2020 Defensive Backs
How do you build a championship defense? Things are changing so fast I don’t really know. Two years ago the Rams got there with elite players along the defensive line, and the Patriots were heavy on secondary talent. The trend I’m seeing around the league on offense is the omnipresence of the quarterback extending plays. Nothing breaks down coverage quite like a QB buying time. It’s still important to take away the first and second read with tight coverage, but at the end of the day you need to get your hands on the quarterback. How do you do that? The aforementioned Rams did it with a couple premier players. The Patriots did it with depth and well choreographed stunts. Last year the 49ers did it with the rare combination of depth and high level talent after repeatedly drafting D-line in the top 10. But that’s unsustainable as evidenced by trading DeForest Buckner, the captain of that defensive line, this offseason when they decided to pay Arik Armstead. So it makes you wonder, how important is a top flight cornerback when teams are trotting out 3+ receivers and the important thing to accomplish on defense is getting after the QB?
Grant Delpit-S-LSU-6’2”213-2nd Round-96
One of my favorite players in the draft, he’s next in the vaunted history of LSU defensive backs. I could not tell you why he’s slipping down draft boards. This kid was a unanimous 1st Team All-American as a true sophomore in 2018. He followed that up by being the defensive leader on an undefeated national championship team. Look at his size! I know he didn’t run in Indianapolis but he posted a 4.39 at his pro day. Put on the film, he’s at least a 4.5 guy that can play all 3 levels on defense. Plus he has leadership traits and he’ll still be 21 at the start of next season. The sky’s the limit for this kid. I don’t think he’s laterally as gifted as Jamal Adams and he doesn’t have quite the impact as Derwin James, but he’s only a half-rung behind those guys. I know the Saints brought back Malcolm Jenkins, but sweet Jesus if they pass up hometown boy Grant Delpit at 24 they should be ashamed.
Jeff Okudah-CB-Ohio State-6’1”-205-Top 10-96
Everyone’s saying he looked robotic at the combine but who gives a shit. I don’t give a damn how a prospect looks when they don’t have an opponent, especially for a defensive player. On the field he looks like a well rounded corner. My first instinct was to make a Jalen Ramsey comparison but Jeffery isn’t the same imposing player. Ramsey’s arms are a full inch longer and I don’t think Okudah actually played at the 205 that he weighed at the combine. That said he isn’t afraid to hit, contains the edge well against screens and sweeps. His strength will be in press coverage but he can absolutely fit a cover 3 scheme. I like him more than Denzel Ward but I’m still wary of a top ten pick here. A great 40 time doesn’t make a great corner, I’m looking at you Trae Waynes. But a 4.48 could be limiting for Okudah’s ceiling. He, along with every other corner, should be studying Stephon Gilmore. So I like him, but what’s the deal with Ohio State churning out upper half of the first round DB’s and never letting them start more than one year? I mean are any of these guys capable of being at least a 2 year starter? Are they developing their talent that much that these guys can’t see playing time as underclassmen? If so someone hire that DB’s coach immediately.
C.J. Henderson-CB-Florida-6’1”-204-Top 20-94
Dream measurables on this kid. With that size he still ran a 4.39 and got 20 reps of 225lbs. 31.5” arms are on the long end for a cornerback and he’s got the foot quickness and hips to mirror receivers. Definitely has the tools to play press man although he spent a ton of time playing quarters coverage in Gainesville. Defensive coaches praised the shit out of him. Biggest downside to his game is zero willingness to play the run game. That’s a problem I hope he can overcome because otherwise he’s a top flight prospect.
AJ Terrell-CB-Clemson-6’1”-195-1st Round-92
What’s up with all these tall corners? These guy’s finally realizing that the top corners are making 14+ million per year and it’s an easier road than trying to learn an offense and compete with the top athletes? Another outstanding specimen at the position, Terrell clocked in at 4.42 and looks at least that fast on the field. Terrific quickness and change of direction ability. He plays the ball, which you gotta love but not that many interceptions outside of the pick 6 in the title game two years ago. I like his physicality and the athleticism, oddly enough my worry with him is playing in the Clemson defense that can make people look better than they are. As a 5 star recruit I know he’s not a schlub, but a dominant defensive front and playcaller can make a DB’s life a heck of a lot easier.
Antoine Winfield Jr.-S-Minnesota-5’9”-203-2nd Round-91
Saw this kid play a few times this fall and was always impressed. I thought the announcers were confused the first few times I heard his name because I remember when Antoine Winfield The First was coming into the draft and he couldn’t possibly have an adult child, but here we are. Antoine The Elder was known for speed, quickness, and later in his career, coverage savvy. Antoine The Younger looks taller in pads, but he has much the same skillset as the old man. I thought he would test in the 4.5’s but he was able to run a 4.45 in Indianapolis which along with time to digest his tape may push him into the first round. I think it’s important to understand that his Dad was the ultimate professional, getting the All-Pro nod 3 times, and all reports are that the apple fell directly on the tree’s roots. And secondly, this kid is a ballhawk. He sees the game like a veteran and makes plays everywhere. Look at this clip and tell me you’re not a believer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iV-J-NFUMo
Xavier McKinney-S-Alabama-6’0”-201-2nd Round-91
I’ve been saying for years how a versatile safety can make your defense. A safety that can play like a linebacker in the box, safety in zone coverage, and a cornerback in man is among the most valuable chess pieces you can hand a defensive coordinator. Jamal Adams, Derwin James, these guys that were a little bit looked down upon because they are not coverage first players. They can do it, but their true strength is hitting and bringing character to a defense. I’m not saying Xavier McKinney is the same as those guys, but after leading Bama in tackles and playing fairly evenly at linebacker, safety, and slot corner, he has the skillset to be that versatile option in the pros. At only 200 pounds and running in the 4.6’s he is not the elite size and speed specimen which means someone can grab him in the 30’s and be happy they were so fortunate (Patriots). He’s not a perfect prospect, but he’s a football player, and I don’t think you can keep him off the field.
Trevon Diggs-CB-Alabama-6’1”-205-1st Round-91
He’s going to have a hard time matching up with older brother Stefon’s speed, but Trevon will have the size advantage. Big ole rangy guy with near 33” arms! Two years of starting duty for the Tide has taught him well. Anyone coming out of Nick Saban’s defense has an advanced degree in coverages. He moves well for a bigger guy, but did not test at the combine. I like the Aqib Talib and Trumaine Johnson comparisons, but I think both of those guys were tougher than Trevon. Although Diggs is likely more fluid than both of them. Looks like he could be another Dre Kirkpatrick which has never been spectacular but he is a useful player.
Jaylon Johnson-CB-6’0”-193-2nd Round-77
People are making a big deal of him getting good grades, which is awesome and all, but he’s not athletic enough to be a top corner. Size is there but his hips aren’t, plus he ran a 4.5 40 and that shows up on tape too. Way too grabby, can’t close the distance when he’s playing off coverage and doesn’t keep up with people in press coverage. I’m sure he’s an awesome dude and all but he looks like Tebucky Jones out there.