* 2012 Draft Defensive Corner Backs *

[Off The Grid]

9th in a Series

Good Evening, Ladies and Gents...

I humbly and quietly offer this Thread ~ the 9th of many, as I'll be circumnavigating the entire Roster ~ to my Fellow Patriots Fans as a Gathering Place ~ a common reference ~ for Corner Back Prospects.

***

Alfonzo Dennard of Nebraska ~ 5.10/205

Alfonzo Dennard brings considerable natural talents to the table.

This is, after all, the guy who made "Prince" Amakumara look good, last year, directing all the Traffic thither.

He's Strong, he's Athletic, and he's Fast.

But he has awful Mechanics.

I don't know: I get a distinctly Terrell Buckley "Feast or Famine" vibe from this fellow, and that is NOT the kind of guy who's best suited to build help build a Championship team.

Dennard's certainly got the talent to excel in this league...But I get the idea that he's going to bring a lot of frustration with that package. His talents warrant the extremely lofty Top Ten status his Market Value currently commands, and I expect that his statistics will warrant that, as well...But as I measure players, he is All Hat/No Cattle.

Here's hoping he evolves...and proves me wrong.

In any case: It's a long way to late April...But for now??

OverRated!!

***

Chase MinniField of Virginia ~ 6.0/185

Pursue Small Pasture ~ "Chase MinniField" to his friends ~ had an awful Senior year, and his Market Value, quite naturally, has plunged...However, he still retains an intriguing Skill Set.

His Verticity ~ Turn + Burn Acuity, the Cardinal Attribute of any member of the Secondary ~ is exceptiional.

His Long Speed is excellent.

And his Diagnostic Acuity and Processing Speed are exemplary.

In short: He's the Complete Package.

MIND you: he's a bit on the skinny side.

And his Senior Campaign raised doubts that need to be addressed.

But this is an athletic, explosive, intelligent Corner Back, one ready to Plug + Play!!

Stud Horse!!

***

Janoris Jenkins of North Alabama ~ 5.10/180

Janoris Jenkins is too small for my tastes...but I simply cannot ignore the kid.

Verticity is my word for Turn + Burn Acuity: the ability to rapidly Flip Hip and blast down field with your Prey.

When evaluating the Secondary, all other considerations are ancillary, in my view.

And Janoris Jenkins commands better Verticity than any other Back in the entire Draft, that I am currently aware of.

The rest is well documented: He's a Criminal...and a small one.

Ultimately, I have my doubts whether he can hold up on the outside.

He could become the world's greatest Slot Corner, but that hardly warrants a 1st Round Grade.

Or does it??

Stud Horse!!

***

Coryell Judie of Texas A&M ~ 5.11/189

Coryell Judie is a mixed bag.

As a "Man" Corner, he's got a lot of work to do: His Verticity ~ Turn + Burn Acuity ~ sucks.

And his Torsion ~ Burst out of Breaks ~ isn't an hell of a lot better.

But as a Zone Corner, he commands not only exceptional Athleticism ~ Lateral Agility, Fluidity, and Range ~ but the Diagnostic Acuity and Processing Speed to take full advantage of his Gifts.

His Market Value seems to be around the 3rd Round ~ give or take a round!! ~ and that looks about right, to me.

Player!!

***

Shaun Prater of Iowa ~ 5.10/185

Shaun Prater is definitely too small to excel at Man Coverage, but has potential in Zone.

MIND you: He displays excellent Verticity ~ Turn + Burn Acuity ~ so Man Coverage is not out of the question...But he would definitely need to bulk up.

He's a natural Zone Corner, bringing an excellent level of Athleticism ~ Fluidity and Lateral Agility ~ to the table.

He'd be best as either a Zone Corner or a Slot Corner.

His Market Value seems to be floating around the 3rd or 4th Round, and that looks like a pretty good Value to me.

Player!!

***

Donnie Fletcher of Boston College ~ 6.1/195

Donnie Fletcher excels neither in Man nor in Zone.

His Verticity ~ Turn + Burn Acuity ~ is lacking, and his Torsion ~ Burst out of Breaks ~ is not exceptional.

He gets good grades for Diagnostic Acuity + Processing Speed, so he may be able to claw his way onto a Roster.

His Market Value seems to be in the 4th or 5th Round range. That's a bit high, as I see it, but not excessively so.

Role Player!!

***

Omar Bolden of Arizona State ~ 5.10/195

Omar Bolden gets pretty good grades for superior Verticity ~ Turn + Burn Acuity ~ and for excellent Fluidity.

His Torsion, however ~ Burst out of Breaks ~ isn't as good, down field, as near the Line of Scrimmage.

His Lateral Agility also suffers down field.

And his Core Strength isn't very good: he can be pushed around.

There is definitely something to work with, here, though.

His Market Value seems to be in the 4th or 5th Round range, and that doesn't seem to unreasonable.

Role Player!!

***

Leonard Johnson of Iowa State ~ 5.10/200

Leonard Johnson hits on all my key points at Corner Back.

He commands excellent Verticity ~ Turn + Burn Acuity.

He's got smooth Fluidity and snappy Torsion out of his Breaks.

He bring superior Long Speed and commendable Lateral Agility.

He needs a lot of work in Run Support, mind you, and needs to be far more physical in Press.

But this is a guy who can play just about anywhere and be ~ or become ~ effective.

His Market Value seems to be around the 4th or 5th Round, and that seems like a damned good Bargain, if true.

Sleeper Stud Horse!!

***

Jamell Fleming of Oklahoma ~ 5.11/192

I really like this kid.

For starters, Jamell Fleming brings absolutely outstanding Verticity ~ Turn + Burn Acuity ~ to the table.

His Lateral Agility, his Fluidity, and his Torsion ~ Burst out of Breaks ~ are all excellent.

He is no SuperStar: His Long Speed is pedestrian, and his Run Support and Physicality both need work.

And there were academic issues.

But'is FootBall smarts are all I care about, and he gets exceptional marks for Diagnostic Acuity + Processing Speed.

Fleming brings tremendous Potential to the table, and with a Market Value that seems to be floating somewhere in the 4th to 6th Round range, he is, in my opinion, an exceptional Bargain.

Sleeper Stud Horse!!

***

Trumaine Johnson of Montana ~ 6.2/204

Here we have my favorite Corner of the the entire Draft...at least at this juncture!!

Trumaine Johnson brings a scintillating fusion of tremendous Verticity ~ Turn + Burn Acuity ~ explosive Torsion ~ Burst out of Breaks ~ and outstanding Diagnostic Acuity + Processing Speed to the Game.

As a former Receiver, he commands frightening Instincts for the Passing Game.

He boasts an extraordinary blend of Size and Athleticism, and while he has little experience in Man Coverage, his potential there ~ or in Zone, if you please!! ~ is vast.

I see 1st Round Potential in this kid. Yet his Market Value, while ascending, is still in the 3rd or 4th Round range!!

Sleeper Beast!!

 

[Off The Grid]

Notes

1 ~ Very intriguing crew, this year, and I haven't even hit the Juniors!!

2 ~ For my money, if we were to draft the last 3 guys ~ ALL of them!! ~ I'd be thrilled!!

3 ~ I actually rate Jamell Fleming higher than Leonard Johnson, but I don't want to get carried away with categories.

4 ~ Trumaine Johnson, of course, is my favorite. As is often the case, our man Mayo Clinic was light years ahead on this guy, while I, in my defense, took my time...I see both Johnson and Fleming as having All Pro potential, yet these guys are looking like they may both go in the 3rd or 4th Rounds!! Indeed, they both started far deeper...

5 ~ My X Factor is Desmond Morrow of Toledo, a freakish talent who projects as a UFA!!

6 ~ The one Junior I'll be watching extremely closely ~ the one that intrigues me far above all the others ~ is Stephon Gilmore.

7 ~ Finally, Robert Golden is a guy who I really like as a Rover Back in the "425". He's listed as a Corner, but he's got experience in at Strong Safety, as well.

8 ~ My attitude about the Secondary is a bit radical: I say we don't even draft Safeties at all ~ at least not this year. I'd like to see us deploy 3 Corners in our Base Defense. I'd like to see us draft Johnson and Fleming in the 3rd and then Golden and Marrow in the 6th or 7th. That'd give us this potential Depth Chart:

SS Pat Chung
RB Robert Golden

CB Devin McCourty
CB Trumaine Johnson
CB Jamell Fleming
CB Ras I Dowling
CB Kyle Arrington
CB Desmond Marrow

And of course we'd have Julian Edelman + Mathew Slater as additional depth!!

That crew would bring incredible Depth of Talent, top to bottom.

 

[WaterfallJumper]

Nice breakdown, as always.

I will disagree with you on Minnifield, however. He has been in every single one of my internal 2012 mocks, without exception, and in all the games I've seen of him this year, he has played very well. Where do you get that he has had an "awful" senior season? He was named to the ACC first-team this year, for the 3rd straight year. He is everything I look for in a cornerback, and I have no problem with drafting him in the first (although I hold out hope for a value pick in the second). Regardless, he would start alongside McCourty, which bumps Dowling to a roving corner/star/safety with Chung. Arrington would rotate in (and I still have hopes for Molden as a matchup role player). I think we'd have an exceptional secondary in that case.

Also: When Dennard is able to play to his strengths and press receivers aggressively, he is a monster. When he can't jam, however, his raw mechanics show up. He's definitely a feast-or-famine player. If he were available late second, or early third, I'd clamor for us to draft him and mold him (he reminds me a lot of a slightly more powerful Arrington, and I'd like to have another Arrington in our fold). I just don't know if he's enough of a sure thing to spend the draft capital of a first rounder on at this point, and the market will dictate first round, I am certain.

Anyway, back to work. I'm in the middle of three straight overnights.

 

[Off The Grid]

Nice breakdown, as always.

I will disagree with you on Minnifield, however. He has been in every single one of my internal 2012 mocks, without exception, and in all the games I've seen of him this year, he has played very well. Where do you get that he has had an "awful" senior season? He was named to the ACC first-team this year, for the 3rd straight year. He is everything I look for in a cornerback, and I have no problem with drafting him in the first (although I hold out hope for a value pick in the second). Regardless, he would start alongside McCourty, which bumps Dowling to a roving corner/star/safety with Chung. Arrington would rotate in (and I still have hopes for Molden as a matchup role player). I think we'd have an exceptional secondary in that case.

Also: When Dennard is able to play to his strengths and press receivers aggressively, he is a monster. When he can't jam, however, his raw mechanics show up. He's definitely a feast-or-famine player. If he were available late second, or early third, I'd clamor for us to draft him and mold him (he reminds me a lot of a slightly more powerful Arrington, and I'd like to have another Arrington in our fold). I just don't know if he's enough of a sure thing to spend the draft capital of a first rounder on at this point, and the market will dictate first round, I am certain.

Anyway, back to work. I'm in the middle of three straight overnights.

Thanks for the correction on Pursue Small Pasture, Brother Reamer. I DO believe I was talking out my @$$ on that one!! Call it: Over Analysis Fatigue!!

And thanks for the kind words, sir.

3 Straight GraveYards?? Please tell me you don't have one of those jobs with a "Flex" schedule that rotates that!! I work GraveYard Shift exclusively, and it ain't half bad, but I'd probably kill somebody if I was doing so every other week!!

 

[Ochmed Jones]

9th in a Series
Coryell Judie of Texas A&M ~ 5.11/189

Coryell Judie is a mixed bag.

As a "Man" Corner, he's got a lot of work to do: His Verticity ~ Turn + Burn Acuity ~ sucks.

And his Torsion ~ Burst out of Breaks ~ isn't an hell of a lot better.

But as a Zone Corner, he commands not only exceptional Athleticism ~ Lateral Agility, Fluidity, and Range ~ but the Diagnostic Acuity and Processing Speed to take full advantage of his Gifts.

His Market Value seems to be around the 3rd Round ~ give or take a round!! ~ and that looks about right, to me.

Player!!

This is the CB that I think fits best into the BB soft zone defense. He reads receivers well,has a great back pedal and anticipates throws very well.

I think that in 2012 we will be a 3-4 defense that plays the same soft zone in the secondary from 2010. Which means McCourty should play much better and Judie should be able to step right in and start opposite him. Arrington goes back to the star position and Barron and Lester can take at safety. (Chung is turning out to be a banana boy.)

 

[rdf63]

Good ideas and the Pats have some hard thinking to do about dback to get in the draft. I think McCourty can regain his rookie year abilities and another big fact is Dowling who was rated a top 15 pick after his junior year and is similar to Minnifield. I think the real problems start with the Safeties and because of Chung's injuries and lost time, its time to build there first and add some size and strong hitting. However, there is some good Dback talent that will be available in the 4th - 6th round and here is who I like in the 2012 draft.

SS - Mark Barron - Alabama - a hard hitting safety with size. Only Barron and McDonald of USC play with that style. Good size at 6'2" 218 lbs along with good speed. He could start immediately and add a lot to the Pats defense. The size also differentiates him from Markelle Martin, who is a good player but at 6'1" 198 lbs. The Pats need a big hitter at safety to play with Chung.

SS/FS - Winston Guy, Kentucky - I think he may be the absolute BEST sleeper in the whole draft. Averaged 11 tackles per game which ranks 22nd in the nation. First team all SEC coaches team, strong safety experience, good size at 6'1" 215, can return kickoff and punts as well. Tackling machine including back to back 100+ tackles seasons. Averaged 29.1 in kick off returns including a 96 yd return against Georgia.

CB/S - Trumaine Johnson - Montana - because of off the field trouble would have gone higher and most likely MUCH higher (2nd or 3rd round). Versatile player and could also return punts and kicks. He could add versatility in playing both CB and safety which BB loves.

CB - Jamell Fleming - Oklahoma - 5'10" 192 with academic problems and a minor knee operation. Has the a TON of talent but also injuries and OFF THE GRID is right about being a sleeper in the draft.

 

[Daigle]

Have I missed something but where is Claiborne, Morris ?

 

[winged1dur]

Have I missed something but where is Claiborne, Morris ?

Long gone!

 

[MP-Logick]

Have I missed something but where is Claiborne, Morris ?

He should go top 5. If not he won't get past 10, no way he pulls an Amukamura.

 

[Off The Grid]

Have I missed something but where is Claiborne, Morris ?

Long gone!

He should go top 5. If not he won't get past 10, no way he pulls an Amukamura.

Heh!! Yeah, I think I explained it in the earliest Threads, but've lopped off the repetition of the explanation in later Threads, so's not to bore the HELL out'f y'all: I stick, predominantly, to the Prospects who've been analyzed by Draft Scout AND National FootBall Post, on account of my views are 10% Tape-Based and 90% based on Analyzing The Analysts: These guys get access to the "22" Tape that you and I don't...which is 90% of the battle, in my view...and they also have more experience than I do...I learned at a young age that I can derive Great Things by analyzing the opinions of others ~ most recent example: I was all OVER Aaron Hernandez when 99% of this fandom had NO use for'm, BEFORE the 2010 Draft!! ~ and TRIANGULATING my own position, based on my own views AND my analysis of that of others...

I'd be kidding myself ~ and all of you ~ if I pretended that I could Air Drop a TV Tape of a Prospect and draw substantial and worthwhile far-reaching conclusions, based off'f it...Far better, in my view, to OutSource the Heavy Lifting to those guys who do this for a LIVING...and who's connections allow them access to the "22" Tape that is absolutely VITAL to REAL Analysis.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

He should go top 5. If not he won't get past 10, no way he pulls an Amukamura.

I try to never say never, but I doubt he makes it past #15. Which is pretty amazing considering he is playing opposite a really and I mean really good CB.

 

[Off The Grid]

Explanation of Colors + Numbers

1 ~ Red = OverRated ~ in my OH so humble opinion!!

2 ~ Purple = Sleeper or Steal or Super Sleeper!!

3 ~ Blue = Bargain ~ Good Value.

4 ~ The first number = Market Value ~ my best guess, based on CBS, Walter, Et Cetera...

5 ~ The second number = FIENDISH Value ~ how I grade them!!

6 ~ These will all be Cut + Pasted from yon Site, so the formats are different.

An Explanation of My Twisted ViewPoint!!

I have no intention or expectation of converting anyone to my view of things, of course. That doesn't happen, anyway: People make up their own minds in their own way...But an explanation is warranted, I think, out of respect to those of you who do me the honor of reading these Works.

***


When I evaluate CornerBacks, Fluidity, Burst, Lateral Agility...all these things matter, as do others.

But for me, it all comes down to Verticity, Verticity, Verticity!!

How smooth, how sharp, how crisp...is the Corner when it comes to Flipping the Hips...to Turning and Burning??

And I don't give a rat's ass about "Ball Skills"...and not too much about "40" Times!!

***

Morris Claiborne ~ 5.11/189 ~ 1st ~ 1st

Super Beast!! Not much to say, here: Morris Claiborne commands phenomenal Verticity, turning and burning like he was born to flip his hips!!

He's explosive out'f'is Breaks.

He commands the Core Strength and Fluidity to consistently harass and rough up Split Ends off the Line.

And he's an aggressive Run Defender.

This is a dream Corner Back, and even for the 3rd Pick in the Draft, should he go that early, he'll be a Steal!!

Dre KirkPatrick ~ 6.2/186 ~ 1st ~ 1st

Beast!! I will hedge that by saying that as a Press Corner, Dre KirkPatrick might be good, not great.

He brings great Core Strength to the table, mind you, and is very physical off the Line, but his Fluidity isn't all that remarkable, and he doesn't exhibit very explosive Torsion out'f'is Breaks.

As a Zone Corner, though, he should be exceptional: He commands outstanding Diagnostic Acuity and Processing Speed, smooth Verticity to Turn + Burn, and his length is a great asset in completing plays.

And he's a phenomenal Tackler in Run Support.

Assuming he's drafted by a team that plays a lot of Zone, he should be extraordinary. Fair Value!!

Stephon Gilmore ~ 6.0/189 ~ 1st-2nd ~ 1st-2nd

Stud Horse!! Stephon Gilmore doesn't consistently display impressive Verticity, yet on tape and at the Combine ~ where he burned a sweet 661 on the 3 Cone, to say nothing of a 394 on the Short Shuttle ~ he clearly exhibits Raw Verticity: a natural Fluidity that usually only requires Discipline and Dedication to convert into Turn + Burn prowess.

When and if he brings develops that, he should become a workable Zone Corner.

As it is, he commands enough Core Strength and Tenacity off the Line to jam Split Ends, and both the impressive Lateral Agility and Fluidity to stick with them well enough to become a superior Press Corner.

And he's an aggressive Run Defender.

He has some work to do, but he looks like a starting caliber Man Corner who should develop into a very effective one, and who should in fact become a decent Zone Corner, as well. Fair Value!!

Janoris Jenkins ~ 5.10/192 ~ 1st-2nd ~ 1st

Beast!! Janoris Jenkins boasts scintillating Verticity, as impressive as anyone's in the Draft Class, even that of Morris Claiborne: He can Turn + Burn with anyone.

His Core Strength is outstanding, and his Fluidity is amazing, but he's so small that he can still be tossed around off the Line. However, he's so freaking Spry that he's never far from his man.

He's a very dubious Run Defender, mind you.

He'll probably always be vulnerable to runs in his Direction, but all told he's got the makings of an outstanding Corner at the next level, and I would say he warrants a Mid-1st Grade. Steal!!

Alfonzo Dennard ~ 5.10/204 ~ 1st-2nd ~ 3rd

Starter!! Alfonzo Dennard commands sufficient Verticity to succeed at the next level, and enough Core Strength and Fluidity to compete in Press.

But his Mechanics and Dexterity suck.

He is undisciplined and inconsistent.

I don't know: I get a distinctly Terrell Buckley "Feast or Famine" vibe from this fellow, and that is not the kind of player best suited to help build a Championship team.

The talent is there to start, and to excel...But I wouldn't want to be the guy to place a large bet on this guy. I'm sure he'll rack up the stats, but will he really help his team when it counts?? I'm not so sure. OverRated!!

Jayron Hosley ~ 5.10/180 ~ 2nd ~ 2nd

Stud Horse!! Jayron Hosley isn't the largest Corner in the Galaxy, and he has precious little experience playing Press Coverage, anyway, which is just as well.

But as a Zone Corner, he commands outstanding Verticity in the Turn + Burn, and tremendous Processing Speed, Reading + Reacting to Routes.

He's not an especially intimidating Run Defender.

Assuming he gets drafted by a predominantly Zone Defense, or a Cover 2, he should excel. Fair Value!!

Josh Robinson ~ 5.10/200 ~ 1st-2nd ~ 4th-5th

Potential Starter!! Truth be told, I believe that Josh Robinson does have tremendous upside: not because of his celebrated "40" time, but because his exhilarating 655 3 Cone and 397 Short Shuttle speak to phenomenal Raw Verticity and Lateral Agility...some portion of which is occasionally evident on Tape.

But his entire Game ~ his Navigational Skills ~ are raw as hell, and he is awful in Press off the Line.

I would love to take a flyer on this kid's potential on Day 3, but in Round 2?? Oh, HELL, no. OverRated!!

Brandon Boykin ~ 5.09/182 ~ 2nd-3rd ~ 2nd-3rd

Starter!! Brandon Boykin commands a superior level of talent at all the essentials: Veriticity, Core Strength, Fluidity, and Tenacity.

He's a scrappy Press Corner, and he can Turn + Burn in Zone Coverage or in Man.

And he's a willing, albeit sloppy, Run Defender.

Nothing spectacular there, but he's got a good shot at become a superior starter in the NFL. Fair Value!!

Dwight Bentley ~ 5.10/182 ~ 2nd-3rd ~ 6th-7th

Reserve!! Dwight Bentley is hindered by subpar Verticity, dubious Core Strength, poor Lateral Agility, and sketchy Navigational skills.

And he ain't the crispest Run Defender, either.

I wish him well, but I think his stock has been bloated well beyond reason by a scintillating "40" time. He's got a lot of work to do, in my book. OverRated!!
Leonard Johnson ~ 5.10/196 ~ 3rd ~ 3rd

Starter!! Leonard Johnson commands exceptional Verticity on the Turn + Burn, terrific Core Strength and Fluidity in Press, and superior Navigational skills.

He can use work, mind you, especially in Run Defense.

But this is a guy who can play just about anywhere and be ~ or become ~ effective, and I like his chances of earning a starting gig at the next level. Fair Value!!

 

[Off The Grid]

Chase MinniField ~ 5.10/183 ~ 3rd ~ 3rd

Starter!! Chase MinniField commands exceptional Verticity on the Turn + Burn, and decent Fluidity and Core Strength in Press Coverage, though he could use some work in Run Defense.

All in all, a starting caliber Corner Prospect. Fair Value!!

Jamell Fleming ~ 5.11/207 ~ 3rd-4th ~ 1st-2nd

Stud Horse!! I really like this kid.

Jamell Fleming brings absolutely outstanding Verticity ~ Turn + Burn Acuity ~ to the table.

His Lateral Agility, his Fluidity, and his Torsion ~ Burst out of Breaks ~ are all excellent.

Mind you: His Run Defense needs work.

And there were academic issues.

But his FootBall IQ is all I care about, and he commands exceptional Diagnostic Acuity + Processing Speed, in Reading + Reacting to Routes.

Jamell Fleming commands tremendous Potential, one of the greatest Corner Values of this entire Class. Steal!!

Trumaine Johnson ~ 6.2/204 ~ 3rd-4th ~ 1st

Beast!! Here we have my favorite Corner Back of the entire Draft...at least at this juncture!!

Trumaine Johnson brings a scintillating fusion of tremendous Verticity ~ Turn + Burn Acuity ~ explosive Torsion ~ Burst out of Breaks ~ and outstanding Diagnostic Acuity + Processing Speed to the Game.

As a former Receiver, he commands highly impressive Instincts for the Passing Game.

He boasts an extraordinary blend of Athleticism, Power, and Size, and while he has little experience in Press Coverage, his potential there ~ or in Zone, if you please!! ~ is immense.

I see 1st Round Potential in this kid. Yet his Market Value, while ascending, is still, inexplicably, in the 3rd or 4th Round range!! Super Sleeper!!

Omar Bolden ~ 5.10/201 ~ 3rd-4th ~ 4th-5th

Potential Starter!! Omar Bolden boasts commendable Verticity and Burst out'f Breaks, but his Navigational skills are raw, and he's pretty sketchy in Run Defense.

He has some potential, but has a lot of work to do before he can start at the next level. OverRated!!

Casey Hayward ~ 5.11/185 ~ 4th-5th ~ 3rd-4th

Starter!! Casey Hayward lacks sufficient Core Strength and Verticity to excel in Press or Man.

But he exhibits excellent Fluidity in short areas, and commendable Diagnostic Acuity and Processing Speed, all of which makes me think he'd be much more effective in Zone Coverage or a Cover 2.

And within that context, he has a pretty good chance of earning a starting gig. Deal!!

Josh Norman ~ 6.0/198 ~ 4th-5th ~ 4th-5th

Potential Starter!! Josh Norman is pretty raw, but he offers impressive Verticity and Core Strength, two of the essentials, though his Navigational Skills are raw.

There's something to work with, here. Fair Value!!

Shaun Prater ~ 5.10/189 ~ 4th-5th ~ 4th-5th

Potential Starter!! Shaun Prater brings intriguing Athleticism to the table, displaying pretty decent levels of Verticity, Fluidity, and Burst.

However, his Navigational skills are awfully raw, and his Diagnostics and Processing Speed are rough. Even so, there's something to work with, here. Fair Value!!

Coryell Judie ~ 6.0/195 ~ 5th-6th ~ 3rd

Starter!! Coryell Judie doesn't command the Core Strength, the Verticity, or the Navigational skills to excel as a Man or Press Corner.

But he's very impressive as a Zone Corner, exhibiting exceptional Fluidity, Burst, + Lateral Agility in short areas, as well as the Diagnostic skill and Processing Speed to effectively read the field and make plays.

He looks like a Zone Starter at the next level. Sleeper!!

Asa Jackson ~ 5.10/192 ~ 5th-6th ~ 4th-5th

Potential Starter!! Asa Jackson is rather raw, of course, and doesn't have much experience in Press, but in Off Coverage, he displayed an impressive fusion of Fluidity, Lateral Agility, and Burst in short areas.

He is a raw Navigator, but offers intriguing skills, and there is starting potential, here, probably as a Zone or Cover 2 Back. Deal!!

Desmond Marrow ~ 6.2/210 ~ UFA ~ 7th

Moon Shot!! Desmond Marrow is hindered by awful Dexterity, raw Navigation skills, and dubious Core Strength.

But he does command rather exceptional Fluidity for his size, to which you can add nice Burst as well as impressive Diagnostics and Processing Speed.

Raw as raw can be, but if he can ever harness his raw skills, he could not only eventually earn a starting gig at the next level, he could be a damned good one. Deal!!

 

[Off The Grid]

Whew!! That's it, for now!!

My aspiration is to roll through each and every Thread and update them all, 2 times, between now and the Draft: I'll be adjusting for changing perceptions of Market Value, for guys that I haven't yet broken down that need to be...and of course for any adjustment in perception or opinion!!

I hope any and all will feel FREE to collaborate by adding their own notions to this and every thread!!

It's been a GREAT pleasure. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed forging them!!

 

[Off The Grid]

My Short List

When I evaluate CornerBacks, Fluidity, Burst, Lateral Agility...all these things matter, as do others.

But for me, it all comes down to Verticity, Verticity, Verticity!!

How smooth, how sharp, how crisp...is the Corner when it comes to Flipping the Hips...to Turning and Burning??

And I don't give a rat's ass about "Ball Skills"...and not too much about "40" Times!!

***

Morris Claiborne ~ 5.11/189 ~ 1st ~ 1st

Super Beast!! Not much to say, here: Morris Claiborne commands phenomenal Verticity, turning and burning like he was born to flip his hips!!

He's explosive out'f'is Breaks.

He commands the Core Strength and Fluidity to consistently harass and rough up Split Ends off the Line.

And he's an aggressive Run Defender.

This is a dream Corner Back, and even for the 3rd Pick in the Draft, should he go that early, he'll be a Steal!!

Dre KirkPatrick ~ 6.2/186 ~ 1st ~ 1st

Beast!! I will hedge that by saying that as a Press Corner, Dre KirkPatrick might be good, not great.

He brings great Core Strength to the table, mind you, and is very physical off the Line, but his Fluidity isn't all that remarkable, and he doesn't exhibit very explosive Torsion out'f'is Breaks.

As a Zone Corner, though, he should be exceptional: He commands outstanding Diagnostic Acuity and Processing Speed, smooth Verticity to Turn + Burn, and his length is a great asset in completing plays.

And he's a phenomenal Tackler in Run Support.

Assuming he's drafted by a team that plays a lot of Zone, he should be extraordinary. Fair Value!!

Stephon Gilmore ~ 6.0/189 ~ 1st-2nd ~ 1st-2nd

Stud Horse!! Stephon Gilmore doesn't consistently display impressive Verticity, yet on tape and at the Combine ~ where he burned a sweet 661 on the 3 Cone, to say nothing of a 394 on the Short Shuttle ~ he clearly exhibits Raw Verticity: a natural Fluidity that usually only requires Discipline and Dedication to convert into Turn + Burn prowess.

When and if he brings develops that, he should become a workable Zone Corner.

As it is, he commands enough Core Strength and Tenacity off the Line to jam Split Ends, and both the impressive Lateral Agility and Fluidity to stick with them well enough to become a superior Press Corner.

And he's an aggressive Run Defender.

He has some work to do, but he looks like a starting caliber Man Corner who should develop into a very effective one, and who should in fact become a decent Zone Corner, as well. Fair Value!!

Janoris Jenkins ~ 5.10/192 ~ 1st-2nd ~ 1st

Beast!! Janoris Jenkins boasts scintillating Verticity, as impressive as anyone's in the Draft Class, even that of Morris Claiborne: He can Turn + Burn with anyone.

His Core Strength is outstanding, and his Fluidity is amazing, but he's so small that he can still be tossed around off the Line. However, he's so freaking Spry that he's never far from his man.

He's a very dubious Run Defender, mind you.

He'll probably always be vulnerable to runs in his Direction, but all told he's got the makings of an outstanding Corner at the next level, and I would say he warrants a Mid-1st Grade. Steal!!

Chase MinniField ~ 5.10/183 ~ 3rd ~ 3rd

Starter!! Chase MinniField commands exceptional Verticity on the Turn + Burn, and decent Fluidity and Core Strength in Press Coverage, though he could use some work in Run Defense.

All in all, a starting caliber Corner Prospect. Fair Value!!

Jamell Fleming ~ 5.11/207 ~ 3rd ~ 1st-2nd

Stud Horse!! I really like this kid.

Jamell Fleming brings absolutely outstanding Verticity ~ Turn + Burn Acuity ~ to the table.

His Lateral Agility, his Fluidity, and his Torsion ~ Burst out of Breaks ~ are all excellent.

Mind you: His Run Defense needs work.

And there were academic issues.

But his FootBall IQ is all I care about, and he commands exceptional Diagnostic Acuity + Processing Speed, in Reading + Reacting to Routes.

Jamell Fleming commands tremendous Potential, one of the greatest Corner Values of this entire Class. Steal!!

Trumaine Johnson ~ 6.2/204 ~ 3rd ~ 1st

Beast!! Here we have my favorite Corner Back of the entire Draft...at least at this juncture!!

Trumaine Johnson brings a scintillating fusion of tremendous Verticity ~ Turn + Burn Acuity ~ explosive Torsion ~ Burst out of Breaks ~ and outstanding Diagnostic Acuity + Processing Speed to the Game.

As a former Receiver, he commands highly impressive Instincts for the Passing Game.

He boasts an extraordinary blend of Athleticism, Power, and Size, and while he has little experience in Press Coverage, his potential there ~ or in Zone, if you please!! ~ is immense.

I see 1st Round Potential in this kid. Yet his Market Value, while ascending, is still, inexplicably, in the 3rd or 4th Round range!! Super Sleeper!!

Desmond Marrow ~ 6.2/210 ~ UFA ~ 7th

Moon Shot!! Desmond Marrow is hindered by awful Dexterity, raw Navigation skills, and dubious Core Strength.

But he does command rather exceptional Fluidity for his size, to which you can add nice Burst as well as impressive Diagnostics and Processing Speed.

Raw as raw can be, but if he can ever harness his raw skills, he could not only eventually earn a starting gig at the next level, he could be a damned good one. Deal!!

Notes

1 ~ Another of my extremely radical and unpopular notions is that I don't place much Premium on CornerBacks. My Rationale: Despite the fact that the league has become more Flash Gordon ~ Pass Oriented ~ Madden FootBall over the last 8 years, I believe that evidence continues to mount that It All Starts In The Trenches.

And ~ believing that, as I do ~ I tend to place importance ~ and emphasis ~ on a given position in direct proportion to its general proximity to the FootBall...at the time it is snapped.

I believe that a mediocre Secondary can look like Hall of Famers, if the Front 7 is imposing enough.

Need I cite references??

But I do not presume to FOIST my views on you, my Fellow FootBall Fanatics...but merely to share them, to be employed or discarded as your judgement sees fit.

Having said all that...

2 ~ I believe that Devin McCourty is about to turn it all around and launch into Stardom.

3 ~ And I believe that Glass Eye Dowling has All Pro Potential...But I have no interest in counting on'm.

4 ~ But because I place my Strategic Emphasis elsewhere, I am content to watch Morris Claiborne and Dre KirkPatrick get drafted before our number comes up...to let Stephon Gilmore and Janoris Jenkins roll by in the late 20's...and to let guys like Chase MinniField roll by in the mid Rounds.

5 ~ But where I see legitimate 1st Round Talent in the Mid Rounds ~ Jamell Fleming and Trumaine Johnson ~ I'm all about POUNCING on those cats!!

6 ~ And Desmond Marrow has MONSTER Potential...at a VERY sweet price!!

 

[BradyManny]

Really great analysis OTG. Puts to shame a lot of stuff I read on the web from the so called pundits.

Personally - I've been watching a lot of Jenkins wherever I can find it on Youtube. Someone did cutups of him vs. Green & Jones, and it's impressive. I really think he's going to be a stud. I know there are reservations on size, but he otherwise has all the makings of a shutdown corner. At the very least, he's got a lot of Asante in him, I mean that in a good way - not in a drop a potential perfect season gift interception and crush our souls kind of way way. He also takes some risks too often like Asante, but his instincts appear good.

When I watch him move and see his athleticism - I think that's what our defense is missing.

But I'm glad to see my feelings on him are backed up by more trained eyes.

I support the movement to beef up the trenches - but if this kid is around at the end of round 1, that's great value. Guess that's where I differ, I'd go for him at that point.

 

[Off The Grid]

Really great analysis OTG. Puts to shame a lot of stuff I read on the web from the so called pundits.

Personally - I've been watching a lot of Jenkins wherever I can find it on Youtube. Someone did cutups of him vs. Green & Jones, and it's impressive. I really think he's going to be a stud. I know there are reservations on size, but he otherwise has all the makings of a shutdown corner. At the very least, he's got a lot of Asante in him, I mean that in a good way - not in a drop a potential perfect season gift interception and crush our souls kind of way way. He also takes some risks too often like Asante, but his instincts appear good.

When I watch him move and see his athleticism - I think that's what our defense is missing.

But I'm glad to see my feelings on him are backed up by more trained eyes.

I support the movement to beef up the trenches - but if this kid is around at the end of round 1, that's great value. Guess that's where I differ, I'd go for him at that point.

It's extremely gratifying, that the Members whose Works I most enjoy, most enjoy mine!!

Thank you kindly, Brother Manny.

I love your Analysis of Jenkins, and I found this comment especially resonant:

When I watch him move and see his athleticism - I think that's what our defense is missing.

Yes, indeed.

I'm always focused on Impact, Impact, Impact: the accumulative import of a Prospect's Potential Aggregate Ripple Effect on the entire side of the field and of the additional Potential Impact ~ rarely mentioned in draft circles, but utterly vital ~ of his indirect affect on the other side of the ball.

For instance: How the influx of a dominant Offensive Lineman or two can allow an Offense to Control the Ball far more than before, keeping its Defense off the field, and thus naturally ~ and greatly ~ benefiting that Defense. I don't know if I've ever read that mentioned anywhere with the respect I feel it deserves.

That's got a lot to do with why I'm so Grizzly Centric.

But let me tell you...

When I imagine Jenkins flying around out there in 3 Corner Sets, with perhaps an healthy Ras I Dowling and what I expect to be a vastly improved and often dominant Devin McCourty...I get misty.

Misty, I tells ya.

My preferences are what they are, and I agree that we do diverge, there, Brother Manny...

But I promise you that if your man's name gets called by our Team, I will not be crying in my Beer!!

Mmmmmm.....BEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRR....hhhhhhhhhh!!!

 

[BradyManny]

When I imagine Jenkins flying around out there in 3 Corner Sets, with perhaps an healthy Ras I Dowling and what I expect to be a vastly improved and often dominant Devin McCourty...I get misty.

Well put OTG. Hopefully things play out in our favor and we can address both the line and secondary adequately in the draft. But as you say, there are several opportunities throughout the draft to get corner help - so even if I don't get my binky, we can still get good value at the position.

And again great stuff on all your positional analysis - which are helping get me out of my post-SB funk and my self-imposed football vacation - and embrace perhaps the best time of the football year. Draft time.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Asa Jackson ~ 5.10/192 ~ 5th-6th ~ 4th-5th

Potential Starter!! Asa Jackson is rather raw, of course, and doesn't have much experience in Press, but in Off Coverage, he displayed an impressive fusion of Fluidity, Lateral Agility, and Burst in short areas.

He is a raw Navigator, but offers intriguing skills, and there is starting potential, here, probably as a Zone or Cover 2 Back. Deal!!

Umm, Grid. . . . that's not Asa Jackson. (Apparently Mr. Jackson wore #2 for Cal Poly.)

 

[WaterfallJumper]

OTG, our short lists are similar. I don't like Trumaine, though, as much as you will dislike to hear that statement.

Four players vastly overlooked in this process: Ron Brooks, Coty Sensebaugh, Donnie Fletcher, and Casey Hayward.

I've written extensively about Brooks in the past. I will let that analysis stand on its own.

I've rewatched a lot of Clemson lately, and #15 kept standing out precisely because he's never in the play. He might be the best press-man corner in the country. I have no clue how he is so poorly rated. He put up exceptional agility and speed numbers at the combine, but still no one seems to project him as either a high pick or an NFL starter. Yet when I watch him, he is almost impossible to beat deep. He's cat-quick and can run with anyone down the field. In all the games I watched, he locked down some pretty solid opponents. The quarterbacks almost never even looked his way.

Caveat: his run defense sucks. He can't get off a block to save his life, and he's more of a drag down tackler than anything else. That said, he is fast, physical, and in-your-face. He reminds me a lot of Webb, actually. Undersized but aggressive, and really excellent in man to man. Could bring an important element to our defense.

Fletcher is a big corner, but with great straight-line speed. He has played exclusively in a zone system for four years at BC, and he has some real talent. Now, the BC requires corners to play way off the WR, which I hate, but Fletcher still managed to be fairly consistent and disruptive from the CB position. Because of his size, speed, ball skills, and keen understanding of zone coverages, I think he's an ideal safety conversion. With his size, he could also learn press-man, although he's lacking ideal quickness to stay with smaller, quicker receivers.

Oh, and: why isn't Casey Hayward considered a first/second rounder? No one in the nation has better anticipation or ball skills. We're talking six passes broken up in a single game against Jarius Wright, Joe Adams, and Greg Childs. He can be beaten downfield (not the fleetest of foot, although not slow), but he tracks the ball in the air better than most corners at the pro level, knows how to recover, and never panics. Will be one of the best defensive backs from this class. I think he'll play 10+ years, barring injury, and will be well decorated in his career.

I think I'd go with Sensabaugh and Fletcher, personally. I used to prefer Gilmore, Brooks, Minnifield, Hayward, and Fleming, but the more I look at the overall class lately, the more I think we can find value at corner and receiver late in the draft. This is not the case with defensive ends and tackles, and so my earlier round projections have looked different in the past few days.