NFL Draft scouting report: Cornerbacks

Mr. Laz · 02:25 PM

NFL Draft scouting report: Cornerbacks
By Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY

•Requirements: Speed and athleticism, which includes fluidity for changing directions at a stop on a dime and a knack for backpedaling while sticking to wide receivers with world-class speed. The best prospects also are physical enough — inside 5 yards, of course — to support the run and prevent broken tackles that lead to big plays. Mental toughness is a must, too. Cornerbacks often are left isolated in man coverage. And while even the best ones are sometimes beaten, the position requires a short memory for breakdowns in a game tailor-made for passing offenses.

•Last year's gem: Dunta Robinson, Houston. Drafted 10th overall in the first round, he immediately stepped into the lineup and started all 16 games. His six interceptions tied Carolina's Chris Gamble (28th overall) for tops among rookies.

Insider's take

"I don't think (the emphasis on illegal contact) changes their value. I think it may change who they are, what traits they bring to the table. The trait of being able to grab, hold, turn, throw people to the ground, hopefully that trait has been devalued. That was the object. But I think people still realize corners, no matter what you do, at some time they're going to be on an island and you'd better have good ones."

— Atlanta Falcons President-general manager Rich McKay

Prospect's view

"You can be a corner that's 6-2, 6-3, but if you can't move, it doesn't matter. I think the good thing about me is I have pretty good hips. I'm able to move quickly. I still need to work on my technique, but if I get with the right team and right coaching staff, I'm sure I will turn out pretty good."

— Howard cornerback Ronald Bartell

Stats and stuff

Miami (Fla.)'s Antrel Rolle, who brings a physical, in-your-face style, is regarded as the No. 1 cornerback on many teams' draft boards. But there's debate when considering his lack of blazing speed (4.49 to 4.52 seconds for 40 yards). "A lot has been written about Rolle's speed," Houston Texans GM Charley Casserly says. "Some people have projected him to safety. You think about guys like Ty Law, (Patrick) Surtain and (Sam) Madison. None of them were big speed guys. They all ran 4.5s. They've all gone on to numerous Pro Bowls. Rolle, I think, will be that style of corner." ...

Auburn's Carlos Rogers, who won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's best defensive back, allowed opponents to complete 27% of passes thrown in his direction (18 of 65) last season. ...

Nebraska's Fabian Washington's stock has soared since posting the best 40 time (4.27 seconds) at the combine. ...

Adam "Pacman" Jones was beaten for one TD in two years as a starter at West Virginia and had eight interceptions. He also ranked second in school history with a 25.1-yard average on kickoff returns. ...

Justin Miller is third on Clemson's all-time list with 13 interceptions, but the first-team All-America returner left more of an imprint with his special-teams marks. School kickoff-return records include five TDs and a 30.7-yard average that is best in Atlantic Coast Conference history. ...

Hawaii's Abraham Elimiman, noted for man-to-man coverage skills, didn't allow a TD catch in his last 27 games. But a slow 40 (4.69) at a campus workout didn't help his stock. ...

Kelvin Hayden was perhaps Illinois' best athlete, converting to defense last season. At Joliet (Ill.) Junior College, he was the first wide receiver to earn NJCAA national offensive player of the year honors. ...

As a junior in 2003, Eric King became the first Wake Forest cornerback named first-team all-ACC since 1987. ...

Arizona State's Chris McKenzie, who went five games in 2004 without allowing a catch, stands just 5-8. But no cornerback at the combine matched his 45-inch vertical leap, which ranked third among all prospects. ...

Stanley Wilson also was a standout sprinter at Stanford, anchoring the 400-meter relay that produced a 39.71-second mark to break a 1978 school record set by a unit that included football stars James Lofton and Darrin Nelson. ...

Keep an eye on Miami (Ohio)'s Alphonso Hodge, the fastest player in the Mid-American Conference with a 4.36 time in the 40. ...

Washington's Derrick Johnson set a school mark with an interception in four consecutive games.

=============================================
Scouting report
Quality Draft grade for cornerbacks: B+
Projected first-rounders: Five

Teams in need

15th pick Kansas City: Defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham's fix-it job for 32nd-ranked pass unit needs more corners capable of playing his aggressive, press-coverage techniques.

6th Pick Tennessee: Got first-round cornerbacks in two of last four drafts, but with Samari Rolle and Andre Dyson gone, coverage needs are critical in division with Peyton Manning, Byron Leftwich and David Carr.

29th pick Indianapolis: Big plays propelled Colts' No. 1-ranked passing offense in 2004 — and stung Colts' 28th-ranked passing defense far too often for comfort.

11th and 20th pick Dallas: The Cowboys gave up 31 TD passes last season — a figure exceeded only by Green Bay (33), Kansas City (32) and Houston (32).

9th pick Washington: Plan to insert Walt Harris into departed Fred Smoot's slot leaves questions at nickel back and in depth.

No 1st Rd pick Oakland: Raiders produced nine interceptions in 2004, ex-No. 1 pick Nnamdi Asomugha has been shaky and Charles Woodson's future in silver and black remains fuzzy.

30th pick Pittsburgh: Chad Scott's release and Willie Williams' age (34) hasten need.

23rd pick Seattle: Better depth needed after late-game collapses in 2004.

8th pick Arizona: As overhaul continues, Cardinals traded veteran cornerback Duane Starks to New England.

Cream of the crop

Player __ School ______ Ht. Wt. __ Comment
Antrel Rolle Miami (Fla.) 6-1 198 Physical, excels in tough press coverage

Andrew Jones West Virginia 5-9 187 Team's top tackler plays bigger than size

Carlos Rogers Auburn 6-0 196 Consistent but better in man than zones

Justin Miller Clemson 5-10 201 Fluid coverer must be better tackler

Corey Webster LSU 6-0 199 Slowed by hamstring injury in 2004

Fabian Washington Nebraska 5-11 188 Speed merchant can run with any receiver

Marlin Jackson Michigan 6-0 198 Good instincts with so-so speed (4.59)

Rising stock

Ronald Bartell Howard 6-1 211 Small-school wonder with 4.37 time

Sleeper

Kelvin Hayden Illinois 5-10 198 Four interceptions tied for 2004 Big Ten lead

04-13-2005, 02:15 PM	Topic Starter
Mr. Laz Don't Tease Me Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: KS Casino cash: $11047037	NFL Draft scouting report: Cornerbacks NFL Draft scouting report: Cornerbacks By Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY •Requirements: Speed and athleticism, which includes fluidity for changing directions at a stop on a dime and a knack for backpedaling while sticking to wide receivers with world-class speed. The best prospects also are physical enough — inside 5 yards, of course — to support the run and prevent broken tackles that lead to big plays. Mental toughness is a must, too. Cornerbacks often are left isolated in man coverage. And while even the best ones are sometimes beaten, the position requires a short memory for breakdowns in a game tailor-made for passing offenses. •Last year's gem: Dunta Robinson, Houston. Drafted 10th overall in the first round, he immediately stepped into the lineup and started all 16 games. His six interceptions tied Carolina's Chris Gamble (28th overall) for tops among rookies. Insider's take "I don't think (the emphasis on illegal contact) changes their value. I think it may change who they are, what traits they bring to the table. The trait of being able to grab, hold, turn, throw people to the ground, hopefully that trait has been devalued. That was the object. But I think people still realize corners, no matter what you do, at some time they're going to be on an island and you'd better have good ones." — Atlanta Falcons President-general manager Rich McKay Prospect's view "You can be a corner that's 6-2, 6-3, but if you can't move, it doesn't matter. I think the good thing about me is I have pretty good hips. I'm able to move quickly. I still need to work on my technique, but if I get with the right team and right coaching staff, I'm sure I will turn out pretty good." — Howard cornerback Ronald Bartell Stats and stuff Miami (Fla.)'s Antrel Rolle, who brings a physical, in-your-face style, is regarded as the No. 1 cornerback on many teams' draft boards. But there's debate when considering his lack of blazing speed (4.49 to 4.52 seconds for 40 yards). "A lot has been written about Rolle's speed," Houston Texans GM Charley Casserly says. "Some people have projected him to safety. You think about guys like Ty Law, (Patrick) Surtain and (Sam) Madison. None of them were big speed guys. They all ran 4.5s. They've all gone on to numerous Pro Bowls. Rolle, I think, will be that style of corner." ... Auburn's Carlos Rogers, who won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's best defensive back, allowed opponents to complete 27% of passes thrown in his direction (18 of 65) last season. ... Nebraska's Fabian Washington's stock has soared since posting the best 40 time (4.27 seconds) at the combine. ... Adam "Pacman" Jones was beaten for one TD in two years as a starter at West Virginia and had eight interceptions. He also ranked second in school history with a 25.1-yard average on kickoff returns. ... Justin Miller is third on Clemson's all-time list with 13 interceptions, but the first-team All-America returner left more of an imprint with his special-teams marks. School kickoff-return records include five TDs and a 30.7-yard average that is best in Atlantic Coast Conference history. ... Hawaii's Abraham Elimiman, noted for man-to-man coverage skills, didn't allow a TD catch in his last 27 games. But a slow 40 (4.69) at a campus workout didn't help his stock. ... Kelvin Hayden was perhaps Illinois' best athlete, converting to defense last season. At Joliet (Ill.) Junior College, he was the first wide receiver to earn NJCAA national offensive player of the year honors. ... As a junior in 2003, Eric King became the first Wake Forest cornerback named first-team all-ACC since 1987. ... Arizona State's Chris McKenzie, who went five games in 2004 without allowing a catch, stands just 5-8. But no cornerback at the combine matched his 45-inch vertical leap, which ranked third among all prospects. ... Stanley Wilson also was a standout sprinter at Stanford, anchoring the 400-meter relay that produced a 39.71-second mark to break a 1978 school record set by a unit that included football stars James Lofton and Darrin Nelson. ... Keep an eye on Miami (Ohio)'s Alphonso Hodge, the fastest player in the Mid-American Conference with a 4.36 time in the 40. ... Washington's Derrick Johnson set a school mark with an interception in four consecutive games. ============================================= Scouting report Quality Draft grade for cornerbacks: B+ Projected first-rounders: Five Teams in need 15th pick Kansas City: Defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham's fix-it job for 32nd-ranked pass unit needs more corners capable of playing his aggressive, press-coverage techniques. 6th Pick Tennessee: Got first-round cornerbacks in two of last four drafts, but with Samari Rolle and Andre Dyson gone, coverage needs are critical in division with Peyton Manning, Byron Leftwich and David Carr. 29th pick Indianapolis: Big plays propelled Colts' No. 1-ranked passing offense in 2004 — and stung Colts' 28th-ranked passing defense far too often for comfort. 11th and 20th pick Dallas: The Cowboys gave up 31 TD passes last season — a figure exceeded only by Green Bay (33), Kansas City (32) and Houston (32). 9th pick Washington: Plan to insert Walt Harris into departed Fred Smoot's slot leaves questions at nickel back and in depth. No 1st Rd pick Oakland: Raiders produced nine interceptions in 2004, ex-No. 1 pick Nnamdi Asomugha has been shaky and Charles Woodson's future in silver and black remains fuzzy. 30th pick Pittsburgh: Chad Scott's release and Willie Williams' age (34) hasten need. 23rd pick Seattle: Better depth needed after late-game collapses in 2004. 8th pick Arizona: As overhaul continues, Cardinals traded veteran cornerback Duane Starks to New England. Cream of the crop Player __ School ______ Ht. Wt. __ Comment Antrel Rolle Miami (Fla.) 6-1 198 Physical, excels in tough press coverage Andrew Jones West Virginia 5-9 187 Team's top tackler plays bigger than size Carlos Rogers Auburn 6-0 196 Consistent but better in man than zones Justin Miller Clemson 5-10 201 Fluid coverer must be better tackler Corey Webster LSU 6-0 199 Slowed by hamstring injury in 2004 Fabian Washington Nebraska 5-11 188 Speed merchant can run with any receiver Marlin Jackson Michigan 6-0 198 Good instincts with so-so speed (4.59) Rising stock Ronald Bartell Howard 6-1 211 Small-school wonder with 4.37 time Sleeper Kelvin Hayden Illinois 5-10 198 Four interceptions tied for 2004 Big Ten lead Last edited by Mr. Laz; 04-13-2005 at 02:25 PM..
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