Dave- Te Thomas' Draft Analysis
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THE 2001 NFL DRAFT REPORT's LOOK AT THE CORNERBACK CROP WHILE THERE IS DEPTH HERE CORNERING A BLUE CHIPPER WILL BE HARD TO DO
Unlike previous drafts, teams looking for that stud cornerback will be greatly disappointed in what this year's crop has to offer. For the first time in several years, no one cornerback stands head and shoulders above the rest. However, if it is depth that you are looking for, someone to serve as a nickel or dime back, a youngster to take the place of that high-priced veteran reserve, then you've come to the right place, bubba! With the NFL receivers continuing to grow in size and quickness, the need for big, physical pass defenders is a primary need throughout the league. This is one of the few positions where speed is critical. The NFL cornerbacks needs to show blazing open field acceleration and the ability to sharply turn coming out of his backpedal while mirroring the receiver's moves all the way. Hip flexibility and explosion turning on the ball in transition is critical, in order to prevent the receiver from separating on the deep routes. Intelligence (well, at least field smarts after you look at some of these guys' IQ scores) is very important, as the cornerback must show no hesitation breaking down and diagnosing the plays. He must be adept at reading the quarterback and must not bite on the passer's pumps and fakes. With the receivers getting bigger, just covering them is not as important as being able to tackle with force. The ideal cornerback for today's game should be at least six feet tall and weigh over 200 pounds to combat the rigors of the pro game. The size factor greatly comes into play in the red zone, where most passers tend to go to their taller receivers in jump-ball situations. Timing is essential and the cornerback today must have springs in his feet in order to stay between the receiver and the ball in flight. Natural hands are needed for the interception and a cocky attitude is important, as these players can not get down on themselves when beaten on a play, or they will quickly get taken out of their "game mode." This year's crop features players with some of the qualities mentioned above, but none are in the mold of Seattle's Shawn Springs or Oakland's Charles Woodson, both considered the prototype cornerback of the new NFL. Springs successor at Ohio State, Nate Clements, is as close as you will find in meeting the cornerback criteria in this year's class, as he has great hitting ability, but needs to work a bit on his hip swerve in transition. Mississippi State's Fred Smoot is certainly not lacking in confidence, but if his strength was equal to his mouth, this guy would be rivaling Jake (Body by Jake fame, stay with me here), instead of looking like the poster child for the 90-pound weakling commercials you see in comic books. I mean, after all folks, getting to lift 225 pounds one time in the bench press would scare the heck out of me, if I was a general manager looking for a cornerback! Jamar Fletcher is the best pass thief of the bunch, but a lack of ideal size has more than one team backing off on considering him in the draft. I guess not too many general managers are confident that Fletcher could possibly be the second coming of the Jets' Aaron Glenn. Will Allen has the best pure speed in this group, but his lack of field instincts often negates any quickness he brings to the field. Mississippi's Ken Lucas looks the part that teams want in a cornerback, but has yet to live up to his athletic ability. Some teams think he could be better served as a safety, due to a lack of instinctiveness covering receivers deep. Memphis' Michael Stone is another back with the size, but seems to shy away from contact too much. The best the small colleges have to offer is Western Illinois' William Peterson, but a check into his past at Michigan and his off-field woes have quite a few teams quickly taking his name off their draft board. Tennessee State's Ligarius Jennings is the next best corner the small college ranks have to offer, but he did not look impressive at the Senior Bowl, having some organizations questioning if he is ready to handle taking on the NFL big boys. Several cornerbacks could see a shift to safety at the pro level, led by Ken Lucas and followed by the likes of Northwestern's Harold Blackmon, Baylor's Gary Baxter, Georgia's Jamie Henderson, Arizona State's Nijrell Eason and Kentucky's Kenneth Grant. Kentucky State's Carey Scott and Bethune-Cookman's Pa'Tell Troutman may make a complete move by shifting to offense as receivers, a position some teams are also looking at when discussing Lucas' athletic skills over his lack of coverage ability. As always, underclassmen add depth to this position. Nate Clements is expected to be one of the first corners taken and despite his short stature; Jamar Fletcher is also likely to earn first round status. Other youngsters that decided to bolt to the pros early are William Peterson, Kansas State's Jemetrius Butler, Minnesota's Willie Middlebrooks, who has impressed scouts in post-Combine workouts after breaking his leg last year and Notre Dame's Brock Williams, who can rival Fletcher in the draft's shortest player contest. THE POSITION REPORT CARD THE CREAM OF THE CROP Negatives...Needs to develop better hand usage as he will get caught holding the receivers upfield...Sometimes gets a little too aggressive, causing him to over-pursue...While he will gert his fair share of pass thefts, he's more of a body catcher, which turns sure interceptions into muffed pass deflections. CAREER NOTES…Two-year starter who greatly benefitted from spending his rookie year learning from Ahmad Plummer and Antoine Winfield, carrying on the Buckeyes' tradition of producing outstanding coverage cornerbacks...Regarded as one of the hardest hitters, pound-for-pound in the Big Ten Conference...Finished his career with 177 tackles, including a very impressive 154 solo stops while intercepting seven passes and deflecting 22 others...Also gained 695 yards on 58 punt returns (12.0 avg), including a touchdown. REMINDS ME OF…ex-Kansas City Chief James Hasty. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…It all depends on what a team is looking for to see who will be the first corner taken between Clements and Smoot. If a team is looking for aggressiveness and is willing to give up coverage ability, Clements is the man, but if it is coverage over power, Smoot will go first. Either way, neither is considered All-Pro material. THE BEST OF THE REST Negatives…Size is a big drawback, but he compensates with total aggression in his game and superb leaping ability...Gets lazy at times in run support and tends to lose his concentration when he is not involved in the play...Hesitates a bit dropping off in the zone, preferring to match up one-on-one with his man. CAREER NOTES…One of the most decorated defensive players in the history of Wisconsin football...Regarded by many to be the finest man coverage defender in the collegiate ranks... Master of the interception and a classic game-breaker with his blazing speed when returning the pass thefts...Holds the school's career-records with 21 interceptions for 459 yards in returns, topping the previous marks of 18 thefts, first set by Neovia Greyer (1969-71) and matched by Jeff Messenger (1991-94) and Greyer's 285 yards...His 459 yards in returns topped the old Big Ten Conference all-time record of 431, set by Tom Curtis of Michigan (1967-69)...Set another Badgers career-record with 57 pass deflections, surpassing the old mark of 41 by Troy Vincent (1988-91)...Only player in Big Ten history to lead the conference in interceptions three-straight years...His five interception returns for touchdowns established new Wisconsin and Big Ten all-time records...In 32 games for the Badgers, he never allowed an opponent to catch a touch-down pass and held the opposition to no receptions in ten contests...Finished his career with 130 tackles (106 solos). REMINDS ME OF…New York Jets' Aaron Glenn. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Some will howl that I chose Fletcher over Smoot, but this guy has produced at a high level for years. If not for his lack of height, this kid would be hands-down a top ten pick. Just refer to Aaron Glenn's play in the NFL. Fletcher will be that good. THE MOST UNDERRATED Negatives…More of a grabber than a striker when tackling in run support...Does not get a good jump coming back to fill the running lanes...Concentration tends to wander when he is not immediately in the play...Takes some false steps coming out of his backpedal on deep routes... Can be fooled by head fakes...Despite his size, he can be overpowered by the bigger backs near the line of scrimmage...Needs to take better angles in pursuit. CAREER NOTES…Unquestioned leader of Minnesota's secondary ever since stepping onto the field as a freshman...Three-year starter who is regarded as the best man coverage defender in the Big Ten Conference...Opted to leave school after his junior year, despite missing the last four games of the 2000 season with a fractured ankle...In 30 games, he registered 127 tackles (112 solos) with four interceptions and 30 pass deflections. REMINDS ME OF…Miami's Sam Madison. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…This kid, more than anyone else at this position, has done more to help his stock since the Combines than any other. He has great hitting ability and shows the sudden movements coming out of his backpedal that teams crave for. He'd look nice at #29, if the Rams don't trade that pick. THE MOST OVERRATED Negatives…Still needs to develop better field instincts, as he takes time to diagnose the plays... Looks a little sluggish late in the games, rounding his cuts rather than running sharp routes... More of a hang on-&-drag down type of tackler, rather than a wrapup one. CAREER NOTES…Thrust into action immediately upon arriving on campus as a fresh-man...Began his Ole Miss career as a wide receiver before shifting to the defensive backfield as a junior...His hard-hitting aggressive special teams coverage style convinced the Rebel coaching staff that Ken was destined for great things as a cornerback...He proved them right by having a banner senior campaign...Challenged by unsuspecting quarterbacks, who thought they would take advantage of his limited experience on defense, Ken consistently won the long ball battles in 2000, leading the nation with an incredible 25 pass deflections....A consummate team player, he has also performed with flair as a return specialist...Finished his career with 17 regular season starting assignments as a cornerback, recording 85 tackles (59 solos) with seven interceptions and 33 pass deflections. REMINDS ME OF…New England's Tebucky Jones. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…It's not that I don't like this kid, it's just that I am convinced he's not a cornerback. Much like Jones, safety may be his better position, as I openly question his ability to recognize the plays developing that is needed in a corner. THE SUPER SLEEPER Negatives…Bit of a gambler, spending more time concentrating on the ball, rather than making the switch-off assignment in the zone...Has dropped a few sure interceptions due to his concentration lapses (wants to run before he has the ball secured)...Has poor hand usage in run support, allowing blockers to cut him off at his feet...Bad character-type who has had a few off-field problems...Despite his fluid hips, he appears very tight when having to make lateral moves. CAREER NOTES…Only spent one year at Western Illinois before deciding to test the pro waters...Came to the Leathernecks from the University of Michigan, where he played a major role as the secondary's nickel back…In 31 games during his career, he made 96 tackles (77 solos) with 11 stops behind the line of scrimmage while intercepting nine passes. REMINDS ME OF…Tennessee's Samari Rolle. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…His checkered past bothers me quite a bit, but on the field, this kid is all business. He has natural pass catching abilities on the interception and few can step up in run support like this guy. Still, buyer beware, unless you are comfortable with his back- ground check. FIRST DAY DRAFT POSSIBILITIES Negatives…Marginal hitter who misses too many tackles due to his penchant to lunge at his man when going low...Lacks the power to be a physical hitter, preferring to hold on and drag his opponent down...Shows little aggression in run support...Has problems upfield, especially on slants, as he tends to shy off the receiver's shoulders on deep routes. CAREER NOTES…One of the most colorful characters to ever wear an MSU uniform, Fred is a walking quotation, providing Bulldog fans with his "insights" on his own web page, aptly named "Smoot Smack"... The two-year starter was an All-American transfer from Hinds Community College, lining up at right cornerback in the last two seasons at Mississippi State...The Jim Thorpe Award finalist (given to the top defensive back in the country) finished his career with 102 tackles (81 solos), 28 pass deflections and ten interceptions in 22 regular season games...His ten pass thefts rank fifth on the school's career-record list. REMINDS ME OF…Buffalo's Antoine Winfield. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…The "Mouth that Roared" will be in for quite a culture shock once he starts talking trash in the NFL. Watch how quick his cocky attitude changes going up against the big boys. Unless he concentrates on adding much-needed strength in the weight room, he's nothing more than a flyweight whose mouth caught everyone's attention. He could have easily made my "Most Overrated" list. #25-WILL
ALLEN Syracuse University Orangemen 5:10.3-192 Negatives…Ineffective in bump-&-run coverage...Misses jams at the line of scrimmage... Allows too much cushion underneath, allowing the receiver to break down his coverage... Lacks instincts, as he tends to misplay the ball and his less than impressive ball awareness skills and poor hands prevents him from getting too many interceptions... Needs to apply himself to becoming a student of the game (his lack of mental alertness is the only thing keeping him from being an outstanding player)...Needs to develop a ball-hawk mentality, as he seems to be content with making the pass break-up, rather than intercepting the ball...Has to work on his tackling technique vs. the run, as he tends to stand too high, allowing the backs to drag him for extra yardage. CAREER NOTES…Moved into the lineup as a sophomore, starting 28 of 31 games he's played in over the last three seasons...One of the fastest players to ever wear a Syracuse uniform...Handled the bulk of the team's kickoff return duties the last two years...Finished his career with 142 tackles (99 solos) and four interceptions...Also deflected 39 passes...Returned 37 kickoffs for 840 yards (22.7 avg)...His 840 yards rank eighth on the school's career-record list while his 22.7-yard average ranks seventh. REMINDS ME OF…Baltimore's Chris McAlister. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…He has tremendous athletic ability, yet still needs to have his technique totally redone, as it looks like his college coaching did not utilize the best of his ability. Like McAlister, he's raw, but has great upside. Look at his numbers at the Combines. Interesting, right? Well, he did that with borrowed shoes (from linebacker Morlon Greenwood). He wears a size nine, while Greenwood wears an 11 ½. Imagine what those numbers would look like with proper equipment! #18-GARY
BAXTER Baylor University Bears 6:01.2-202 Negatives…Guesses a lot in deep coverage, relying on his recovery speed to compensate...Better in zone than man coverage, having problems mirroring receivers' moves because he tries too hard to punish them at the line, thus causing him to get knocked off balance when the receiver delivers a solid hand punch...Very immature athlete who thrives on attention (possible reason his own teammates would not name him captain)...Needs better coaching discipline to keep his attitude in check...Lacks the lateral agility to display sideline range...While he keeps track of the ball in flight, his hands are like Roberto Duran's (made of stone) as he drops more than a fair share of possible interceptions...Has to work on improving his overall strength...Coverage skills need refinement, as he takes short, choppy strides trying to turn on the ball in deep routes... Possible safety due to his lack of natural hands for the interception and his insistence on always going after the ball, rather than covering his man on pass routes. CAREER NOTES…Three-year starter who loves to mix it up in the trenches...Excels as a bump-&-run artist, consistently jamming the receivers at the line of scrimmage...One of the premier special teams coverage defenders in college football, blocking three kicks during his time with the Bears...Finished his career with 202 tackles (142 solos) and six stops behind the line of scrimmage in 41 games...Intercepted six passes...His 50 pass deflections set a school career-record. REMINDS ME OF…Chicago's Thomas Smith. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…I like this kid's range better than I like his deep coverage skills. The way he hits and plays the ball could be better suited if he was playing safety, but he's a quality product who will fit in immediately in the nickel package. #10-BHAWOH
JUE Penn State University Nittany Lions 6:00.1-194 Negatives…Lacks polished pass coverage ability...Allows too much cushion underneath and is tentative when having to come up to the line in run support...Very inconsistent reacting to the ball in the air...Generally bites on the receivers' fakes...Lacks that quick burst to instantly close on the receiver...Has little power to be much help in the bump-&-run...Ducks his head before making contact and would rather side tackle than engage his man head-on. CAREER NOTES…Finally was given the opportunity to start full-time as a senior...Showed vast improvement as a pass defender, ranking among the Big Ten Conference leaders in pass deflections during the 2000 campaign...Finished his career with 15 regular season starts and 99 tackles, to go along with seven interceptions. REMINDS ME OF…Baltimore's Duane Starks. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Like the rest of the team, 2000 was a year to forget. He has good deep coverage skills, but outside of athletic ability, he does not show starting material at the moment. Still, a good showing at the Senior Bowl probably makes him a first day draft pick. #44-MICHAEL
STONE University of Memphis Tigers 5:11.6-193 Negatives…Despite his quickness, he's a little sluggish coming out of his backpedal, keeping his arms tight and struggles to kick into gear when the receiver races by him... Somewhat of a sloppy tackler in run support, sitting back to wait for the play to come to him rather than stepping up... Slow to react to plays directed in front of him and looks tentative stepping up to fill the holes... Has to work on his stop-&-go action, as he lacks the ability to stop sharply and change directions...Drops his head too often when going low to make the wrapup tackle. CAREER NOTES…Former walk-on who joined the team after Central State (Ohio) dropped their football program...Has started at both "field" and "boundary" cornerback during his Memphis career...Finished his Tigers career with 144 tackles and three interceptions. REMINDS ME OF…ex-Tennessee Titan Denard Walker. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Another kid with safety potential. He needs to improve his backpedal before he can get lots of action at cornerback, but he'll excel in the nickel package and on special teams before getting a chance to start in a few year (just not ready for prime time). #27-TAY
CODY Florida State University Seminoles 5:09.2-179 Negatives…Has problems staying tight with receivers on deep routes, as he does not get his head turned around properly and tends to backpedal on his heels, preventing him from exploding out of his turns...Looks sluggish in trying to recover after being beaten on routes...Lacks explosiveness in his hits, mostly due to his slight frame...Needs to develop more muscle definition on his frame... Has had off-field problems in the past (guilty of marijuana possession in 1999), but gets a good recommendation from the coaching staff for his work habits and has made great strides in maturing off the field. CAREER NOTES…Mainstay at right cornerback since his freshman year...Called by the coaching staff the best run defender of any defensive back in the Bobby Bowden era...Registered 192 tackles (139 solos) with 29 pass deflections during his career...Ranks sixth on the school's all-time record list with 12 interceptions. REMINDS ME OF…Tampa Bay's Ronde Barber. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…For my money, this kid was the Jim Thorpe winner in 2000, as no one covered receivers better than him. Like Fletcher, a lack of size was his drawback, but folks, this guy can simply cover. Look for Indianapolis to eye him in the second round. Hey, they have a history of taking smaller corners. #1-BROCK
WILLIAMS University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish 5:09.4-189 Negatives…Gets turned around some on moves, but has the flexible hips to quickly adjust... Makes risky decisions going for the long ball, trying for the big play...Takes some false steps in run support and needs to take better angles dropping off in the zone. CAREER NOTES…Unheralded athlete who is regarded as one of the best press coverage cornerbacks in the collegiate ranks...Well-respected by his teammates, he became the "voice" of the emerging defensive unit in 2000, more than living up to the challenge as he handled the opposition's top receiver every week...In only 18 games as a starter, he held his assigned opponent to no catches in five games...Finished his career with 92 tackles (74 solos), two interceptions and 12 pass deflections. REMINDS ME OF…St. Louis' Dre' Bly. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Another mighty-mite whose size will see his stock slip a bit on draft day. He does not make the big play, but will give a steady and consistent performance. I feel he's more of a mid-rounder, but too many teams are smiling over his workouts. SECOND DAY DRAFT POSSIBILITIES Negatives...For all of his ball-hawking skills, he still needs major refinement in his backpedal... Comes out of his stance too high and lacks body control, showing a choppy turning motion that causes him to struggle in transition...Takes false steps at times in man coverage, but has the acceleration to compensate...Very cautious when reacting to plays in run support...Does not show solid anticipation skills working in the zone, only adequately picking up the switch...Does not cover much ground coming out of his breaks...Hit intent on intercepting the pass sometimes causes him to lose awareness for the receiver's position upfield...Over-pursues plays at times and while he is a secure wrapup tackler, little production is shown in run support...Lacks fluid lateral agility (4.56 in the 20-yard shuttle). CAREER NOTES…One of the nation's premier pass thieves...Plays a very aggressive game, stalking the receiver with a vengeance...Closed out his career with 163 tackles (132 solos), six forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries...Had 15 interceptions for 263 yards in returns...Only Shawn Vincent (265 yards, 1988-90) gained more yards on interception returns in school history. REMINDS ME OF…Tampa Bay's Donnie Abraham. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Joins Jamar Fletcher as the best interceptor in this year's crop and is probably the hardest hitter you will find here. Still, his gambling ways on the field do get him burnt at times. Could sneak into the first day of the draft. After a little refinement, someone is going to have a big-time player. #9-JIMMY
WILLIAMS Vanderbilt University Commodores 5:10.0-184 Negatives…Work ethic is questionable...Needs to show better dedication to his craft, as he does not play up to his athletic ability...His mental lapses can cause him to be beaten on pass routes, as he seems to have an inability to recognize the play...Footwork needs improvement, especially in planting and driving out of his breaks...Stays high coming out of his backpedal, showing sluggish movements on the turn-&-go...Indecisive at times, closing on the ball...Has to add strength to prevent blockers from riding him away from the play...Has poor tackling technique, attacking with his shoulders, rather that wrap tackling...Seems to shy away from contact, showing a timidness when having to supply run support...Needs to grow up off the field, as he tries to do little things like being late for meetings or loaf through practices that seem to wear on a coach's nerves. CAREER NOTES…Dangerous multi-purpose threat during his career, seeing action as a running back and cornerback, in addition to handling punt and kickoff returns...Only the third player in school history to return a punt and a kickoff for touchdowns in a career... Ranks seventh on the school's career-record list with ten interceptions...Three-year defensive starter who finished his career with 29 pass deflections and 187 tackles...Ranks third in Commodore annals with 1677 yards via kickoff returns and seventh with 403 yards on punt returns. REMINDS ME OF…Jacksonville's Fernando Bryant. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Never got back on track after an early season suspension in 2000, but looked very capable covering receivers at the Blue-Gray Game practices. Still, he needs to upgrade his strength before he can be anything more than a nickel-&-dime package type. His special teams play will get him drafted earlier than his draft stock indicates. #6-HAROLD
BLACKMON Northwestern University Wildcats 5:11.2-210 Negatives...Does not have the cornerback acceleration to catch up to receivers on deep routes and his size and lack of blazing speed may see him shift to safety at the pro level...Little stiff coming out of his backpedal, causing him to struggle in transition...While he will lend support vs. the run, he needs to use his hands better in order to prevent blockers from attacking his feet... Flashes good closing speed, but can be beaten by the receiver's initial step. CAREER NOTES…Anchor of the Wildcats' secondary, moving into the starting lineup midway through his freshman year...The team captain has been known for delivering the big play, deflecting 48 passes during his time in the Northwestern defensive backfield... Closed out his career with 161 tackles (114 solos), seven forced fumbles and ten interceptions. REMINDS ME OF…Chicago's Walt Harris. GAZING INTO THE CRYTAL BALL…A little stockier than Harris, but like the Bears defender, he is probably playing out of position at cornerback. Move him inside to safety and see what crunching hits he will start delivering. #31-JAMIE HENDERSON University of Georgia Bulldogs 6:01.1-201 ANALYSIS…Positives…Aggressive hitter who loves the weight room...Diagnoses plays with little hesitation...Has the speed to stay tight with the receivers on routes...Shows good awareness dropping back in the zone...Has a sharp burst closing on the ball... isplays good timing ability going up for the ball in flight and uses his great leaping ability to excel as a kick blocker...Will snatch the ball out of a receiver's hands, if his opponent is not careful guarding the pigskin...His power allows him to step up and fill the holes at the line in run support. Negatives…Very inconsistent in his backpedal, playing the receivers too loose, for fear of being beaten deep...Can get turned around on routes and does not always anticipate the deep pass coming his way...Gets lost in traffic switching off in the zone...Poor tackler who will grab at the opponent rather than trying to wrap and drag down. CAREER NOTES…Finally was given an opportunity to show what he can do as a full-time starter in his senior year...Used mostly on special teams earlier in his junior year...Played in 22 games for the Bulldogs, starting 14 contests...Began his collegiate career at Mississippi Gulf Coast College... During his time at Georgia, he registered 105 tackles (72 solos) with 13 pass deflections and eight interceptions. REMINDS ME OF…Minnesota's Kenny Wright. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Nickel back type who is another corner more likely to make the move to safety. For some reason, his old coaching staff was not nice in their assessment of his ability, which could hurt his draft stock a bit. #4-PATRICK
DYSON University of Utah Utes 5:11.4-188 Negatives…Little bit of an aloof character and needs to show better maturity off the field... On the smallish side and needs to be a little more decisive in his moves...Runs a little high on returns... Spent three years away from the game after graduating from high school. CAREER NOTES…Established himself as a top-notch kickoff returner...Played mostly on special teams during his career, finally earning six starting assignments as a senior... Finished his career with 36 kickoff returns for 935 yards…His career kickoff return average of 25.97 yards ranks fourth on the school's all-time record list behind Carl Monroe (27.11 avg, 1981-82), Erroll Tucker (26.61 avg, 1984-85) and Steve Odom (26.08 avg, 1971-73)...On defense, he recorded 61 tackles. REMINDS ME OF…Buffalo's Chris Watson. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Like Watson, he's nothing more than a super sub, but his return ability is enough to elevate his draft stock over his defensive ranking. #19-RAYMOND
WALLS University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles 5:10.4-175 Negatives...While smooth in his backpedal, he needs to do a better job of getting his head around to see the play develop...Still developing his deep coverage techniques, as he has only two years of defensive experience...His lack of size poses a problem when he has to lend run support, as he will generally hold on to the ball carrier and be dragged for extra yardage until help arrives. CAREER NOTES…The former receiver has made a quick adjustment to life in the secondary...Raymond has developed into a superb deep coverage specialist and added to his resume by handling the bulk of kickoff return duties for the team in his final year...Despite only two years of defensive experience, he recorded 113 tackles (79 solos) with four interceptions and 17 pass deflections. REMINDS ME OF…ex-Indianapolis Colt Tyrone Poole. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…May be one of the better-kept secrets out there. If only he was bigger, he'd be one of the top corners teams would be talking about. #23-JERAMETRIUS
BUTLER Kansas State University Wildcats 5:09.5-181 Negatives…Not that aggressive in press coverage...Over-commits on fakes...Allows receivers to get behind him on sideline routes...Lacks the overall strength to lend support vs. the run...Passive at times trying to defeat blocks...Susceptible to being beaten on double moves and looks sloppy switching off in the zone. CAREER NOTES…Thrust into the starting lineup, he joined Dyshon Carter in becoming only the second tandem in school history to finish their careers together with ten interceptions each, joining safeties Jaime Mendez (15) and C.J. Masters (10, 1989-92)...In 35 games, he recorded 107 tackles (73 solos) with ten interceptions (sixth on the school's career-record list) and 40 pass deflections. REMINDS ME OF…New York Jets' Ray Mickens. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Family concerns made him come out early, but even Ray Charles can see that he's not ready. Still, he has enough talent to warrant a late round pick, because he is eventually going to develop into a steady player. #20-ERIC
KELLY University of Kentucky Wildcats 5:10.5-199 Negatives…Sometimes takes too many false steps when diagnosing the play...Despite his raw power, he won't get physical in the bump-&-run...Tries to tackle too high, resulting in a fair share of missed tackles...Also bites on underneath routes. CAREER NOTES…Three-year starter who is regarded as the team's quiet leader on the field... Played in 42 games for the Wildcats, earning 32 starts...Also excels in the classroom, earning Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll accolades...Finished his career with 106 tackles and four interceptions...Tied the school career-record with 25 pass deflections, matching Van Hiles (1993-96). REMINDS ME OF…ex-New Orleans Saint Alex Molden. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…If only this kid knew Dorothy (so she can talk him to see the Wizard and get him some courage), as this guy simply lacks confidence in his ability. He has all the makings of a nice nickel back. It will be up to a patient coach to convince him of that. #22-LEONARD
MYERS University of Miami Hurricanes 5:11.7-201 Negatives...Needs to get more focused on the field...Very slow to react to plays in front of him, especially in run support...Has only mediocre speed to stay with the receivers in the intermediate areas, but lacks the acceleration to cover on deep routes...Needs to improve his balance and hip turn coming out of his backpedal...His inability to plant and drive out of his bursts is due to a lack of top-level speed...Very passing vs. the run, tending to side-tackle rather than meet the ball carrier head-on...Has sloppy body control going for the man in the open, often playing "catch up" as the receiver accelerates past him...Whether it is a lack of technique or power, he simply refuses to "face up" to the receivers before making the tackle in the open field...Coaching staff has had issues with his lack of work ethic in the past (they say it did improve in 2000). CAREER NOTES…Three-year starter, answering the opening gun in 19 of 42 games he's played in for the Hurricanes...A nagging foot injury cost him considerable playing time during his senior year, but he still managed to finish his career with 132 tackles (84 solos), nine interceptions for 160 yards in returns and 35 pass deflections. REMINDS ME OF…New Orleans' Steve Israel. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Like Israel, consistency, or lack of, has been his big problem. Once he comes to play for the entire game, then he can be a decent contributor. Until then, he's just a warm body on the bench or special teams. #24-NIJRELL
EASON Arizona State University Sun Devils 6:00.4-204 Negatives…Comes out a little to high from his backpedal, causing the speedier receivers to gain leverage on him upfield...Not that dedicated in the off-season to a proper conditioning program... Even though he has good ball anticipation skills, he lacks the leaping ability to go high for the ball on a consistent basis...Does not show that explosive short burst to recover when beaten...Looks too mechanical in his movements, lacking fluid hip swerve and head-swiveling ability to quickly turn around to the ball in flight...Could be better suited to play safety, where his wrapup tackling can be used at a better advantage. CAREER NOTES…Took over the leadership responsibilities in the secondary as a senior...Despite nagging minor injuries, he quickly established himself as one of the hardest-hitting defensive backs in the collegiate ranks...Began his college career at Long Beach City College, transferring to ASU in 1999...Earned twelve starting assignments in his two years with the Sun Devils, finishing his career with 87 tackles (66 solos), six interceptions, five fumble recoveries and 23 deflected passes. REMINDS ME OF…Miami's Brock Marion. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…I compared him to Marion because not only am I convinced that he will make a better safety, but I am also convinced that the Dolphins agree and are looking at him as a possible successor to Marion, whose price tag is more than Miami can afford. OTHERS TO WATCH OUT FOR Negatives...Liability in run support, appearing too hesitant to fill the lanes and when he does, he's frequently tossed to the ground...Has problems with his switch-off in the zone, preferring to play in man coverage...More of a grab-&-hang on type of tackler, staying too high in his stance to make the proper wrapup...Despite starting for three years, he has a long ways to go in the maturity department...Sort of like a football version of Bart Simpson off the field (always in trouble for stupid little things)...Marches to his own drummer and has to be constantly prodded by the coaching staff to follow the rules (his refusal to abide eventually led to his dismissal from the team after the 2000 season)…Now holds the distinction of being one of those rare players on this planet to ever get booted off a football team by a Bowden. CAREER NOTES…Three-year starter who entered the draft as an underclassman after being dismissed from the team after the 2000 season for a series of rules violations... Started 35 consecutive games for the Tigers, the only cornerback in Clemson history to start every game as a freshman, sophomore and junior...Finished his career with 26 pass deflections and 12 interceptions...Only Fred Knoebel (15, 1950-52) and Terry Kinard (17, 1978-82) had more interceptions in a career for the Tigers...Also credited with 194 tackles (133 solos). #1-FRED
BOOKER Louisiana State University Tigers 5:09.2-188 Negatives...Frame lacks power...Very reluctant to come and fill the lanes in run support... Lacks true wrapup tackling form, preferring to grab and drag down...Hands are his biggest liability, as he is incapable of securing the ball in his interception attempts...While he times the passes properly in his jumps, he does not get good elevation in this process...Range is suspect, as he allows too much of a conservative cushion...Gets too narrow in his leg base coming out of his backpedal, causing him to skip at times...Practice habits leave a lot to be desired and needs discipline from the coaches to perform to his ability (not a self-motivated type)...Likes to see how far he can bend the rules before he gets in trouble... Does not possess ideal speed (4.65). CAREER NOTES…Three-year starter at left cornerback who is well-respected by his teammates, winning the Eric Andolsek Leadership Award last year...Finished his career with 28 consecutive starts, recording 126 tackles (83 solos) with four interceptions and 19 pass deflections. #2-RASHAD
HOLMAN University of Louisville Cardinals 5:10.7-191 Negatives…Lets minor injuries hamper his play...Struggles in transition to burst and close on the ball...Seems to lack the ability to quickly diagnose the plays...More comfortable playing man coverage, showing poor route awareness in the zone...Lacks fluid movements working in space. CAREER NOTES…Mainstay in the Cardinals' secondary, starting for the last three years...One of the best man coverage defenders in the game, evidenced by his 43 pass deflections during his time as a starter...That figure is surpassed only by Sam Madison (44, 1993-96) on the school's career-record list...Facing the opposition's top receiver each week, he went on to not only contain his man, but also secure 14 interceptions for his career...Only Leon Williams (15, 1978-81), Ray Buchanan (15, 1989-92) and Madison (16) had more pass thefts in Cardinals history...As superb as he has been in defending vs. the pass, Rashad also established himself as a physical hitter, collecting 157 tackles during his time at Louisville. #36-KENNETH
GRANT, II University of Kentucky Wildcats 5:10.6-207 Negatives...Still very raw in his technique, thanks to less than two years as a starter at the position...Looks more comfortable working the man, struggling with the switch-off in his zone assignments...Lingers with minor injuries...Needs to do a better job of reading patterns, as he tends to freeze and get caught looking towards the backfield, losing sight of the ball in the air...Plays at his "own agenda" and has to be prodded by the coaches to work within the team system...Has character flaws that could get him into a coach's doghouse quickly, as he likes to "march to his own beat."...Lacks natural hands to make the interception...May have to shift to safety due to a lack of natural speed. CAREER NOTES…Began his Wildcats career as a fullback, moving to the secondary as a sophomore...Started every game in 1999 and six contests in 2000, as he battled with injuries throughout his senior campaign...Finished his career with 70 tackles, nine pass deflections and a pair of fumble recoveries. #35-DYSHOD
CARTER Kansas State University Wildcats 5:10.0-188 Negatives…Lacks the quickness to stay with the speed burners in the open...Takes false steps coming out of his backpedal and has problems in transition, using a shuffle-&-bail technique while turning on the ball...Plays too conservative, perhaps due to a lack of initial quickness, allowing a big cushion underneath...Does not show good recovery ability turning out of his breaks...Will make the tackle in the open, but does not display force behind his hits. CAREER NOTES…Four-year starter at strongside cornerback...Has had the task of handling the opposition's top receiver every week...Joined Jerametrius Butler in becoming the second cornerback tandem in school history to have ten or more interceptions during their career with the Wildcats...In 46 games, he registered 140 tackles (111 solos) with 13 interceptions and 51 pass deflections...Only Cris Canty (14, 1994-96) and Jaime Mendez (15, 1990-93) had more pass thefts in their careers at Kansas State. #15-RENALDO
HILL Michigan State University Spartans 5:10.4-182 Negatives...Lacks that explosiveness needed coming out of his breaks to recover when beaten on deep routes...Tends to play the ball more than his man...Gets beaten badly at times, as he's susceptible to the quarterback's pumps and fakes...Has a small hitch in his transition coming out of his backpedal, lacking that quick initial step to compensate... Needs to stop taking too many risks on deep routes, as he does not have the quickness to recover. CAREER NOTES…Mainstay in the Spartans' secondary, starting 35 consecutive games...Carried on the family tradition of starring in the Spartans' secondary, succeeding his brother Ray (1995-97) at the right cornerback position...Finished his career with 182 tackles (135 solos), 11 stops for losses of 21 yards and nine interceptions...His 36 pass deflections rank second in school annals behind Amp Campbell (56, 1996-99)...Brother Ray ranks third with 30 deflected passes. #21-KEON
MOORE University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles 5:11.2-196 Negatives...Can catch with his hands, but seems to lack confidence in this ability...Gets a little lazy at times when asked to step up to fill the rush lanes, rarely stepping up to initiate contact in this area...Plays the ball a little too much, tending to lose sight of the receiver at times...Plays with too much cushion, which causes problems as he is still learning how to properly read a quarter-back's moves...Reaches back on his heels sometimes when turning in his backpedal...Has to show better shadow ability when handling the receiver, but flashes quickness to recover. CAREER NOTES…Late bloomer who was finally given an opportunity as a starter in his senior year...Very capable pass defender with a knack for getting between the receiver and the ball...Recorded 61 tackles with a pair of interceptions and 15 pass deflections during his career.
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