| 'Hamas' Jenkins |
04-30-2006 11:36 AM |
If we don't take Wright, here is a potential FS that we could groom
Marcus Maxey, The U:
Strengths: Is a big defensive back with good athletic ability and speed for his size. Has long arms. Shows improved ball skills and challenges receivers for the ball in the air. He can match up on the perimeter with bigger receivers in the red zone. He has good quickness and initial burst for his size. Does a good job of fighting off of blocks and is an efficient open-field tackler. Also has great experience playing special teams in college and shows the potential to contribute in multiple facets in the NFL.
Weaknesses: Lacks ideal playing experience. Spent majority of time at DC position in college but might fit better at FS in NFL. Lacks ideal top-end speed to match up versus elite speed receivers in the NFL. Must improve instincts and awareness in zone coverage. Better athlete than football player at this point. He is a solid tackler and productive special teams player, but he does not fill as hard as he should in run support. Not as physical as his size would indicate.
Overall: Maxey redshirted in 2001 and played primarily on special teams in 2002. He played a versatile role as a DS and DC in all 13 games as a sophomore in 2003, while also contributing on special teams. Maxey started four of the 12 games he played as a nickel DC during his junior season in 2004, when he finished with 21 tackles and three passes broken up. Maxey played in all 12 games as a senior in 2005, when he beat out Devin Hester for the starting DC job opposite Kelly Jennings and finished with 27 tackles, three TFL, two interceptions and three PBU. Maxey lacks ideal playing experience and possesses just adequate top-end speed. He is a 'tweener DC/DS that may wind up being a better fit at the safety position in the NFL, but only if his awareness in coverage and aggressiveness in run support improve. Regardless, Maxey has made significant strides as a big, athletic and versatile defensive back over the course of the last three seasons. Maxey will be a developmental project early in his NFL career but he has great experience as a special teams and will at least be able to earn his keep in that area while finding a niche and polishing his skills on defense. In our opinion, Maxey is worth the gamble as a fourth or fifth round pick in 2006.
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