Impact defensive backs for each day of 2012 NFL Draft

[cowboyjoe]

Saturday sleepers
http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/09000...2012-nfl-draft
Impact late-round defensive backs become special-teams stars as rookies and work their way into sub-packages.
Asa Jackson, CB, Cal Poly: The undersized Jackson will have to prove himself capable of handling larger NFL receivers before receiving a lot of time on defense, though he is not contact-shy. He averaged 25.1 yards per kickoff return and 14.7 yards each time he brought back a punt during his career with the Mustangs; that will be his ticket to make an impact while coaches teach him to defend the slot.

Brandon Hardin, S, Oregon State: Even though Hardin missed the entire 2011 season with a fractured shoulder, teams couldn't help but look back fondly at the missile-like hits he made on coverage units and solid play at cornerback for the Beavers in 2010. The 4.4 40 speed he showed at his pro day while measuring 6-2 5/8-inch, 222 pounds simply added to teams' thinking that Hardin will be a special teams ace worth a mid-round pick, if not a playmaker at safety.

Coty Sensabaugh, CB, Clemson: The cousin of Cowboys starting safety Gerald Sensabaugh did not become a full-time starter until 2011 -- just like Gerald with Dallas -- but impressed with his athleticism, quick feet and strong hands at the line of scrimmage. He also fights for the ball in 50/50 situations, despite his wiry 5-11, 188-pound build, giving him an excellent chance to be an NFL starter in man or zone schemes.

Follow Chad Reuter on Twitter @ChadReuter

[xwalker]

Thanks for posting Joe.


I'm a big fan of drafting Hardin and/or Sensabaugh.

Check out Hardin's 6.88 cone time at 217 lbs. Sensabaugh's measureables are impressive across the board.

[BAT]

Originally Posted by xwalker

Thanks for posting Joe.


I'm a big fan of drafting Hardin and/or Sensabaugh.

Check out Hardin's 6.88 cone time at 217 lbs. Sensabaugh's measureables are impressive across the board.

I prefer Hardin. He would be a beast flying down the field towards WRs. His corner experienc, size, tackling prowess and speed would be ideal covering the new generation TEs.

Coty S is extremely athletic, but he looked stiff in the corner drills during the combine. Deion mentioned his hips (in a negative way) several times. Coty may be better off in a zone coverage scheme (Tampa 2).

[bpfred]

Originally Posted by cowboyjoe

Saturday sleepers
http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/09000...2012-nfl-draft
Impact late-round defensive backs become special-teams stars as rookies and work their way into sub-packages.
Asa Jackson, CB, Cal Poly: The undersized Jackson will have to prove himself capable of handling larger NFL receivers before receiving a lot of time on defense, though he is not contact-shy. He averaged 25.1 yards per kickoff return and 14.7 yards each time he brought back a punt during his career with the Mustangs; that will be his ticket to make an impact while coaches teach him to defend the slot.

Follow Chad Reuter on Twitter @ChadReuter

I'd be careful w/Jackson. If I remember correctly, he has 29.5" arms. I haven't checked but that may be the shortest length arms in the draft. There may be actual alligators with longer arms than that. And arm length is important for NFL CBs.

[cowboysooner]

I expect us to draft 2 corners because we only have 2 signed past this year.