VJCPatriot
Pro Bowl Player
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- Apr 28, 2006
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We have seen plenty of defensive player to offensive player conversions. We often try to project a DE or LB to TE in our system. But how about the other way around?
Note how the average height of starting WRs has steadily increased over the years in the NFL. Yet it seems yearly that the toughest thing to find is a corner who is big enough and yet has the physical skills and quickness to keep up with the new generation of WRs in the NFL.
What's the solution then? If there's a position of scarcity, why not CONVERT? The premier example of the WR to CB conversion is Richard Sherman himself. Sherman was taken with a 5th round draft pick by the Seahawks and the rest is history.
Much like Brady, I'm sure that Sherman plays with a chip on his shoulder due to his late draft status. But thinking along those lines, why don't we hunt for the next Richard Sherman? Why not draft a WR with an eye to see if they can be converted to the much more valuable CB position? And if they don't work out at CB, heck we still have a need at WR, so it wouldn't be a loss anyways.
Some guys I'm eyeing for possible conversion:
WR prospect 6-6 220 lb Brandon Coleman from Rutgers. At 6-6 Coleman towers over most cornerbacks, and if his role were reversed he would tower over even most elite receivers. If he could play the defensive side of the ball, we'd have ourselves the next Brandon Browner??
Mel Kiper Jr. projects Rutgers WR Brandon Coleman as an early Day 3 NFL Draft pick | NJ.com
A more elite athletic prospect would be the explosive 6-2 220 lb Donte Moncrief. He put up eye-popping numbers at the combine. 4.40 40, 39.5" VJ and 11' broad jump. As a 2-way player Moncrief could possibly play at an elite level.
Donte Moncrief, WR, Ole Miss, NFL Draft - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com
And here's a guy who has been mentioned but not really focused on as a former WR turned to CB. Stanley Jean Baptiste. At 6'3 215 lbs, SJB has all the physical traits you are looking for in a big CB. Of course he needs more polish and needs to work on taking better angles in run pursuit. But it's expected to see some rawness from a conversion project. But the payoff once he puts it all together may be well worth the wait.
2014 NFL Draft Profile: Nebraska CB Stanley Jean-Baptiste | Big Time Football
So is there anybody else you would have in mind for a conversion project to CB? I know that we already have Revis and Browner, so this isn't exactly a high priority need presently.
But if you start developing that guy now, you insure yourself a year or two down the road, that say if Revis leaves to another team for more money, that your secondary has a stud waiting in the wings.
Note how the average height of starting WRs has steadily increased over the years in the NFL. Yet it seems yearly that the toughest thing to find is a corner who is big enough and yet has the physical skills and quickness to keep up with the new generation of WRs in the NFL.
What's the solution then? If there's a position of scarcity, why not CONVERT? The premier example of the WR to CB conversion is Richard Sherman himself. Sherman was taken with a 5th round draft pick by the Seahawks and the rest is history.
Much like Brady, I'm sure that Sherman plays with a chip on his shoulder due to his late draft status. But thinking along those lines, why don't we hunt for the next Richard Sherman? Why not draft a WR with an eye to see if they can be converted to the much more valuable CB position? And if they don't work out at CB, heck we still have a need at WR, so it wouldn't be a loss anyways.
Some guys I'm eyeing for possible conversion:
WR prospect 6-6 220 lb Brandon Coleman from Rutgers. At 6-6 Coleman towers over most cornerbacks, and if his role were reversed he would tower over even most elite receivers. If he could play the defensive side of the ball, we'd have ourselves the next Brandon Browner??
Mel Kiper Jr. projects Rutgers WR Brandon Coleman as an early Day 3 NFL Draft pick | NJ.com
A more elite athletic prospect would be the explosive 6-2 220 lb Donte Moncrief. He put up eye-popping numbers at the combine. 4.40 40, 39.5" VJ and 11' broad jump. As a 2-way player Moncrief could possibly play at an elite level.
Donte Moncrief, WR, Ole Miss, NFL Draft - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com
And here's a guy who has been mentioned but not really focused on as a former WR turned to CB. Stanley Jean Baptiste. At 6'3 215 lbs, SJB has all the physical traits you are looking for in a big CB. Of course he needs more polish and needs to work on taking better angles in run pursuit. But it's expected to see some rawness from a conversion project. But the payoff once he puts it all together may be well worth the wait.
2014 NFL Draft Profile: Nebraska CB Stanley Jean-Baptiste | Big Time Football
So is there anybody else you would have in mind for a conversion project to CB? I know that we already have Revis and Browner, so this isn't exactly a high priority need presently.
But if you start developing that guy now, you insure yourself a year or two down the road, that say if Revis leaves to another team for more money, that your secondary has a stud waiting in the wings.