TSN-CB rankings: Rolle, 'Pac-Man' cover the class
Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2005 10:35 pm
An analytical look at the 2005 cornerback class:
1. Antrel Rolle, Miami (Fla.), 6-0 5/8, 201. A tone-setting player who can be among the NFL's most physical cornerbacks. Is a killer against the run. Is a strong and tough, solid tackler and explosive hitter. Gets a nice jam on receivers. Can get off a block. Shows nice burst out of his breaks. Has a good body for the position. Competes hard. Good on the blitz. Isn't a burner, but is fast enough. Is not the most fluid player. Receivers don't run by him. Occasionally will be suckered by a pump fake. Is aware in coverage as a rule. Has some ball skills. Would be ideal in a cover-2 scheme. Also could be a safety.
2. Adam Jones, West Virginia, 5-9 5/8, 187. Nicknamed "Pac-Man." Aggressive against run and pass. Versatile enough to play man or zone. Can intercept. Instinctive; gets good breaks on passes. Has good speed, quickness and body control, but allows receivers to get behind him at times. Isn't the most sure-handed tackler. Lacks ideal height, but plays taller than he is. Good return man. Has big potential.
3. Fabian Washington, Nebraska, 5-10 1/2, 188. Fastest player in the draft. Accelerates quickly. Has catch-up speed and can make up for mistakes. Can burst to the ball. Has good man-cover skills. Athletic and can change direction. Is aware in coverage. Has hands of stone. Is willing against the run, but is not physical and doesn't take great angles. Is not a big hitter. Finesse guy. Smart player.
4. Eric Green, Virginia Tech, 5-11 3/8, 198. Solid, complete prospect with good cover skills to play man-to-man. Is aggressive. Breaks quickly and shows suddenness. Has decent speed and recovery ability. Is aware in coverage. Can go get the ball. Allows too much cushion at times. Good, not great tackler.
5. Carlos Rogers, Auburn, 6-0 3/8, 196. Came on strong as a senior, improving during the season. Pretty good all-around defender who can play man or zone. Breaks well on the ball; gets a hand on many passes. Gets a nice jam. Has decent speed. Has average fluidity and ability to redirect. Must improve at forcing the run. Inconsistent tackler. Good size. Has potential to improve.
6. Corey Webster, Louisiana State, 6-0 1/8, 199. Played his best in 2003, and should take off as a pro. Was injured much of 2004. Has nice size and skills. Can fit in any scheme. Understands coverage. Can go get the ball. Runs pretty well. Has average ability to redirect. Could be more intense in run defense. Misses tackles.
7. Marlin Jackson, Michigan, 6-0 5/8, 198. Big; considered a poor man's Antrel Rolle. Is strong, tough and physical; tackles well. Doesn't have pure man-cover skills. Has average speed and burst. Is ideal for cover-2 scheme. Excels covering slot receiver. Has experience at safety, and that could be his best position.
8. Bryant McFadden, Florida State, 5-11 3/8, 193. Ideal cover-2 player; might struggle in a man scheme. Has trouble staying with quickest receivers. Is decent against the run. Doesn't shy away from contact. Doesn't have top speed or outstanding fluid hip movement. Closes quickly and breaks up passes. Has burst. Shows good instincts. Decent size.
9. Justin Miller, Clemson, 5-9 3/4, 201. Usually gets the job done but isn't pretty. Is explosive; can play man or zone. Has some speed and quickness. Looks strong, but must learn to funnel his strength into big hits. Can help as a kick returner. Some question whether he is coachable. Inconsistent. Gave up some deep balls. Junior, could have used another year in school.
10. Nick Collins, Bethune-Cookman, 5-11 1/8, 206. A safety/corner 'tweener with good ability and speed. Has played both positions. Can run and hit. Tackles well. Has adequate ball skills. Good developmental prospect; other than on special teams, probably won't make an impact for a year or two. Has upside. Must adjust to a major jump in level of competition.
11. Antonio Perkins, Oklahoma, 5-10 3/4, 190. Quick, fast, athletic; has excellent ball skills. Has good feet and hip movement. Lacks ideal size; must be more physical. Instincts must improve. Sometimes gets lost downfield. Durability is an issue. Excellent returner; has more upside there than as a defender.
12. Brandon Browner, Oregon State, 6-3 1/2, 221. Tall with decent speed and athleticism. Has potential because of his height and long arms. Can throw a receiver off his route at the line. Will struggle in man coverage. Is raw; a junior who could have used another college season. There is talk of moving him to safety, but that would be a mistake. Poor tackler. Takes poor angles to the ball. Lacks ball skills.
13. Stanley Wilson, Stanford, 5-11 3/4, 185. Fast; has track background. Not a great college player, but might be a better pro. Has suddenness. Competes hard. Shows anticipation. Isn't fluid. Poor footwork can put him out of position. Doesn't have a great feel for reading routes. Didn't start until his senior season.
14. Ronald Bartell Jr., Howard, 6-1 1/4, 211. Small-college prospect with a big frame. Very athletic, fast, but is a better athlete than player. Can jump and will match up physically with most receivers. Instincts and technique must improve. Could be more aggressive and focused. Did not dominate his level of competition.
15. Domonique Foxworth, Maryland, 5-11 1/8, 184. Smooth, fluid cover guy. Has speed to run with fleet receivers. Can be physical against the pass and run. Recognition skills are pretty good. Is best in a man scheme. Doesn't make many plays.
The following players are considered second-day prospects.
16. Ellis Hobbs III, Iowa State, 5-9, 192. Lacks ideal height, but is talented. Has good cover skills. Can turn and run. Has good speed. Aware in coverage. Instinctive. Has a nose for the ball and is aggressive in all facets of play. Is explosive. Tough and willing to hit.
17. Stanford Routt, Houston, 6-1 3/8, 193. Great combination of size and speed. Track guy who is learning the game; interesting developmental prospect. Has some cover skills. Can turn and run with receivers. Must be more competitive and aggressive in run support.
18. Aric Williams, Oregon State, 5-11 1/2, 187. Instinctive player with very good ball skills. Has very good hip movement and redirects quickly. Speed is average, but is quick. Is tough and competitive. Tackles well. Is better when asked to defend a short-area zone than running down the field. Has potential.
19. Kelvin Hayden, Illinois, 5-10 3/8, 197. Former receiver who converted to defense last season. Has decent speed and good short-area burst. Can intercept. Is well built for the position. Has the toughness to come up and hit. Would be best in a cover-2 scheme. Could develop into a very good player. Also can help as a kick returner.
20. Scott Starks, Wisconsin, 5-8 1/2, 172. If he were 2 inches taller, Starks would be a first-round pick. Is very quick; can blanket a receiver. Has good hip movement. Shows the speed to recover if he gets beat. Can play man or zone. Is aware and competitive. Knows how to play. Doesn't hesitate in support, but is very limited because of his size. Makes plays. Will be ideal in a nickel role.
21. Alphonso Hodge, Miami (Ohio), 5-10 3/4, 203. Has long limbs and good speed, quick feet and fluid hip movement. Is well built. Stock fell throughout the season because he didn't play that well. Lacks instincts. Struggles on deep passes. Has trouble reading receivers. Has some upside.
22. Eric King, Wake Forest, 5-8 1/2, 189. Undersized, but competes hard and makes plays. Has good ball skills. Shows the athleticism and quickness to stick with receivers. Is experienced and fundamentally sound. Is inconsistent in run support.
23. Travis Daniels, Louisiana State, 6-0 1/2, 194. Has good size. Is versatile; can play corner, safety or over the slot on nickel downs. Instinctive. Will play run support. Could be more aggressively on passes in front of him. Could make more plays. Has average speed.
24. Karl Paymah, Washington State, 6-0, 204. Well built. Can press and play zone. Redirects receivers at the line. Has better timed speed than play speed. Lacks great athletic ability. Is OK in run support. Could develop.
25. Antwaun Rogers, Purdue, 6-0 5/8, 168. Tall, thin, with some quickness. Shows a feel for the passing game. Understands angles. Has tight hip movement. Hasn't been productive. Could be more physical. Has a knee injury that could hurt his draft stock.
26. Cedrick Williams, Kansas State, 5-9 3/4, 168. A bit undersized but has great quickness. Has excellent feet and hip movement. Is very athletic. Can change directions quickly. Has man-to-man skills. Competes hard. Has not been extremely productive. Must be more physical. Has a chance as a nickel corner.
27. Chris McKenzie, Arizona State, 5-8 1/2, 185. Workout wonder who lit up the Combine with a 45-inch vertical leap, a 11-4 broad jump and 4.32 40-yard dash. Size is his major drawback. Also has character concerns. Is tough with suddenness and ball skills similar to Ricky Manning's.
28. Darrent Williams, Oklahoma, 5-8 5/8, 176. Has everything you want except height. Has very good speed. Can cover man-to-man. Is instinctive. Has great feet and hip movement. Hits hard. Is an explosive punt returner. Has the skills of a high pick, but off-field baggage and lack of height will drop his stock.
29. Lamont Reid, North Carolina State, 5-11 1/4, 195. Has decent measurables. Can leap and knock away high passes. Played a lot of press in college, which did not play to his strengths. Gave up too many plays. Isn't a great tackler.
30. Daven Holly, Cincinnati, 5-10 3/8, 192. Former receiver had a nice Combine workout. Has burst out of his breaks. Gave up a lot of completions. Lacks transition quickness. Might be better athlete than player. Has some upside.
31. Abraham Elimimian, Hawaii, 5-9 5/8, 190. Speed was exposed in testing. Has more quickness than speed. Is a bit undersized. Is athletic and competitive. Has cover skills. Tackling is a concern. Could have value as a third or fourth corner.
32. Brandon Payne, New Mexico, 6-0, 183. Quick with good height. Lacks top speed. Is best when playing press and in zone coverage. Helped himself at the Las Vegas all-star game.
33. Jerron Wishom, Louisiana Tech, 5-11 3/4, 193. Has good size. Can run and hit. Has a feel for tracking the ball. Had a decent Combine workout. Knee problems are a concern.
34. Byron Jones, Texas A&M, 5-9 7/8, 187. Has decent speed and athleticism. Lacks quickness and change of direction to excel in man coverage. Wasn't very productive.
35. Markus Curry, Michigan, 5-10 7/8, 187. Can press and play zone. Well put-together. Has some quickness. Isn't very physical. Didn't produce in college. Has off-field baggage.
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1. Antrel Rolle, Miami (Fla.), 6-0 5/8, 201. A tone-setting player who can be among the NFL's most physical cornerbacks. Is a killer against the run. Is a strong and tough, solid tackler and explosive hitter. Gets a nice jam on receivers. Can get off a block. Shows nice burst out of his breaks. Has a good body for the position. Competes hard. Good on the blitz. Isn't a burner, but is fast enough. Is not the most fluid player. Receivers don't run by him. Occasionally will be suckered by a pump fake. Is aware in coverage as a rule. Has some ball skills. Would be ideal in a cover-2 scheme. Also could be a safety.
2. Adam Jones, West Virginia, 5-9 5/8, 187. Nicknamed "Pac-Man." Aggressive against run and pass. Versatile enough to play man or zone. Can intercept. Instinctive; gets good breaks on passes. Has good speed, quickness and body control, but allows receivers to get behind him at times. Isn't the most sure-handed tackler. Lacks ideal height, but plays taller than he is. Good return man. Has big potential.
3. Fabian Washington, Nebraska, 5-10 1/2, 188. Fastest player in the draft. Accelerates quickly. Has catch-up speed and can make up for mistakes. Can burst to the ball. Has good man-cover skills. Athletic and can change direction. Is aware in coverage. Has hands of stone. Is willing against the run, but is not physical and doesn't take great angles. Is not a big hitter. Finesse guy. Smart player.
4. Eric Green, Virginia Tech, 5-11 3/8, 198. Solid, complete prospect with good cover skills to play man-to-man. Is aggressive. Breaks quickly and shows suddenness. Has decent speed and recovery ability. Is aware in coverage. Can go get the ball. Allows too much cushion at times. Good, not great tackler.
5. Carlos Rogers, Auburn, 6-0 3/8, 196. Came on strong as a senior, improving during the season. Pretty good all-around defender who can play man or zone. Breaks well on the ball; gets a hand on many passes. Gets a nice jam. Has decent speed. Has average fluidity and ability to redirect. Must improve at forcing the run. Inconsistent tackler. Good size. Has potential to improve.
6. Corey Webster, Louisiana State, 6-0 1/8, 199. Played his best in 2003, and should take off as a pro. Was injured much of 2004. Has nice size and skills. Can fit in any scheme. Understands coverage. Can go get the ball. Runs pretty well. Has average ability to redirect. Could be more intense in run defense. Misses tackles.
7. Marlin Jackson, Michigan, 6-0 5/8, 198. Big; considered a poor man's Antrel Rolle. Is strong, tough and physical; tackles well. Doesn't have pure man-cover skills. Has average speed and burst. Is ideal for cover-2 scheme. Excels covering slot receiver. Has experience at safety, and that could be his best position.
8. Bryant McFadden, Florida State, 5-11 3/8, 193. Ideal cover-2 player; might struggle in a man scheme. Has trouble staying with quickest receivers. Is decent against the run. Doesn't shy away from contact. Doesn't have top speed or outstanding fluid hip movement. Closes quickly and breaks up passes. Has burst. Shows good instincts. Decent size.
9. Justin Miller, Clemson, 5-9 3/4, 201. Usually gets the job done but isn't pretty. Is explosive; can play man or zone. Has some speed and quickness. Looks strong, but must learn to funnel his strength into big hits. Can help as a kick returner. Some question whether he is coachable. Inconsistent. Gave up some deep balls. Junior, could have used another year in school.
10. Nick Collins, Bethune-Cookman, 5-11 1/8, 206. A safety/corner 'tweener with good ability and speed. Has played both positions. Can run and hit. Tackles well. Has adequate ball skills. Good developmental prospect; other than on special teams, probably won't make an impact for a year or two. Has upside. Must adjust to a major jump in level of competition.
11. Antonio Perkins, Oklahoma, 5-10 3/4, 190. Quick, fast, athletic; has excellent ball skills. Has good feet and hip movement. Lacks ideal size; must be more physical. Instincts must improve. Sometimes gets lost downfield. Durability is an issue. Excellent returner; has more upside there than as a defender.
12. Brandon Browner, Oregon State, 6-3 1/2, 221. Tall with decent speed and athleticism. Has potential because of his height and long arms. Can throw a receiver off his route at the line. Will struggle in man coverage. Is raw; a junior who could have used another college season. There is talk of moving him to safety, but that would be a mistake. Poor tackler. Takes poor angles to the ball. Lacks ball skills.
13. Stanley Wilson, Stanford, 5-11 3/4, 185. Fast; has track background. Not a great college player, but might be a better pro. Has suddenness. Competes hard. Shows anticipation. Isn't fluid. Poor footwork can put him out of position. Doesn't have a great feel for reading routes. Didn't start until his senior season.
14. Ronald Bartell Jr., Howard, 6-1 1/4, 211. Small-college prospect with a big frame. Very athletic, fast, but is a better athlete than player. Can jump and will match up physically with most receivers. Instincts and technique must improve. Could be more aggressive and focused. Did not dominate his level of competition.
15. Domonique Foxworth, Maryland, 5-11 1/8, 184. Smooth, fluid cover guy. Has speed to run with fleet receivers. Can be physical against the pass and run. Recognition skills are pretty good. Is best in a man scheme. Doesn't make many plays.
The following players are considered second-day prospects.
16. Ellis Hobbs III, Iowa State, 5-9, 192. Lacks ideal height, but is talented. Has good cover skills. Can turn and run. Has good speed. Aware in coverage. Instinctive. Has a nose for the ball and is aggressive in all facets of play. Is explosive. Tough and willing to hit.
17. Stanford Routt, Houston, 6-1 3/8, 193. Great combination of size and speed. Track guy who is learning the game; interesting developmental prospect. Has some cover skills. Can turn and run with receivers. Must be more competitive and aggressive in run support.
18. Aric Williams, Oregon State, 5-11 1/2, 187. Instinctive player with very good ball skills. Has very good hip movement and redirects quickly. Speed is average, but is quick. Is tough and competitive. Tackles well. Is better when asked to defend a short-area zone than running down the field. Has potential.
19. Kelvin Hayden, Illinois, 5-10 3/8, 197. Former receiver who converted to defense last season. Has decent speed and good short-area burst. Can intercept. Is well built for the position. Has the toughness to come up and hit. Would be best in a cover-2 scheme. Could develop into a very good player. Also can help as a kick returner.
20. Scott Starks, Wisconsin, 5-8 1/2, 172. If he were 2 inches taller, Starks would be a first-round pick. Is very quick; can blanket a receiver. Has good hip movement. Shows the speed to recover if he gets beat. Can play man or zone. Is aware and competitive. Knows how to play. Doesn't hesitate in support, but is very limited because of his size. Makes plays. Will be ideal in a nickel role.
21. Alphonso Hodge, Miami (Ohio), 5-10 3/4, 203. Has long limbs and good speed, quick feet and fluid hip movement. Is well built. Stock fell throughout the season because he didn't play that well. Lacks instincts. Struggles on deep passes. Has trouble reading receivers. Has some upside.
22. Eric King, Wake Forest, 5-8 1/2, 189. Undersized, but competes hard and makes plays. Has good ball skills. Shows the athleticism and quickness to stick with receivers. Is experienced and fundamentally sound. Is inconsistent in run support.
23. Travis Daniels, Louisiana State, 6-0 1/2, 194. Has good size. Is versatile; can play corner, safety or over the slot on nickel downs. Instinctive. Will play run support. Could be more aggressively on passes in front of him. Could make more plays. Has average speed.
24. Karl Paymah, Washington State, 6-0, 204. Well built. Can press and play zone. Redirects receivers at the line. Has better timed speed than play speed. Lacks great athletic ability. Is OK in run support. Could develop.
25. Antwaun Rogers, Purdue, 6-0 5/8, 168. Tall, thin, with some quickness. Shows a feel for the passing game. Understands angles. Has tight hip movement. Hasn't been productive. Could be more physical. Has a knee injury that could hurt his draft stock.
26. Cedrick Williams, Kansas State, 5-9 3/4, 168. A bit undersized but has great quickness. Has excellent feet and hip movement. Is very athletic. Can change directions quickly. Has man-to-man skills. Competes hard. Has not been extremely productive. Must be more physical. Has a chance as a nickel corner.
27. Chris McKenzie, Arizona State, 5-8 1/2, 185. Workout wonder who lit up the Combine with a 45-inch vertical leap, a 11-4 broad jump and 4.32 40-yard dash. Size is his major drawback. Also has character concerns. Is tough with suddenness and ball skills similar to Ricky Manning's.
28. Darrent Williams, Oklahoma, 5-8 5/8, 176. Has everything you want except height. Has very good speed. Can cover man-to-man. Is instinctive. Has great feet and hip movement. Hits hard. Is an explosive punt returner. Has the skills of a high pick, but off-field baggage and lack of height will drop his stock.
29. Lamont Reid, North Carolina State, 5-11 1/4, 195. Has decent measurables. Can leap and knock away high passes. Played a lot of press in college, which did not play to his strengths. Gave up too many plays. Isn't a great tackler.
30. Daven Holly, Cincinnati, 5-10 3/8, 192. Former receiver had a nice Combine workout. Has burst out of his breaks. Gave up a lot of completions. Lacks transition quickness. Might be better athlete than player. Has some upside.
31. Abraham Elimimian, Hawaii, 5-9 5/8, 190. Speed was exposed in testing. Has more quickness than speed. Is a bit undersized. Is athletic and competitive. Has cover skills. Tackling is a concern. Could have value as a third or fourth corner.
32. Brandon Payne, New Mexico, 6-0, 183. Quick with good height. Lacks top speed. Is best when playing press and in zone coverage. Helped himself at the Las Vegas all-star game.
33. Jerron Wishom, Louisiana Tech, 5-11 3/4, 193. Has good size. Can run and hit. Has a feel for tracking the ball. Had a decent Combine workout. Knee problems are a concern.
34. Byron Jones, Texas A&M, 5-9 7/8, 187. Has decent speed and athleticism. Lacks quickness and change of direction to excel in man coverage. Wasn't very productive.
35. Markus Curry, Michigan, 5-10 7/8, 187. Can press and play zone. Well put-together. Has some quickness. Isn't very physical. Didn't produce in college. Has off-field baggage.
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