CB Daron Bland

So... I knew this guy was a 30 visitor, but I didn't bother to watch him because he wasn't even an option to draft on TDN's Mock Draft Machine. I don't think they even knew he existed and there's a good reason why. He didn't start the 1st four games of the season & wouldn't you know it, two of the three available games to watch him in were games he didn't start. That being said, I think this guy is a gem of a prospect. I'm convinced he's awful in the games I didn't get to see and that's why I like him so much more than where he was drafted.

The best thing I saw him do was repeatedly take away in-breaking routes. I also saw him doing a good job of working through the receiver to deflect the pass. Favorite play of his was against Boise State; diagnosed a backwards pass & hauled *** to interception the throw. He would have returned it for a pick six after a great effort, but one of his teammates held on the return.

Almost exclusively played outside corner. Doesn't always look like he's playing fast, notably didn't think he bursted upfield, but I saw him carry a couple of verticals against UCLA & saw him closing from behind in pursuit against Fresno State.

Worst and most concerning play I saw was him biting against play action & vacating his zone for a long TD pass. Called for PI one snap. Wasn't very tight against the sole out-break I saw him cover.

The Realist said:

This pick is very bland….

Click to expand...

Stop, you're killing me!

i saw Bland as a project pick but i have no problem with Bland in the 5th round. Late round.
Probably where Lashon Wright should have been selected last year, instead of in the 3rd round.

Bland apparently has the physical tools and film tape the Cowboys like and wanted to develop
i didn't see Bland on too many of the more notable scouting profiles.

quickccc said:

i saw Bland as a project pick but i have no problem with Bland in the 5th round. Late round.
Probably where Lashon Wright should have been selected last year, instead of in the 3rd round.

Bland apparently has the physical tools and film tape the Cowboys like and wanted to develop
i didn't see Bland on too many of the more notable scouting profiles.

Click to expand...

I wanted Amare Barno over him or even Devin Harper.

Felt both guys would have been available as UDFA.

BAT said:

I wanted Amare Barno over him or even Devin Harper.

Felt both guys would have been available as UDFA.

Click to expand...

i'll trust Wil McClay crew on this Bland one.
maybe they felt they would not even been able to sign him away from the other NFL teams as an UDFA rookie.