixed late in the draft or in FA. So...DEFENSE! haha.
ReplyDeleteI think we keep Quinn because he is cheap if not cut him.
We trade Orton, and sign an experienced back-up to help Tebow. Which leaves Tebow starting.
A few close calls? Happy I live on the other side of the planet haha. Me too never had a ticket or anything like that. Got rear ended at the start of the year, but insurance covered that and it is all sweet as now.
You need to learn some patience by the sound of it, not liking slow drivers, then you do the opposite and slow down for guys that are behind you? So you are doing the same thing you dislike haha. That is why I am always mellow and just crusie a long.
This new company I think will do the right thing and clean house of management meaning your mum could get a mangement position haha?
Now you're thinking Digger!! lol Add Decker to that list of TEs and I think we have a chance. Gotta let him play more, he got ripped off last season. Quinn (the TE) has been MIA since we drafted him but I think with practice and a real shot at playing time, he'll step up to the plate. Definitely need to get a RB in FA.
ReplyDeleteI still say we drop Brady Quinn like a hot potato. He is of no use to us. Why pay him to sit there and do nothing? I don't care if he's dirt cheap, that money could go to better use. I say if we get rid of Quinn, we keep Orton & Tebow... let them dual it out for the starting job and just find a more legit 3rd stringer. Simple!!! Harris definitely needs to be resigned. As weak as our offense was his presence on the field did not go unnoticed.
Like I said, those close calls were not my fault. People don't know how to drive, crazy fools. I only slow down on purpose because I HATE it when people are riding my bumper, good way to get in an accident. You can get a ticket for that over here if you get caught but I just can't stand when people drive that close to my car. Irritating. So I make them back off by slowing down. Works like a charm everytime. And when I get stuck behind a slow driver (usually a 90-year old something that shouldn't be driving) I deal with it. Its not like I honk at them till they pull over. I'm a mellow driver 98% of the time. Very rarely do I do something real stupid... hence the clean record.
No way does my mom want a management position. She doesn't want all that responsibility. A few years back she almost got talked into taking a supervisor position but they're on call 24/7... she'll never do something like that. I think eventually they'll get rid of this guy they hired but why can't they ever get it right the first time?? Ridiculous.
Decker at TE? I am interested to find out why you think that?
ReplyDeleteI am not a huge fan of Orton on the contract that he has, if we reconstruct his deal and resign him I would be ok with that, but he has to accept being a back up which I don't think he wants. I see a trade for a future pick. That pick could be a 1st in next years draft (a 2nd this year is a 1st next I believe).
Ok I agree there are some complete fools on the roads these days.
Yeah I understand with that type of job it is hard work. Plus she can't be on call as she has to babysit you haha. And you are right they should have gotten the hiring right the first time.
I could've sworn that's what we drafted him as... a TE. I stand corrected. I guess I thought we had more depth at TE. I know we got rid of Graham which I think at this point was stupid considering we only have 3 TEs on the roster. Yeah he didn't do hardly anything useful last season but now we probably will spend one of draft picks this year on a TE.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of Orton period, if it were up to me I'd get rid of both Orton & Quinn and find better more reliable backups for Tebow. I do think though that Orton will give Tebow good competition when the time comes but no doubt Tebow will outshine him in every aspect. If Tebow was playing like Elway in his prime by August they would have named him our starter already. I agree with Elway that he's not totally ready to be a starter but you push him far enough, he'll pull through and they'll begin to wonder why they ever kept Orton to begin with. Orton will have to accept the fact that someday real soon he will become the backup to Tebow and he's not going to like that. Tebow is ready if you ask me, just believe in the kid and push him and he'll show everyone that he was the one solid, good decision McDumby ever made.
Very funny. I have a few jobs now, so no babysitting me. She just doesn't want all that stress is the main thing. If being a supervisor wasn't so stressful, she'd take it but she's stressed enough as it is with other things. The boss she's had for 3 years.... his last day is the 31st so won't be long at all till the new idiot shows up and completely undoes everything this guy worked so hard for. He got that station back on its feet after having a real crappy & lazy GM and now they're back to square one only this new GM is 20 times worse. Like I said, I give him a month before the company fires his rear end. He refuses to do a lot of things the company is demanding ALL GMs do and I just don't see him staying for more than a month, two at the most. I would be a hard-core GM, I would not put up with this crap. Amazing how stupid people are. I'll never understand why people give into other people butt-kissing. Nothing irritates me more.
Decker is a WR....
ReplyDeleteTo be honest I think all this doubting of Tebow will make him a better player. Tebow lives on competition and being doubted.
Was only poking fun, and I know what you mean about stress.
And on butt kiss some people like them and have that feeling I guess of self worth when they are having their bottom kissed, that is why they keep them around.
The reason people like butt-kissers is for the compliments. Many do not get compliments anywhere else.
ReplyDeleteOrton has already figured out the future in Denver is Tebow and he wants out. He will get out of town when/if a new CBA is signed. You don't know if Quinn is good backup. No one does. Heck he may be good enough to compete for the starting job or be another Simms for all we know. We will not get rid of him yet though. If we draft or get one in FA, Quinn may not make it through camp, but for now he stays.
Decker is almost big enough to be a TE.
Yes Digger, they like to be looked up to, admired and made to feel important. Is sad really.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, Orton I think is smart enough to know it is time to leave town.
Decker may be taller enough for TE but lacks the bulk. He will struggle against linebackers. He isn't Shannon Sharpe, he is better suited for the Slot or on the outside. Hopefully see a lot more of him this year.