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Cut from the cloth of Butler
Jenkins reminds many of former Packers safety
Posted: Apr. 23, 2009
Green Bay - LeRoy Butler, one of the two greatest safeties in the history of the Green Bay Packers, actually was a cornerback as a senior at Florida State and in his first two National Football League seasons.
Some personnel people see an eerie resemblance between Butler and Ohio State's Malcolm Jenkins, the top-rated cornerback in this draft, as well as Oregon's Jairus Byrd, another so-called tweener.
Jerry Angelo, general manager of the Chicago Bears, said the comparison between Butler and Jenkins was on the mark.
"He's like a LeRoy Butler," Angelo said. "Kind of tough like that. Good athlete. What kind of speed did Butler have?"
At the 1990 combine, Butler measured 5 feet 11 inches, weighed 193 pounds and ran 40 yards in 4.53 seconds. He also had a 32-inch vertical jump and a 9-6 broad jump.
Nineteen years later, Jenkins ran 4.54 at 6-0 and 204. His jumps were 33 and 10-4.
Byrd, 5-10 and 203, elected not to run at the combine in lieu of a private workout on April 2 in which ran a shockingly slow 4.68. His vertical jump was 35.
"Byrd will be like LeRoy Butler," a personnel director for an NFC team said. "Not as fast but great ball skills. I think he's going to be a really good player."
Butler played just three seasons for the Seminoles, starting his junior year at free safety and his senior year at cornerback. But the big-play knack that he demonstrated in the NFL showed in the nine collegiate interceptions that he returned for 202 yards and two touchdowns.
"Butler is playing better than Deion (Sanders)," Florida State coach Bobby Bowden said in mid-1989. "He is making more plays. LeRoy has a fierce competitive drive that overcomes a lot."
After being drafted by the Packers in the second round, Butler served as nickel back as a rookie before starting at right cornerback in '91. Moved to safety for his third season, Butler broke out as an all-pro player in '93.
There isn't any question that Jenkins will be drafted as a cornerback, probably within the top 15 selections. But if his slight deficiencies in speed and quickness that scouts tend to debate do surface, he might make the early shift to safety just as Butler did.
"For teams with a Cover 2 system he fits them just fine," said Tony Softli, vice president of player personnel for the St. Louis Rams. "You can squat him and control the flats and then have good force technique. He hits like a safety. If things don't work out, you put him at safety and you've got a safety for a long time."
A three-year starter, Jenkins picked off 11 passes and returned them for 159 yards and two scores. He's a committed, vocal leader with a tremendous knack for being in the right place at the right time.
The late John Butler, the Buffalo Bills' scouting director, said this about Butler before the draft: "We don't know if he's got the corner skills but we damn sure think he's a hell of a football player." If John Butler were alive, one could hear him saying the same things about Jenkins.
Byrd declared a year early after intercepting 17 passes, forcing 23 turnovers and breaking up a whopping 53 passes. Given his skill as a punt returner, it appeared that he might be a late first-round draft choice, especially given the less-than-appetizing mish-mash at cornerback.
But now, half the league seems to be dismissing Byrd after the workout.
"Can't run; 4.7," an AFC personnel director said.
"It is a stopwatch position," Angelo said. "Ball skills. Tough. Nothing not to like about (Byrd) except the 40."
Byrd's father, Gill, managed to play 11 seasons on the corner for San Diego, pick off 42 passes and make the Pro Bowl twice despite modest 4.6 speed. His instincts were sublime, just as it appeared the son's were for the Ducks.
"With his dad being Gill Byrd, he really knows how to play," former Cleveland Browns GM Phil Savage said. "I know he's not real fast but I think he could survive out there as a zone corner."
Byrd, however, gained votes at both positions in a Journal Sentinel poll in which 19 scouts with national orientation were asked to rank the best cornerbacks and the best safeties on a 1-to-4 basis. A first-place vote was worth four points, a second three and so on.
At cornerback, Jenkins (11 first) led the way with 66 points, ahead of Vontae Davis (six firsts) and 47 points; Darius Butler (two firsts), 38; Alphonso Smith, 31; Kevin Barnes, Mike Mickens and Sean Smith, each two; and Byrd and D.J. Moore, one apiece.
At safety, Louis Delmas (14 firsts) easily won with 62 points, ahead of Patrick Chung, 39; William Moore (three firsts), 36; Rashad Johnson (one first), 22; Chip Vaughn, eight; Sherrod Martin, six; Byrd (one first), five; and Michael Hamlin, three.
Four players (David Bruton, Chris Clemons, Kevin Ellison, Darcel McBath) drew two points, and a 13th player, Glover Quin, got one.
Asked to assess the overall talent in the secondary, Indianapolis President Bill Polian said, "Weak, weak, weak."
CORNERBACKS
Name School HT. WT. 40-Yd. Dash Rd.
1. MALCOLM JENKINS Ohio State 6-0 204 4.54 1
Ohio State LB James Laurinaitis called him the most competitive person he had ever met. "Everybody is watching the 40 and saying he doesn't have the speed," San Diego GM A.J. Smith said. "I'm not buying it. He's a football player who runs good enough and is very instinctive. The fact people are hammering him on this corner stuff, I like that. It's in his head." Compared by some to Arizona's Antrel Rolle, the No. 8 pick in 2005 who moved from CB to FS in '08. "He lacks elite corner skill but he's technically very solid, he's smart (23 on the 50-question Wonderlic intelligence test) and he tackles well," Baltimore personnel director Eric DeCosta said. "I see it every year. The top juniors decide to come back and the next year they take on water. I've just kind of learned to disregard it. I think you could (draft him in top 10) if you're a Cover 2 team." Three-year starter with 11 interceptions. "You put him at corner and make him fail, then you move him inside," Arizona scout Jerry Hardaway said. "Sometimes you might not think he's playing hard but he does. Smooth athlete. Coming out of Ohio State, he knows how to win." Extremely long arms (34½) and timed very well in agility runs. "People are talking like it's an automatic that if he can't cut it at corner they'll put him at safety," former Cleveland GM Phil Savage said. "But he's never played back there."
2. VONTAE DAVIS Illinois 5-11 201 4.41 1
Third-year junior. "He's got as much talent probably as anybody in the draft. At any position," DeCosta said. "He just doesn't bring it all the time, which is a concern. He has the size. Explosive tackler. He can run, jump. He can do it all the time but his tape is uneven, and teams are trying to figure out why." His brother, Vernon, was the No. 6 pick in 2006. "When we talked to his brother, I liked Vernon a lot," one scout said. "I thought this kid was a real jerk. This guy seemed to have a big chip on his shoulder." According to another scout, "He just kind of does his own thing. He thinks he's better than what he is." Third-year junior with seven interceptions and 23 passes defended in 36 games (34 starts). "Looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane," a third scout said. "Just like his brother out in San Francisco. He gets beat a lot. Just like his brother, tested out of the gym." Managed to score 33 on the Wonderlic (Vernon had 20), leaving some scouts wondering how he did it. "It's a $1 million question," one said. Said another: "It is curious, but he did it at the combine and I don't know how you can cheat there. I will say this. All of his agent's (Todd France) clients scored extremely well."
3. DARIUS BUTLER Connecticut 5-10½ 183 4.45 1-2
"What jumps out at me is his burst to close," Smith said. "It's instant. That is really huge. Immensely talented." Pure cover man. "He's a little bit like James Williams that we took in Buffalo (1990)," Indianapolis President Bill Polian said. "He doesn't make a lot of plays on the ball but he runs like hell and is a good cover guy." Started 43 of 45 games, intercepted 10 passes and broke up 26. "He's got skills," Savage said. "But he'll miss a tackle here and there. He's more of an up-side player. You take a chance on him and maybe he'll develop. He may never pan out. I don't know how tough he is." Another scout thought his talent equal to Davis'. "He just isn't as physical or as big," he said. "He doesn't pack much of a punch and he gets stuck on blocks on occasion."
4. ALPHONSO SMITH Wake Forest 5-9 193 4.51 2
Finished with 21 interceptions, 10th most in NCAA history, and brought four back for TDs. "During the week at the Senior Bowl he must have got his hands on four or five balls during practice," Chicago GM Jerry Angelo said. "He's got the best ball skills of any corner. He's not a press-man guy. He's kind of an off guy." Also had nine sacks and 23½ tackles for loss in 50 games (40 starts). "Plays bigger than his size," Hardaway said. "Yeah, he can run, and he is physical." Calls himself "a wideout on defense." Demon Deacons coach Jim Grobe said he loved "the twinkle in his eye." Added one scout: "This kid is super sharp (17 on the Wonderlic), has a great outgoing personality and will be a coach on the field. But I don't care for him. He's small. He didn't run very well. And he gets beat."
5. SEAN SMITH Utah 6-3½ 209 4.50 2
Tallest drafted cornerback since Bobby Taylor (6-3, 1995) and Forey Duckett (6-3¼, 1994), although free agent Lenny Walls (6-4¼, 2002) played 64 games for three teams over six seasons. "If you watch him you don't walk away saying this guy is too tall to play the position," Savage said. "When you see all the corners in the 5-9, 5-10 range, he stands out because he does give you at least a fighting chance to go against the tall receivers." Fourth-year junior with nine interceptions and 16 passes defended in 39 games (22 starts). "He's a giant," one scout said. "Has to be a press guy. He struggles to change direction just because he's so big. When he gets on the line and jams people and runs with them, he's hard to beat. Not a run-support guy." Converted from WR to FS late in '06. "He's not the smartest thing," another scout said. "He's got kind of a free-safety body but he's not a good run supporter. He's got some hickeys in the way he plays."
6. BRADLEY FLETCHER Iowa 6-0 194 4.46 2-3
Didn't become a full-fledged starter until '08. "I like him a lot," Tennessee scout Johnny Meads said. "More of a Cover 2 corner. He doesn't have the fluid hip turn or the speed. He's not afraid of contact at all. Ball skills were a question but he was OK in the workout." Scored just 10 on the Wonderlic but has graduated. Compared by one scout to Charles Godfrey, a Hawkeyes CB in '07 who went to Carolina in the third round and started at FS as a rookie. "He's big and he can run," another scout said. "Everything with him is ahead of him." Had five interceptions in 47 games (21 starts).
7. JAIRUS BYRD Oregon 5-10 203 4.68 3
"Slower version of Jenkins," one scout said. "Can't run. I like him. Safety is where he might end up. He is a good punt returner." When his father, Gill, worked for Green Bay, the son played his first two seasons of high school football in nearby Pulaskia as a running back-defensive back-quarterback before the family moved to St. Louis. Jairus said his goal "was to be better than him." "I think he's a player," Tennessee scouting coordinator Blake Beddingfield said. "The problem is, he just ran so poorly. He could play safety, but you're kind of taking away what he really does best." Tremendous ball skills, evidenced by 17 interceptions and 53 passes defended as a three-year starter. Fourth-year junior with a Wonderlic of 15. "God, he ran terrible," another scout said. "People didn't think he was a great speed guy but it was really disenchanting to see his time. Really a tough kid. Maybe he can be a bump corner. A lot of people look past times."
8. D.J. MOORE Vanderbilt 5-9 187 4.58 3-4
Third-year junior. "Very smart, very instinctive," Beddingfield said. "Will play in the league for a long, long time. Good kid. You put him in a Cover 2 scheme, he fits really well. Man-to-man, he's going to get beat. He's well-built. But he's 5-9." Intercepted 13 passes and broke up 19 in 37 games (34 starts). "I don't know how physical he is," Hardaway said. "I'm worried about his height." Outstanding punt returner; also gained 219 yards as a rusher-receiver. "He's a shorter guy but, man, the guy does everything," one scout said. "Very good athlete. Quick. Tough." Grew up in Spartanburg, S.C.
9. KEVIN BARNES Maryland 6-0½ 185 4.47 3-4
Had six interceptions and 15 passes defended in 43 games (21 starts). "The guy has ball skills," Seattle scout Charles Fisher said. "He has height. He's not big or overly physical. He's not the smoothest guy in the world. He has some ability." Underwent surgery after seven games to repair a fractured shoulder blade. "Small boned," one scout said. "The majority of his stuff was off (coverage). He's going to have to learn how to play press. He's got long speed but I don't know if he's got the explosion and burst driving out of his pedal. He almost plays like a one-speed guy." Wonderlic of 22.
10. DONALD WASHINGTON Ohio State 6-0 199 4.53 4-6
Fourth-year junior. "Talented cover corner," Washington scout Shemy Schembechler said. "He's got instincts. Really a good athlete but you don't see it on tape all the time. He broke the combine record for the vertical jump (45). He's a little raw but a nice developmental prospect." Nickel back in 2006, starter in '07 and nickel back in '08 after losing his job. Suspended for first two games in '08 for violating team rules. Said one scout: "He made a mistake but they kind of vouch for him as a kid. Even though he doesn't have a vast background he is pretty big. And he runs well." Called "perplexing" by another scout because he's was benched and "doesn't have any production" given his talent level. "He's just got some off-field issues that tainted his potential of being somebody of note," a third scout said.
OTHERS: Victor "Macho" Harris, Virginia Tech; Brandon Underwood, Cincinnati; Mike Mickens, Cincinnati; Don Carey, Norfolk State; Gregory Toler, St. Paul's (Va.); Chris Owens, San Jose State; Asher Allen, Georgia; Coye Francies, San Jose State; Ryan Mouton, Hawaii; Brandon Hughes, Oregon State; Cary Harris, Southern California; Jerraud Powers, Auburn.
SAFETIES
Name School HT. WT. 40-Yd. Dash Rd.
1. LOUIS DELMAS Western Michigan 5-11½ 200 4.53 1-2
Born in Haiti, grew up in Miami and has no relationship with either of his parents. "He just had a tough upbringing and he will make it," one scout said. "You're not going to think he's very sharp (12 on the Wonderlic) but he plays smart." Started 44 of 45 games, finishing with 12 interceptions and 18 passes defended. "He's like Bob Sanders. He'll kill you," Angelo said. "Good straight-line speed. Good kid. He can run the show to a good enough level." Series of injuries might be related to his reckless style. "Bob Sanders is one of those guys who comes around in a blue moon," another scout said. "He's a Bob Sanders wannabe, which is not a knock on the kid. He's still undersized and he plays bigger than he is. Great kid. Pretty good hands. Sanders has had injury problems, too. I worry about him staying healthy." Started at CB in '05.
2. PATRICK CHUNG Oregon 5-11½ 210 4.51 2-3
Smart (20 on the Wonderlic), confident player who redshirted as a 17-year-old freshman in '04. "So he's still very young (21)," one scout said. "Nice player in a weak safety draft." Started all 51 games, intercepting nine and breaking up 26. "He was really a box safety," another scout said. "I see him as a John Lynch kind of guy." Born in Kingston, Jamaica, but grew up in California. "They're pretty well coached up there," Buffalo VP Tom Modrak said. "Pretty instinctive guy with decent speed. He will hit you. Not real big. He's not all things to all people."
3. WILLIAM MOORE Missouri 6-0 221 4.54 2-3
Intercepted eight passes in 2007 as a FS and just one as a SS and nickel back in '08. "When they played him at free safety he (showed) good instincts," Schembechler said. "I mean, he had eight picks in '07. That's impressive. He does have good hands." Much less effective in the box, partially because he played most of the season on an injured ankle. "He is an enigma," one scout said. "You look at him off his junior film and you said this guy is a no-brainer top-15 pick. He has all the physical tools to be one of those impact safeties. The year before, he was about as sure of an open-field tackler as I had seen at his size. This year, he missed a lot more tackles." Played the '08 season at 233 but was down to 221 at the combine. "Totally overrated," another scout said. "He looks like you want them to look but he misses a million tackles. He plays slow. No cover feel. Just out there, really, looking good in his uniform." Played 48 games (32 starts), finishing with 11 interceptions (four TD returns) and 22 passes defended. Wonderlic of 19.
4. RASHAD JOHNSON Alabama 5-11 195 4.51 3
Walked on as a RB for Crimson Tide because his best offers were from The Citadel, North Alabama and West Alabama. "Plays great," Angelo said. "Great character guy. Workaholic. Everybody will love him on your team. Running the show, he'd be the best fit (of the safeties). Just kind of a manufactured 200 pounds, and at that position you want them around 205." Played the season about 188, then bulked up to 195 at the Senior Bowl and 200 at the combine. "When I first saw him at Indy I said, 'Gee, there's a guy who has too much weight on,' " one scout said. "He was puffed up. But then he actually ran pretty well at that weight, which tells me he can carry it and do well." Finished with 11 interceptions and 19 passes defended in 50 games (31 starts). "I was turned off by his workout at pro day," another scout said. "He's a little stiff in the hips and you don't see a lot of burst and acceleration or change of direction." Added a third scout: "He's that guy every year who doesn't fit the size deal but he's the best safety out there as far as just playing. He throws his body around. He's just little."
5. SHERROD MARTIN Troy 6-1 198 4.49 3
Started 37 of 46 games, almost all at FS, but runs well enough to be regarded as a CB by some teams. "Little bit of both," one scout said. "More of an athlete than a hitter. He's really fast and athletic for a safety. Undersized for a safety so some people project him as a corner. Put him at corner and maybe he won't look as good." Finished with nine interceptions and 23 passes defended. "Leave him at safety," another scout said. "Not so much learning but instincts." Has had operations on both shoulders. "He's not (Leodis) McKelvin out of there last year," a third scout said. "Physical. Has range. Average awareness." Wonderlic of 11.
6. CHIP VAUGHN Wake Forest 6-1½ 220 4.47 3-4
Recruited as a WR. "Well-built kid," one scout said. "Smart (22 on the Wonderlic) who will support. I don't know about his coverage skill in space but he's a pretty good run defender on the back side." Two-year starter (24 of 51 games) with just three interceptions, an indication that he doesn't find the ball well. His speed is more on a straight line and he struggles breaking down. "Big, fast guy but doesn't play up to his measureables," another scout said. "Not really a physical guy for being such a big guy."
7. DAVID BRUTON Notre Dame 6-2 219 4.43 4
Led combine safeties in the vertical (41) and broad (11-0) jumps. "I think he's too leggy in space and struggles to break down," one scout said. "6-2, 220, 4.4. Those things get drafted. I don't think he's terrible but he's not my slice." Two-year starter with seven interceptions and nine passes defended. Wonderlic of 25. Exceptional gunner on special teams. "He can flat out run," another scout said. "He's a deep safety with a little bit of a ball-hawk mentality. More of a deep safety. He will get you down somehow most times but he's not a real smacker."
8. MICHAEL HAMLIN Clemson 6-2 211 4.60 5
Co-captain and team leader. Started 43 of 48 games, finishing with 14 interceptions and 22 passes defended. "Another big stiff guy," one scout said. "Not a space player. For a big guy, not very strong (bench-pressed 225 pounds 17 times)." Got run over several times in Alabama game. "He looks great," another scout said. "But he's straight-line and stiff." Directs traffic well and is a good communicator. "He can't run," a third scout said. "And he isn't always physical."
9. DARCEL McBATH Texas Tech 6-0½ 200 4.61 5
Three-year starter. "Terrible year for safeties," one scout said. "There's one good safety. Delmas." Finished with 12 interceptions (two TDs) and 20 passes defended. Backed up at CB in '05 before moving to FS. "Smart (27 on the Wonderlic) and instinctive," another scout said. "Knows how to play the game. Good tackler."
10. CHRIS CLEMONS Clemson 6-0½ 210 4.38 5-6
Overcame a tough background in Florida to earn a degree. "Give this kid credit for coming out alive and not being in trouble," one scout said. Fastest safety at the combine, prompting another scout to point out, "You can't coach 4.3." Started 39 of 51 games, intercepting five passes and breaking up 22. "Runs fast straight-ahead but stiff in the ankles and has a tough time breaking down in space," a third scout said. "But he runs and hits."
OTHERS: C.J. Spillman, Marshall; Curtis Taylor, Louisiana State; Glover Quin, New Mexico; DeAngelo Willingham, Tennessee; Kevin Ellison, Southern California; Courtney Greene, Rutgers; Jamarca Sanford, Mississippi; Emanuel Cook, South Carolina; Otis Wiley, Michigan State; Troy Nolan, Arizona State.
http://corner.bigblueinteractive.com/index.php?mode=2&thread=333250
Cut from the cloth of Butler
Jenkins reminds many of former Packers safety
Posted: Apr. 23, 2009
Green Bay - LeRoy Butler, one of the two greatest safeties in the history of the Green Bay Packers, actually was a cornerback as a senior at Florida State and in his first two National Football League seasons.
Some personnel people see an eerie resemblance between Butler and Ohio State's Malcolm Jenkins, the top-rated cornerback in this draft, as well as Oregon's Jairus Byrd, another so-called tweener.
Jerry Angelo, general manager of the Chicago Bears, said the comparison between Butler and Jenkins was on the mark.
"He's like a LeRoy Butler," Angelo said. "Kind of tough like that. Good athlete. What kind of speed did Butler have?"
At the 1990 combine, Butler measured 5 feet 11 inches, weighed 193 pounds and ran 40 yards in 4.53 seconds. He also had a 32-inch vertical jump and a 9-6 broad jump.
Nineteen years later, Jenkins ran 4.54 at 6-0 and 204. His jumps were 33 and 10-4.
Byrd, 5-10 and 203, elected not to run at the combine in lieu of a private workout on April 2 in which ran a shockingly slow 4.68. His vertical jump was 35.
"Byrd will be like LeRoy Butler," a personnel director for an NFC team said. "Not as fast but great ball skills. I think he's going to be a really good player."
Butler played just three seasons for the Seminoles, starting his junior year at free safety and his senior year at cornerback. But the big-play knack that he demonstrated in the NFL showed in the nine collegiate interceptions that he returned for 202 yards and two touchdowns.
"Butler is playing better than Deion (Sanders)," Florida State coach Bobby Bowden said in mid-1989. "He is making more plays. LeRoy has a fierce competitive drive that overcomes a lot."
After being drafted by the Packers in the second round, Butler served as nickel back as a rookie before starting at right cornerback in '91. Moved to safety for his third season, Butler broke out as an all-pro player in '93.
There isn't any question that Jenkins will be drafted as a cornerback, probably within the top 15 selections. But if his slight deficiencies in speed and quickness that scouts tend to debate do surface, he might make the early shift to safety just as Butler did.
"For teams with a Cover 2 system he fits them just fine," said Tony Softli, vice president of player personnel for the St. Louis Rams. "You can squat him and control the flats and then have good force technique. He hits like a safety. If things don't work out, you put him at safety and you've got a safety for a long time."
A three-year starter, Jenkins picked off 11 passes and returned them for 159 yards and two scores. He's a committed, vocal leader with a tremendous knack for being in the right place at the right time.
The late John Butler, the Buffalo Bills' scouting director, said this about Butler before the draft: "We don't know if he's got the corner skills but we damn sure think he's a hell of a football player." If John Butler were alive, one could hear him saying the same things about Jenkins.
Byrd declared a year early after intercepting 17 passes, forcing 23 turnovers and breaking up a whopping 53 passes. Given his skill as a punt returner, it appeared that he might be a late first-round draft choice, especially given the less-than-appetizing mish-mash at cornerback.
But now, half the league seems to be dismissing Byrd after the workout.
"Can't run; 4.7," an AFC personnel director said.
"It is a stopwatch position," Angelo said. "Ball skills. Tough. Nothing not to like about (Byrd) except the 40."
Byrd's father, Gill, managed to play 11 seasons on the corner for San Diego, pick off 42 passes and make the Pro Bowl twice despite modest 4.6 speed. His instincts were sublime, just as it appeared the son's were for the Ducks.
"With his dad being Gill Byrd, he really knows how to play," former Cleveland Browns GM Phil Savage said. "I know he's not real fast but I think he could survive out there as a zone corner."
Byrd, however, gained votes at both positions in a Journal Sentinel poll in which 19 scouts with national orientation were asked to rank the best cornerbacks and the best safeties on a 1-to-4 basis. A first-place vote was worth four points, a second three and so on.
At cornerback, Jenkins (11 first) led the way with 66 points, ahead of Vontae Davis (six firsts) and 47 points; Darius Butler (two firsts), 38; Alphonso Smith, 31; Kevin Barnes, Mike Mickens and Sean Smith, each two; and Byrd and D.J. Moore, one apiece.
At safety, Louis Delmas (14 firsts) easily won with 62 points, ahead of Patrick Chung, 39; William Moore (three firsts), 36; Rashad Johnson (one first), 22; Chip Vaughn, eight; Sherrod Martin, six; Byrd (one first), five; and Michael Hamlin, three.
Four players (David Bruton, Chris Clemons, Kevin Ellison, Darcel McBath) drew two points, and a 13th player, Glover Quin, got one.
Asked to assess the overall talent in the secondary, Indianapolis President Bill Polian said, "Weak, weak, weak."
CORNERBACKS
Name School HT. WT. 40-Yd. Dash Rd.
1. MALCOLM JENKINS Ohio State 6-0 204 4.54 1
Ohio State LB James Laurinaitis called him the most competitive person he had ever met. "Everybody is watching the 40 and saying he doesn't have the speed," San Diego GM A.J. Smith said. "I'm not buying it. He's a football player who runs good enough and is very instinctive. The fact people are hammering him on this corner stuff, I like that. It's in his head." Compared by some to Arizona's Antrel Rolle, the No. 8 pick in 2005 who moved from CB to FS in '08. "He lacks elite corner skill but he's technically very solid, he's smart (23 on the 50-question Wonderlic intelligence test) and he tackles well," Baltimore personnel director Eric DeCosta said. "I see it every year. The top juniors decide to come back and the next year they take on water. I've just kind of learned to disregard it. I think you could (draft him in top 10) if you're a Cover 2 team." Three-year starter with 11 interceptions. "You put him at corner and make him fail, then you move him inside," Arizona scout Jerry Hardaway said. "Sometimes you might not think he's playing hard but he does. Smooth athlete. Coming out of Ohio State, he knows how to win." Extremely long arms (34½) and timed very well in agility runs. "People are talking like it's an automatic that if he can't cut it at corner they'll put him at safety," former Cleveland GM Phil Savage said. "But he's never played back there."
2. VONTAE DAVIS Illinois 5-11 201 4.41 1
Third-year junior. "He's got as much talent probably as anybody in the draft. At any position," DeCosta said. "He just doesn't bring it all the time, which is a concern. He has the size. Explosive tackler. He can run, jump. He can do it all the time but his tape is uneven, and teams are trying to figure out why." His brother, Vernon, was the No. 6 pick in 2006. "When we talked to his brother, I liked Vernon a lot," one scout said. "I thought this kid was a real jerk. This guy seemed to have a big chip on his shoulder." According to another scout, "He just kind of does his own thing. He thinks he's better than what he is." Third-year junior with seven interceptions and 23 passes defended in 36 games (34 starts). "Looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane," a third scout said. "Just like his brother out in San Francisco. He gets beat a lot. Just like his brother, tested out of the gym." Managed to score 33 on the Wonderlic (Vernon had 20), leaving some scouts wondering how he did it. "It's a $1 million question," one said. Said another: "It is curious, but he did it at the combine and I don't know how you can cheat there. I will say this. All of his agent's (Todd France) clients scored extremely well."
3. DARIUS BUTLER Connecticut 5-10½ 183 4.45 1-2
"What jumps out at me is his burst to close," Smith said. "It's instant. That is really huge. Immensely talented." Pure cover man. "He's a little bit like James Williams that we took in Buffalo (1990)," Indianapolis President Bill Polian said. "He doesn't make a lot of plays on the ball but he runs like hell and is a good cover guy." Started 43 of 45 games, intercepted 10 passes and broke up 26. "He's got skills," Savage said. "But he'll miss a tackle here and there. He's more of an up-side player. You take a chance on him and maybe he'll develop. He may never pan out. I don't know how tough he is." Another scout thought his talent equal to Davis'. "He just isn't as physical or as big," he said. "He doesn't pack much of a punch and he gets stuck on blocks on occasion."
4. ALPHONSO SMITH Wake Forest 5-9 193 4.51 2
Finished with 21 interceptions, 10th most in NCAA history, and brought four back for TDs. "During the week at the Senior Bowl he must have got his hands on four or five balls during practice," Chicago GM Jerry Angelo said. "He's got the best ball skills of any corner. He's not a press-man guy. He's kind of an off guy." Also had nine sacks and 23½ tackles for loss in 50 games (40 starts). "Plays bigger than his size," Hardaway said. "Yeah, he can run, and he is physical." Calls himself "a wideout on defense." Demon Deacons coach Jim Grobe said he loved "the twinkle in his eye." Added one scout: "This kid is super sharp (17 on the Wonderlic), has a great outgoing personality and will be a coach on the field. But I don't care for him. He's small. He didn't run very well. And he gets beat."
5. SEAN SMITH Utah 6-3½ 209 4.50 2
Tallest drafted cornerback since Bobby Taylor (6-3, 1995) and Forey Duckett (6-3¼, 1994), although free agent Lenny Walls (6-4¼, 2002) played 64 games for three teams over six seasons. "If you watch him you don't walk away saying this guy is too tall to play the position," Savage said. "When you see all the corners in the 5-9, 5-10 range, he stands out because he does give you at least a fighting chance to go against the tall receivers." Fourth-year junior with nine interceptions and 16 passes defended in 39 games (22 starts). "He's a giant," one scout said. "Has to be a press guy. He struggles to change direction just because he's so big. When he gets on the line and jams people and runs with them, he's hard to beat. Not a run-support guy." Converted from WR to FS late in '06. "He's not the smartest thing," another scout said. "He's got kind of a free-safety body but he's not a good run supporter. He's got some hickeys in the way he plays."
6. BRADLEY FLETCHER Iowa 6-0 194 4.46 2-3
Didn't become a full-fledged starter until '08. "I like him a lot," Tennessee scout Johnny Meads said. "More of a Cover 2 corner. He doesn't have the fluid hip turn or the speed. He's not afraid of contact at all. Ball skills were a question but he was OK in the workout." Scored just 10 on the Wonderlic but has graduated. Compared by one scout to Charles Godfrey, a Hawkeyes CB in '07 who went to Carolina in the third round and started at FS as a rookie. "He's big and he can run," another scout said. "Everything with him is ahead of him." Had five interceptions in 47 games (21 starts).
7. JAIRUS BYRD Oregon 5-10 203 4.68 3
"Slower version of Jenkins," one scout said. "Can't run. I like him. Safety is where he might end up. He is a good punt returner." When his father, Gill, worked for Green Bay, the son played his first two seasons of high school football in nearby Pulaskia as a running back-defensive back-quarterback before the family moved to St. Louis. Jairus said his goal "was to be better than him." "I think he's a player," Tennessee scouting coordinator Blake Beddingfield said. "The problem is, he just ran so poorly. He could play safety, but you're kind of taking away what he really does best." Tremendous ball skills, evidenced by 17 interceptions and 53 passes defended as a three-year starter. Fourth-year junior with a Wonderlic of 15. "God, he ran terrible," another scout said. "People didn't think he was a great speed guy but it was really disenchanting to see his time. Really a tough kid. Maybe he can be a bump corner. A lot of people look past times."
8. D.J. MOORE Vanderbilt 5-9 187 4.58 3-4
Third-year junior. "Very smart, very instinctive," Beddingfield said. "Will play in the league for a long, long time. Good kid. You put him in a Cover 2 scheme, he fits really well. Man-to-man, he's going to get beat. He's well-built. But he's 5-9." Intercepted 13 passes and broke up 19 in 37 games (34 starts). "I don't know how physical he is," Hardaway said. "I'm worried about his height." Outstanding punt returner; also gained 219 yards as a rusher-receiver. "He's a shorter guy but, man, the guy does everything," one scout said. "Very good athlete. Quick. Tough." Grew up in Spartanburg, S.C.
9. KEVIN BARNES Maryland 6-0½ 185 4.47 3-4
Had six interceptions and 15 passes defended in 43 games (21 starts). "The guy has ball skills," Seattle scout Charles Fisher said. "He has height. He's not big or overly physical. He's not the smoothest guy in the world. He has some ability." Underwent surgery after seven games to repair a fractured shoulder blade. "Small boned," one scout said. "The majority of his stuff was off (coverage). He's going to have to learn how to play press. He's got long speed but I don't know if he's got the explosion and burst driving out of his pedal. He almost plays like a one-speed guy." Wonderlic of 22.
10. DONALD WASHINGTON Ohio State 6-0 199 4.53 4-6
Fourth-year junior. "Talented cover corner," Washington scout Shemy Schembechler said. "He's got instincts. Really a good athlete but you don't see it on tape all the time. He broke the combine record for the vertical jump (45). He's a little raw but a nice developmental prospect." Nickel back in 2006, starter in '07 and nickel back in '08 after losing his job. Suspended for first two games in '08 for violating team rules. Said one scout: "He made a mistake but they kind of vouch for him as a kid. Even though he doesn't have a vast background he is pretty big. And he runs well." Called "perplexing" by another scout because he's was benched and "doesn't have any production" given his talent level. "He's just got some off-field issues that tainted his potential of being somebody of note," a third scout said.
OTHERS: Victor "Macho" Harris, Virginia Tech; Brandon Underwood, Cincinnati; Mike Mickens, Cincinnati; Don Carey, Norfolk State; Gregory Toler, St. Paul's (Va.); Chris Owens, San Jose State; Asher Allen, Georgia; Coye Francies, San Jose State; Ryan Mouton, Hawaii; Brandon Hughes, Oregon State; Cary Harris, Southern California; Jerraud Powers, Auburn.
SAFETIES
Name School HT. WT. 40-Yd. Dash Rd.
1. LOUIS DELMAS Western Michigan 5-11½ 200 4.53 1-2
Born in Haiti, grew up in Miami and has no relationship with either of his parents. "He just had a tough upbringing and he will make it," one scout said. "You're not going to think he's very sharp (12 on the Wonderlic) but he plays smart." Started 44 of 45 games, finishing with 12 interceptions and 18 passes defended. "He's like Bob Sanders. He'll kill you," Angelo said. "Good straight-line speed. Good kid. He can run the show to a good enough level." Series of injuries might be related to his reckless style. "Bob Sanders is one of those guys who comes around in a blue moon," another scout said. "He's a Bob Sanders wannabe, which is not a knock on the kid. He's still undersized and he plays bigger than he is. Great kid. Pretty good hands. Sanders has had injury problems, too. I worry about him staying healthy." Started at CB in '05.
2. PATRICK CHUNG Oregon 5-11½ 210 4.51 2-3
Smart (20 on the Wonderlic), confident player who redshirted as a 17-year-old freshman in '04. "So he's still very young (21)," one scout said. "Nice player in a weak safety draft." Started all 51 games, intercepting nine and breaking up 26. "He was really a box safety," another scout said. "I see him as a John Lynch kind of guy." Born in Kingston, Jamaica, but grew up in California. "They're pretty well coached up there," Buffalo VP Tom Modrak said. "Pretty instinctive guy with decent speed. He will hit you. Not real big. He's not all things to all people."
3. WILLIAM MOORE Missouri 6-0 221 4.54 2-3
Intercepted eight passes in 2007 as a FS and just one as a SS and nickel back in '08. "When they played him at free safety he (showed) good instincts," Schembechler said. "I mean, he had eight picks in '07. That's impressive. He does have good hands." Much less effective in the box, partially because he played most of the season on an injured ankle. "He is an enigma," one scout said. "You look at him off his junior film and you said this guy is a no-brainer top-15 pick. He has all the physical tools to be one of those impact safeties. The year before, he was about as sure of an open-field tackler as I had seen at his size. This year, he missed a lot more tackles." Played the '08 season at 233 but was down to 221 at the combine. "Totally overrated," another scout said. "He looks like you want them to look but he misses a million tackles. He plays slow. No cover feel. Just out there, really, looking good in his uniform." Played 48 games (32 starts), finishing with 11 interceptions (four TD returns) and 22 passes defended. Wonderlic of 19.
4. RASHAD JOHNSON Alabama 5-11 195 4.51 3
Walked on as a RB for Crimson Tide because his best offers were from The Citadel, North Alabama and West Alabama. "Plays great," Angelo said. "Great character guy. Workaholic. Everybody will love him on your team. Running the show, he'd be the best fit (of the safeties). Just kind of a manufactured 200 pounds, and at that position you want them around 205." Played the season about 188, then bulked up to 195 at the Senior Bowl and 200 at the combine. "When I first saw him at Indy I said, 'Gee, there's a guy who has too much weight on,' " one scout said. "He was puffed up. But then he actually ran pretty well at that weight, which tells me he can carry it and do well." Finished with 11 interceptions and 19 passes defended in 50 games (31 starts). "I was turned off by his workout at pro day," another scout said. "He's a little stiff in the hips and you don't see a lot of burst and acceleration or change of direction." Added a third scout: "He's that guy every year who doesn't fit the size deal but he's the best safety out there as far as just playing. He throws his body around. He's just little."
5. SHERROD MARTIN Troy 6-1 198 4.49 3
Started 37 of 46 games, almost all at FS, but runs well enough to be regarded as a CB by some teams. "Little bit of both," one scout said. "More of an athlete than a hitter. He's really fast and athletic for a safety. Undersized for a safety so some people project him as a corner. Put him at corner and maybe he won't look as good." Finished with nine interceptions and 23 passes defended. "Leave him at safety," another scout said. "Not so much learning but instincts." Has had operations on both shoulders. "He's not (Leodis) McKelvin out of there last year," a third scout said. "Physical. Has range. Average awareness." Wonderlic of 11.
6. CHIP VAUGHN Wake Forest 6-1½ 220 4.47 3-4
Recruited as a WR. "Well-built kid," one scout said. "Smart (22 on the Wonderlic) who will support. I don't know about his coverage skill in space but he's a pretty good run defender on the back side." Two-year starter (24 of 51 games) with just three interceptions, an indication that he doesn't find the ball well. His speed is more on a straight line and he struggles breaking down. "Big, fast guy but doesn't play up to his measureables," another scout said. "Not really a physical guy for being such a big guy."
7. DAVID BRUTON Notre Dame 6-2 219 4.43 4
Led combine safeties in the vertical (41) and broad (11-0) jumps. "I think he's too leggy in space and struggles to break down," one scout said. "6-2, 220, 4.4. Those things get drafted. I don't think he's terrible but he's not my slice." Two-year starter with seven interceptions and nine passes defended. Wonderlic of 25. Exceptional gunner on special teams. "He can flat out run," another scout said. "He's a deep safety with a little bit of a ball-hawk mentality. More of a deep safety. He will get you down somehow most times but he's not a real smacker."
8. MICHAEL HAMLIN Clemson 6-2 211 4.60 5
Co-captain and team leader. Started 43 of 48 games, finishing with 14 interceptions and 22 passes defended. "Another big stiff guy," one scout said. "Not a space player. For a big guy, not very strong (bench-pressed 225 pounds 17 times)." Got run over several times in Alabama game. "He looks great," another scout said. "But he's straight-line and stiff." Directs traffic well and is a good communicator. "He can't run," a third scout said. "And he isn't always physical."
9. DARCEL McBATH Texas Tech 6-0½ 200 4.61 5
Three-year starter. "Terrible year for safeties," one scout said. "There's one good safety. Delmas." Finished with 12 interceptions (two TDs) and 20 passes defended. Backed up at CB in '05 before moving to FS. "Smart (27 on the Wonderlic) and instinctive," another scout said. "Knows how to play the game. Good tackler."
10. CHRIS CLEMONS Clemson 6-0½ 210 4.38 5-6
Overcame a tough background in Florida to earn a degree. "Give this kid credit for coming out alive and not being in trouble," one scout said. Fastest safety at the combine, prompting another scout to point out, "You can't coach 4.3." Started 39 of 51 games, intercepting five passes and breaking up 22. "Runs fast straight-ahead but stiff in the ankles and has a tough time breaking down in space," a third scout said. "But he runs and hits."
OTHERS: C.J. Spillman, Marshall; Curtis Taylor, Louisiana State; Glover Quin, New Mexico; DeAngelo Willingham, Tennessee; Kevin Ellison, Southern California; Courtney Greene, Rutgers; Jamarca Sanford, Mississippi; Emanuel Cook, South Carolina; Otis Wiley, Michigan State; Troy Nolan, Arizona State.
