Rodgers-Cromartie (Senior Bowl and 07 @ TSU)

[BradyToMoss]

Asante who?

For those who missed the Senior bowl, someone was kind enough to showcase what DRC did in this game: (2cond video)

http://www.thephinsider.com/story/2008/2/23/15250/3977

Also check out the speed in some of his TSU clips (256K red link)

http://www.tsutigers.com/ViewArticle...&Q_SEASON=2007

This via Walterfootball.com in his latest mock (15 to the Lions, but climbing and there's talk of the Pats taking him at 7)

"#15 Detroit Lions: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, TSU
It's a yearly tradition - eating turkey, falling asleep afterward and watching the Lions give up 40 points before the whole feast starts. Detroit's defense sucks, and it's time for a change.

When the Lions traded Dre Bly away, I thought they'd acquire another reliable corner to take his place. Guess I was wrong. Detroit's secondary is in desperate need of a makeover. Actually, that goes for the entire stop unit; in 2007, the Lions were 23rd versus the run, 31st against the pass, and dead last in yards and points allowed. Other than that, the defense was pretty good.

Can Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie go this high? I don't see why not. He was incredible at the Senior Bowl. He was draped all over opposing receivers. He caused a turnover. He displayed his great tackling ability. He's a tall corner who runs a 4.3. I've talked to some people who believe he could go as high as No. 7 to New England. This is not a reach by any means. "

[PatsFanJess]

I wasn't sold on DRC at first bc I thought that he might have been getting more attention bc of his cousin...but the more I see of him, the more I'm convinced that he's a great talent. Does he play zone well?

[BradyToMoss]

Originally Posted by PatsFanJess

I wasn't sold on DRC at first bc I thought that he might have been getting more attention bc of his cousin...but the more I see of him, the more I'm convinced that he's a great talent. Does he play zone well?

The scouts are saying that DRC is a great zone corner, that's the defense he excels in.

[PatsFanJess]

Originally Posted by BradyToMoss

The scouts are saying that DRC is a great zone corner, that's the defense he excels in.

Thats great! The only weakness I really see in him is that he could stand to bulk up a bit and add muscle mass. I was amazed by the clips of him in the Senior Bowl..he breaks fast on the ball and has nice footwork. DRC and Cason are the two best corners in the draft, IMO. Hopefully, we pick up one of them.

[primetime]

He looked great in the Senior Bowl and certainly has the measurables and the pedigree, but his stats at a low level of competition were rather pedestrian, which concerns me. Still, apparently the Patriots are very keen on him and he said he had a great interview with them.

[VJCPatriot]

Yeah and running that 4.3 40 certainly didn't hurt his stock either!
I'm beginning to think the Pats should swap down with the Saints to #10 and then pick DRC.
That mix of size and speed in a CB is intriguing.

[PatsFanJess]

Originally Posted by primetime

He looked great in the Senior Bowl and certainly has the measurables and the pedigree, but his stats at a low level of competition were rather pedestrian, which concerns me. Still, apparently the Patriots are very keen on him and he said he had a great interview with them.

Do you have a link to his college stats by any chance?

[sebman2112]

Originally Posted by primetime

He looked great in the Senior Bowl and certainly has the measurables and the pedigree, but his stats at a low level of competition were rather pedestrian, which concerns me. Still, apparently the Patriots are very keen on him and he said he had a great interview with them.

A lack of statistical production isn't always a bad thing for a CB, especially if he's playing against lessor comp, as they just might try and avoid his side of the field.

[primetime]

Originally Posted by PatsFanJess

Do you have a link to his college stats by any chance?

http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/...omartie?id=306

It's there, though in the paragraphs.

By the way, here's his Sporting News analysis (read those weaknesses and ask yourself if this is a guy you think the Patriots will or should select, especially with the 7th overall pick)...

War Room analysis
Strengths: Is an elite athlete, with the physical tools NFL coaches drool over. Is tall with long arms and natural strength. Shows the quickness, speed and fluid hips to turn and run with receivers downfield. Shows the hands to make tough interceptions. At the Senior Bowl, showed quick footwork in backpedal, transitioning to close quickly on passes and using long arms to reach in front of receivers. Shows speed and playmaking ability as a punt returner.

Weaknesses: Is a better athlete than football player; did not play nearly as well in college as he did at the Senior Bowl. At Tennessee State, allowed inferior receivers to separate and catch passes. In college, got upright in backpedal, hindering ability to transition. Lacks natural instincts, and often reacts late to receivers' routes. Shows sloppy and raw technique, raising questions of how well he learns from coaching. Does not play with intensity; does not come upfield quickly in run support, content to allow teammates to make tackles. Bottom line: Rodgers-Cromartie is a premier athlete who improved his draft stock tremendously at the Senior Bowl. In our experience, most players who knock people's socks off in the spring after failing to impress on film struggle to improve in the NFL. Rodgers-Cromartie must prove his stellar week in Mobile isn't an aberration. He still looks and plays more like the track star he also is -- he won the 60 meter dash at the 2007 Ohio Valley Conference indoor championship. Don't be surprised if an NFL team drafts Rodgers-Cromartie as high as Round 1; we don't recommend it, though, because he is a long way from being a polished NFL cornerback. We wouldn't be surprised if Rodgers-Cromartie followed the path of Andre Woolfolk, a 2003 first-round pick who already is out of the league.

[BRiZ]

BB can coach him up, hes a stud #1 CB hes the guy to take if we go corner.