No one really knows what the ceiling is on this kid. He may have peaked in SB49, and everything from here on is going to be a let down.
Here are some things we do know... (and slightly more predictive of future success that his speed in the 40):
- He impressed the coaching staff enough to make the 53-man as an undrafted rookie
- He leapfrogged Logan Ryan, who played pretty decently as a rookie.
- He leapfrogged Alfonzo Dennard, who was a starter for us; and he actually squeezed Dennard right off the active roster.
- On second and goal from the 1 yard line, with the Superbowl on the line, Belichick and the defensive coaching staff decide to put him on the slot ahead of Kyle Arrington, who has been beloved by the staff in Foxboro for years
- Brady says "A guy like Malcolm who makes that type of quick, instinctive plays, that's one of his strong suits. I don't think it surprised any of us players because that's what his skill set is." Also says, "He's been picking me off all season in practice."
- Belichick says, "He had a couple of interceptions in practice and I remember walking off the field with [defensive coordinator Matt] Patricia and [cornerbacks] coach [Josh] Boyer, and we were all saying, ‘this guy is probably going to make a big play in this game because that’s the way he’s practiced.’ It certainly turned out that way. Malcolm is an instinctive player and he has explosive quickness."
The way the roster stacks up right now, looks like he is our starting corner, even if we sign a veteran or use an early pick on a CB.
As for his ultimate potential: he could be nothing more than he has been for us so far... a useful slot corner. Or if he continues to grow his game at the rate he's been learning over the last 12 months, he could become a really important player for us. Seems like he has been a sponge for the coaching he's been getting.
If Brady and Belichick describe him as a quick, instinctive playmaker... well, that sounds pretty good to me. Don't be biased by the fact that he's undrafted from Western Alabama. How many corners in the NFL do you think they would describe in those terms?