DC: Rookie Watch: With Coverage Versatility, Scott Hopes To Earn Roster Spot

[jobberone]

Rookie Watch: With Coverage Versatility, Scott Hopes To Earn Roster Spot
Friday, July 03, 2015 9:12 AM CDT

By Rob Phillips @robphillips3

(Editor’s Note: With the offseason practices now complete, the Cowboys will take some downtime before departing for training camp on July 28. Until then, let’s focus on some of the more unknown rookies on this team, fighting for a roster spot. Today’s featured player is defensive back Tim Scott.)

Name: Tim Scott
Position: Safety
College: North Carolina
Height/Weight: 6-0 / 195

Acquired: Undrafted Free Agent

Collegiate Career: A four-year starter for the Tar Heels, Scott played in all 50 games with 45 starts from 2011-14. As a sophomore cornerback he was an All-ACC Honorable Mention selection with 48 tackles and a team-high four interceptions. As a senior free safety – the only senior starter in the secondary – he had a team-high 72 tackles and seven pass breakups.

Did You Know? Scott made 32 starts at cornerback over three seasons before moving to free safety at the end of his junior year with an outstanding Belk Bowl performance in which he collected six tackles and a sack in the Tar Heels’ win over Cincinnati.

2015 Outlook: Position flex is a valued commodity around the league, but it’s practically required in Rod Marinelli’s defense. As with any rookie free agent, Scott’s best chance to make the team or practice squad will be his drive and production on special teams, but his ability to play free safety as well as cover receivers in the slot is an appreciated skill that first-round pickByron Jones and veteran addition Corey White also possess.

Scout’s Take:

• Quick-footed player. Can pick up receivers out of the slot. Plays with some range down the field.
• Not afraid to lay the hit on a receiver but needs to wrap up better.
• Looks relaxed in the way he moves. Aware to what is going on around him. Will be physical when he has to play press coverage.
• Can line up at corner or safety.

– Bryan Broaddus

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2...rage-versatility-scott-hopes-earn-roster-spot

 

[xwalker]

I have always wanted them to get players that can play both Safety and CB. Now they seem to be trying hard to do it. Jones, White and this kid are all CB/Safety types.

I think CBs that have played Safety develop a feel for the big picture of the defense and learn to play off of the receiver. They obvious will be better again the run than many CBs.

I think Safeties that have played CB have the athletic ability to be top coverage Safeties and have a better feel for man coverage.

 

[SilverStarCowboy]

Tim Scott
School: North Carolina
Position: CB
Bio: Four-year starter who's lined up at both cornerback and safety. Posted a career-best 72 tackles last season.

Positive: Marginally athletic defensive back best in the short field. Effectively times his pass defenses, displays a good burst to the ball and aggressively works to shut down opponents. Solid run defender and works to stop the run. For the most part effectively diagnoses plays.

Negative: Lacks closing and recovery speed. Struggles in downfield coverage and a liability defending the deep throw. Slow getting his head back around tracking passes.

Analysis: Scott was a consistent performer at North Carolina but comes with limited upside. His tenacious run defense skills and ability to diagnose plays gives him an opportunity in a zone system.
http://www.draftinsider.net/reports/2015/CB/Tim-Scott
http://www.draftinsider.net/reports/2015/CB/Tim-Scott

 

[jobberone]

I have always wanted them to get players that can play both Safety and CB. Now they seem to be trying hard to do it. Jones, White and this kid are all CB/Safety types.

I think CBs that have played Safety develop a feel for the big picture of the defense and learn to play off of the receiver. They obvious will be better again the run than many CBs.

I think Safeties that have played CB have the athletic ability to be top coverage Safeties and have a better feel for man coverage.

I've always liked CBs who convert to safeties esp if they lose a tad of speed. Today's game doesn't like a loss of speed although there is still room for players who use tape, instinct and experience to play well even when they loose a bit of speed.

 

[silver]

Hopefully he can replace somebody like McCray on special teams who adds nothing on defense.

 

[jobberone]

Hopefully he can replace somebody like McCray on special teams who adds nothing on defense.

You may have a point.

 

[dfan32]

I've always liked CBs who convert to safeties esp if they lose a tad of speed. Today's game doesn't like a loss of speed although there is still room for players who use tape, instinct and experience to play well even when they loose a bit of speed.

i take it he is not a burner?

 

[guag]

Why did the name "Lynn Scott" immediately pop into my head when I saw the thread title? lol

 

[jobberone]

i take it he is not a burner?

I don't know. We are talking mostly in general about DBs.

 

[Bullflop]

Tim Scott runs a 4.56 forty. While that may not be "closing recovery" speed for a CB, it's not bad at all for a free safety. He enjoyed a very successful college career at North Carolina with 72 tackles in his senior year. He'll be coached well with the Cowboys and maybe his deep coverage will improve as much as better technique allows.

 

[conner01]

Hopefully he can replace somebody like McCray on special teams who adds nothing on defense.

That's were he can make this team I think and make an impact
If McCray is on the roster he is going to have a tough time making it

 

[dfan32]

I don't know. We are talking mostly in general about DBs.

Sorry I misread. I thought you were talking about Scott's speed, or lack of. I was just asking. This thread is the first time I've heard his name.

 

[jobberone]

Sorry I misread. I thought you were talking about Scott's speed, or lack of. I was just asking. This thread is the first time I've heard his name.

You didn't misread that but the conversation evolved into a more generalized discussion between some of us. He's not a burner by this 40 time. I don't know the range of his 40s but I surmise he doesn't have elite speed.