2011 NFL Draft: Cornerbacks
Its next to impossible to find film on corners cuz the camera cuts them off and the only time you see them is when the ball is thrown their way which usually only happens when they don’t cover well. That being said I’m not in love with this corner class. Last year had 5 1st rounders and I thought they mostly all belonged. This year I’m not sure more than 2-3 belong (though someone will fall in love with Jimmy Smith, trust me). Though I do think these top 2 guys are as good as have been paired together in the same draft that I can remember.
1.) Patrick Peterson—LSU—6’0”-219—Top 10—99—One of the safest picks in the draft. Guy is going to be a stud no doubt about it. If he’s not unreal at corner he definitely will be a dynamic safety. Amazing athleticism, 4.34, 38” vert. Best return man in the draft. Being 220 is unusual for a corner, but he can switch to safety if somehow he can’t make it at corner. He’s such a unique athlete at corner its tough to make a comparison, but I think he plays like Champ more than Revis or even Asante, I think he’ll thrive in a zone scheme, especially since he has elite ball skills.
2.) Prince Amukamara—Nebraska—6’0”—206—Top 15—96—Built to tackle, and he does very effectively. I thought he was overrated based on one of his games I watched, but from the film I found he looks legit. He plays bump and run he plays off coverage he knows exactly how to reach around the receiver and knock the ball down. He’s athletic, 4.43 and a 38” vert are pretty nice. He’s a complete corner and now I believe he deserves to go in the first half of round 1. I might compare him to Quentin Jammer or Tramon Williams.
3.) Brandon Harris—Miami—5’10”-191—late 1 to 2nd—92—Youre gonna wanna see better than a 4.53 showing. Belichick loves this guy and considering how I doubted him about McCourty last year I’m giving this guy an endorsement. Deion Sanders says he’s a baller. I like the way he plays in space. On film I see him play very well in run support. His film against Demaryius Thomas from ’09 looks like McCourty. I like him even with below average recovery speed. Baller.
4.) Ras-I Dowling—Virginia—6’1”-198—Late 1 early 2—90—Consensus 1st rounder coming into ’10, didn’t play a lot cuz he hurt is ankle hammy and knee. His ’09 film is really good, like top 15 pick good. Im a scared by the injuries, especially since he pulled up lame at the combine in his only 40 attempt (4.4), but I think he’s worth an early 2nd rounder, like if the 49ers don’t get a CB at 7 they should hop on him in the 2nd.
5.) Jimmy Smith—Colorado—6’2”-211—1st—88—Definitely plays strong (24 reps). Ran a 4.6 and plays about that speed, maybe a lil slower (especially coming outta breaks). I think he’s a 2nd round talent because you see him play effectively in press and off coverage, but he lacks instincts and ability to lock on to a receiver. Played exclusively right corner at CU and will likely stay there. His height is an asset and a concern cuz how many 6’2” corners can you think of in the NFL? 2 arrests at school. If the Raiders weren’t set with bookend corners they’d nab him for sure
6.) Aaron Williams—Texas—6’0”-204—Late 1 early 2—86—Lotta people see him making the move to safety. I like the way he attacks the line of scrimmage. You see him at left, right, and slot corner (versatility). At 4.56 with stiff hips he’s a 3rd round corner. But if you project him to safety with his size, aggressiveness, and average awareness he gets a 2nd round safety grade. I think you’ll see him drafted pretty early, but Im not gaga, for once I’d like to be gaga.
7.) Kendrick Burney—UNC—5’9”-186—2nd day—84—Saw him at the Senior Bowl and was really impressed I think he can be a high value pick in the 4th. He’s completely lost in run support, but you gotta expect that, right after I wrote that I watched more film and he looked great in run support. He looks super athletic coming outta his back pedal which is why I don’t understand the 32” vert. 4.75 40 is whats pushing him outta the 2nd day. I like him as a football player, and that’s my number one criteria.
8.) Brandon Burton—Utah—6’0”-190—3rd round/day—75—Aggressive in press man, terrible coming outta his back pedal so he’s gonna have to bump and run. Got abused by Boise St. Will need to be in right system. Will need some more muscle, 4.5 40 is good enough. 3rd round grade at best.
9.) Marcus Gilchrist—Clemson—5’10”-195—2nd day—77—26 reps to go with a 4.51 and a 38.5” vert. Those be some nice measurables. A lot of people including Mike Mayock think he’s a better value in the 3rd-4th than Rahim Moore is in the 2nd. I like his versatility, played FS and CB, that adds value. Plays like a Belichick player, just saying. I think he’s good value in the 4th but is worth a 3rd.