Baltimore Ravens appear to be on the look out for a big cornerback in the draft

[cowboyjoe]

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-combine-0228-20110227,0,1569330.story

The guy that I think could be that third corner is Aaron Williams," said Mike Mayock, the NFL Network draft analyst. "What I am trying to figure out in my head is [whether] he is the third corner or the first free safety. If I drafted him, I draft him as a corner first. He reminds me a little bit of Woodson as far as his skill set. He's not as consistent as I would like, but he's an interesting guy."

Cornerback is likely among the Ravens' priorities in this draft. Their starters from last season, Josh Wilson and Chris Carr, are expected to become unrestricted free agents. Domonique Foxworth, a starter in 2009, is coming off knee surgery that sidelined him all of last season, and nickel back Lardarius Webb is a season removed from the same operation.

 

[SDogo]

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-combine-0228-20110227,0,1569330.story

The guy that I think could be that third corner is Aaron Williams," said Mike Mayock, the NFL Network draft analyst. "What I am trying to figure out in my head is [whether] he is the third corner or the first free safety. If I drafted him, I draft him as a corner first. He reminds me a little bit of Woodson as far as his skill set. He's not as consistent as I would like, but he's an interesting guy."

Cornerback is likely among the Ravens' priorities in this draft. Their starters from last season, Josh Wilson and Chris Carr, are expected to become unrestricted free agents. Domonique Foxworth, a starter in 2009, is coming off knee surgery that sidelined him all of last season, and nickel back Lardarius Webb is a season removed from the same operation.

Some CB is going to over take Prince for that #2 spot before the draft. I don't know who yet but I would not at all be surprised when it happens.

 

[locked&loaded]

Some CB is going to over take Prince for that #2 spot before the draft. I don't know who yet but I would not at all be surprised when it happens.

Unless Prince surprises at the combine. Low 4.4 could quiet haters, I reckon.

 

[CanuckCowboysFan]

Jimmy Smith. Stud.

 

[rash]

Jimmy Smith. Stud.

Yessir. I've seen him play at Boulder a lot. I think he could be the top corner in this draft honestly.

 

[TheDallasDon]

Yessir. I've seen him play at Boulder a lot. I think he could be the top corner in this draft honestly.

Top corner I don't think so, stud yes!!! Would love 2 get the kid though. If some how we got T.Smith at 9, J.Smith at 40, then D.Williams in the 3rd or 4th round I would go crazy!!!hboy:

For those how say Jimmy want last to 40 he did fail a drug test so its possible

 

[realtick]

If your qualification for "stud" CB includes an unwillingness to tackle and horrid technique when he does, Jimmy Smith is a bonified stud.

 

[rash]

If your qualification for "stud" CB includes an unwillingness to tackle and horrid technique when he does, Jimmy Smith is a bonified stud.

If we were talking about safety, you may be right. I'm talking about a guy who I see running with the fastest wideouts stride for stride. A guy who's long arms really just freeze you at the line. And a guy who can elevate and knock a pass down (if thrown his way) at the last second.

Yes he needs to work on his tackling, and that is a huge part of playing defense, but I think he can be the top guy if he can be adequate there

 

[CanuckCowboysFan]

If your qualification for "stud" CB includes an unwillingness to tackle and horrid technique when he does, Jimmy Smith is a bonified stud.

Actually, my qualification of stud is being targeted 33 times all year, When he gets his hands on you, you're finished.

When your 6'2 215 and lift 225 24 times, the tackling will come.

Bonafied stud alright.

 

[CanuckCowboysFan]

EDIT:
he was actually targeted 20 times all year, and allowed 11 completions. Silly me.

 

[realtick]

If we were talking about safety, you may be right. I'm talking about a guy who I see running with the fastest wideouts stride for stride. A guy who's long arms really just freeze you at the line. And a guy who can elevate and knock a pass down (if thrown his way) at the last second.

Yes he needs to work on his tackling, and that is a huge part of playing defense, but I think he can be the top guy if he can be adequate there

Never questioned his coverage ability, although he is a bit sloppy at times (probably due to his athleticism).

I'm just not that big a fan of a guy who doesn't show the willingness to tackle. The same things that drive people nuts about Mike Jenkins or Antonio Cromartie (in terms of tackling) are the same things that plague Jimmy Smith.

Watch this video in it's entirety (especially the last play) and without any kneejerk reaction to defend him and you'll see what I'm talking about.

I'm not against drafting him, but I'm very leery of guys like this. Being able to bench 24 reps doesn't mean squat when you don't have a taste for tackling.

What's also alarming is his penchant for trying to tackle high. That's something that should be able to be corrected you would hope.

[youtube]4vY06HXzEb0[/youtube]

 

[realtick]

EDIT:
he was actually targeted 20 times all year, and allowed 11 completions. Silly me.

Where are you getting these numbers? Just curious.

 

[realtick]

Here's a good video of him:

[youtube]bYEuaryBCc0&feature=relmfu[/youtube]

 

[CanuckCowboysFan]

Where are you getting these numbers? Just curious.

Mike Mayock alluded to it, and even Jimmy Smith alluded to it. I think he brings it up in his video at the combine.

http://nflmocks.com/2011/02/22/combine-risers-staff-thoughts/

" According to statistics compiled by the University of Colorado, Smith was targeted just 20 times in man coverage throughout his 12-start senior season. He allowed 11 completions (55 percent) and one touchdown. The Big 12 has a reputation as one of the most pass-happy college football conferences. Clearly, offensive coordinators shied away from Smith.
Smith also garnered first-team All-Big 12 honors from the coaches, despite not picking off a single pass. It’s an obvious sign of respect.
The Colorado website, cubuffs.com, lists Smith with a 4.35 forty time at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds. Though he currently ranks just fifth in Mike Mayock’s cornerback rankings, it seems like a good bet that Smith could be one of the biggest “risers” as the 2011 draft approaches."

What makes that even more impressive is the fact that theres a potential NFL corner lining up opposite him.

 

[SaltwaterServr]

Just 20 times all season or just 20 times all season in man coverage only? Trying to read between the lines a bit there.

 

[CanuckCowboysFan]

Just 20 times all season or just 20 times all season in man coverage only? Trying to read between the lines a bit there.

Not sure. Heres a different quote I found.

In 2010, Smith was targeted just 20 times all season. Opposing quarterbacks simply didn’t want to test him. Some of this had to do with the overall weakness of Colorado’s defense, as 1) there were other places to attack and 2) Colorado was losing a lot.

Still, he allowed just one touchdown in 2010, but recorded five pass breakups. He yielded only 11 total completions during his last two years at Colorado.

In the video at 2:50 he alludes to it.

 

[visionary]

Never questioned his coverage ability, although he is a bit sloppy at times (probably due to his athleticism).

I'm just not that big a fan of a guy who doesn't show the willingness to tackle. The same things that drive people nuts about Mike Jenkins or Antonio Cromartie (in terms of tackling) are the same things that plague Jimmy Smith.

Watch this video in it's entirety (especially the last play) and without any kneejerk reaction to defend him and you'll see what I'm talking about.

I'm not against drafting him, but I'm very leery of guys like this. Being able to bench 24 reps doesn't mean squat when you don't have a taste for tackling.

What's also alarming is his penchant for trying to tackle high. That's something that should be able to be corrected you would hope.

[youtube]4vY06HXzEb0[/youtube]

Agree completely.
What people dont consider is that tackling is not about size but about attitude and that poor tackling or unwillingness to tackle is the death of a defense.
You put this guy and mike jenkins on the same field and it has the potential to be a disastrous combination.