I haven't seen this kid play, but this scout loves him.
Here's an analysis (in my own words):
Positives:
- Size and Speed. He's a big physical corner that can handle large receivers.
- Leadership. Has good character and is a leader of his team.
- Fearless. He's a great tackler. He has no problem with supporting the run.
- High Ceiling. He's still improving and has a lot of skills to work with. Every game he got better than the previous game.
- Versatile. Because he's such a big and physical corner, he could easily play safety in a pinch.
- Lastly, the scout actually guaranteed that this kid will be a future probowl player at the CB or Safety position.
Negatives:
- Technique. Needs to improve his technique.
- Recognition and Reaction. He struggles with overall recognition, because he may be thinking to much instead of reacting naturally. This causes him to look less quick than he actually is.
- Position He has the size and skills to excel as a NFL CB or FS, but a team needs to decide early which one they want him to play and give him the repetitions he'll need in order to refine his technique.
Final Analysis:
- The kid is going to be good, but he's going to go through some growing pains as he refines his techniques and learns to rely on his instincts to improve his reaction time. Any team that picks this kid shouldn't think you made a mistake. He's going to be a great player. Going into the combine, he's probably going to carry a 2nd rd grade on most teams boards, but after they see his athletic ability he'll probably carry a late 1st rd grade. He has the size, speed, cover skills, and tackling ability to excel as a FS, but most of his negatives show up when he's at the CB position. However, his negatives aren't the result of a lack of ability or athletic talent. He just needs repetition and a little refinement that comes with experience. He's a smart player, a team player, and a leader who is passionate for the game and has a strong work ethic. All he needs is repetition and experience and he's going to be a future pro bowl player. If your team uses a high pick on him, don't be mad, and if your team uses a low pick on him, then you just got great value. The truth is, he could be selected in any number of rounds based on what position teams will be projecting him to play. If a team wants a big, physical, CB to handle those big WRs then he'll go relatively high. If teams view him as a FS, then that'll push him into the 2nd rd or even later.
