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Draft Check: Sizing up the defensive back crop
By Frank Cooney, Special for USA TODAY
This isn't the year NFL teams can expect to find a sure thing in the draft for their secondaries. Although NFLDraftScout.com has four cornerbacks projected as first-rounders, there are legitimate concerns about each. It is even worse at safety, where only one is projected to be taken in the first three rounds.
The top corner, Troy's Leodis McKelvin, is a sensational returner but doesn't display good coverage technique. He is followed by South Florida's Mike Jenkins, whose lack of agility might mean he ultimately converts to safety.
The No. 3-rated cornerback, Tennessee State's Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, has speed, confidence and bad habits to unlearn. Arizona's Antoine Cason obviously knows how to play corner but might not be fast enough for the NFL.
Miami's Kenny Phillips is the only safety listed as a first-round prospect, but several NFL teams are not sold on his overall productivity.
A closer look at the top defensive backs in this year's draft:
CORNERBACKS
1. Leodis McKelvin, Troy, 5-11, 190, 1st: McKelvin can help immediately as a returner while he learns to harness his athleticism at cornerback. His eight return touchdowns (seven punts, one kickoff) tied an NCAA record shared with such great names as Cliff Branch, Johnny Rodgers, Derek Abney and Chad Owens.
NFL teams were curious to see how he would look against top college players, and he came through extremely well in Senior Bowl practices and at the combine, where his best 40-yard time was 4.38 but included an explosive 10-yard split of only 1.43. NFL scouts like his willingness to be physical.
In 48 career games, McKelvin had four interceptions and 22 pass breakups. He finished with 173 tackles, five forced fumbles and a blocked kick. He also averaged 23.7 yards on 99 kickoff returns and 13.1 yards on 112 punt returns.
2. Mike Jenkins, South Florida, 5-11, 197, 1st: Jenkins seems to have the physical ability to be a top corner, where he played his entire college career, but still doesn't display the necessary techniques. His basic instincts seem to be more that of a safety, where he was a star in high school.
He has excellent straight-line speed, as evidenced by his best 40-yard time at the combine of 4.38 seconds. But on film and in workouts, he didn't show the agility teams like in a cornerback. He does commit himself to making contact but isn't really an aggressive hitter.
His coaches and NFL teams don't seem overly concerned with a March 2007 misdemeanor charge for disorderly conduct after a fight outside a bar.
Jenkins started 40 games for the Bulls and collected 133 tackles. He had six interceptions and broke up 41 passes.
3. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State, 6-2, 184, 1st: A cousin of Chargers Pro Bowl cornerback Antonio Cromartie, this small-school standout was impressive against the big boys in Senior Bowl workouts and had an exceptional game with an interception and some big hits.
"DRC" helped himself again at the combine, where his fastest 40 time was a blazing 4.29 and he had a 10-yard split of 1.41, second-fastest in Indianapolis this year. He also had a vertical jump of 38½ inches.
Rodgers-Cromartie has the confidence — and then some — to step in and play at any level. He is an excellent prospect on pure athletic ability, and some team could reap tremendous rewards if the coaches and the player are patient with each other while eliminating several bad habits and replacing them with better techniques.
4. Antoine Cason, Arizona, 6-0, 190, 1st: Cason is smooth and natural in coverage with good foot quickness, agility and a knack for knocking away passes.
He did not take part in the Senior Bowl and had a mediocre combine that included a best 40-yard time of 4.52, validating concerns he lacks top-end speed.
Still, Cason is a solid player from a family full of top athletes. He is reminiscent of former Wildcat and current Baltimore Ravens standout Chris McAlister.
Cason had 15 career interceptions, and his average of 23.27 yards per interception return set a school record.
Cason has also already established himself as one who takes a positive and active part in his community.
5. *Aqib Talib, Kansas, 6-1, 202, 1st/2nd: Talib did surprisingly well with a 40 time of 4.44 and a vertical jump of 38 inches at the scouting combine.
He is a versatile athlete with the ability to help as a wide receiver if necessary. On defense, he is excellent in man or zone coverage schemes and can hit.
Talib has been on the radar of pro scouts since a sensational freshman season in 2005. His career included 13 interceptions and 43 passes broken up.
He tends to gamble and likes to trash talk, but if he can learn to play within the system, Talib will be an impact performer.
6. *Brandon Flowers, Virginia Tech, 5-10, 190, 2nd: Flowers plays faster than his clock times and hits bigger than he measures. Many teams considered him the No. 1 cornerback heading into the combine.
Despite a so-so showing in Indianapolis, he is still atop some lists. He might have the best pure man coverage ability, and he is one of those rare young corners who already understands the need for film study and seems constantly to improve because of it. He uses his compact body like a weapon and loves to be physical in coverage and on run support. He possesses exceptional initial quickness and smoothly glides as he mirrors receivers.
7. *Reggie Smith, Oklahoma, 6-1, 199, 2nd: Smith is a versatile underclassman with experience at corner and free safety.
He did not work out at the combine but appears to be one of those players whose functional speed is better than what a stopwatch says.
Smith has the coverage instincts to be a shutdown corner and the physicality and ball reaction to be a free safety, plus he is willing to smack anything that moves.
He started 36 games as a Sooner: 20 at strong safety, 16 at cornerback. He deflected 22 passes and intercepted eight others. He totaled 166 tackles and recovered three fumbles.
8. Tracy Porter, Indiana, 5-11, 188, 2nd: Porter is a better athlete than football player, for now anyway.
He did get the attention of scouts at the Senior Bowl by playing with more toughness than expected. He is not known as a physical player, but he bench-pressed 225 pounds 18 times at the combine, where he also ran 40 yards in 4.37 seconds. He was timed in 4.29 at his recent pro day workout. Still, most NFL teams remain more concerned with his weight, as he could use an extra 10 pounds of bulk.
Porter's 16 interceptions rank second in school history — and that was on a team that didn't rush the passer very well. He also has the ability to help as a returner.
9. Terrell Thomas, Southern California, 6-1, 202, 2nd/3rd: NFL teams aren't sure if Thomas projects as a cornerback or a free safety.
He looked solid in Senior Bowl workouts as a corner and his best 40 clocking at the combine was 4.45, better than expected. But Thomas lacks that burst or explosion that is mandatory for close coverage against NFL receivers. He is quick to see plays develop and has good geometric instincts that keep him in the middle of plays. All these traits seem to add up to a move to safety if he is to be successful at the next level.
Thomas played in 39 games for the Trojans, making eight interceptions with 22 passes deflected. He also totaled 109 tackles with four sacks.
He has had knee and shoulder injuries that could be a concern.
10. Charles Godfrey, Iowa, 6-0, 207, 3rd: Godfrey played every position in the defensive backfield for the Hawkeyes, befitting of an athlete who is built like a truck and runs like a deer.
He looked good at cornerback in Senior Bowl workouts, and his best 40 clocking at the combine was 4.43. Still, he is far from polished as a cornerback despite notable improvement as a senior.
Of his 28 starts at Iowa, 25 were at cornerback (two at strong safety, one at free safety). His career statistics include 193 tackles, seven interceptions and 14 deflected passes.
11. *Justin King, Penn State,5-11, 192, 3rd: Despite struggling in 2007, King opted to enter the draft with one year of eligibility left because he already graduated.
He put on a memorable show at the combine with a 40 time of 4.31 that included a 10-yard split of 1.40, the fastest at Indianapolis this year.
He has been a known talent since high school and was a prized recruit at Penn State. But when put on an island last year, he had difficulties staying with receivers who ran precise routes. King obviously could have used another year of schooling on the college field, but he has tantalizing natural ability.
12. Chevis Jackson, LSU, 6-0, 192, 3rd/4th: Jackson was proud that he was among the most impressive cornerbacks at the Senior Bowl workouts because he grew up watching that event in his hometown of Mobile, Ala.
He is a smart player who understands offenses and defenses and speaks with authority as a team leader. Jackson plays faster than his clock time (his fastest 40 at the combine was 4.52 seconds) but is not fast enough to be left alone in man coverage very often.
While at LSU, he played in 50 games, started 40, broke up 36 passes and intercepted eight. He also made 142 tackles.
13. Dwight Lowery, San Jose State, 5-11, 190, 3rd/4th: Lowery has amazing ball instincts, evidenced by his 13 interceptions in only two years with the Spartans. That was not a surprise after he stole 13 passes and set a California community college record by returning them 439 yards the previous two years at Cabrillo Junior College. It's all a result of marvelous body control, exceptional hand/eye coordination and a coach's knowledge of the game that made him a natural to call defensive plays.
Although he showed decent coverage skills at East-West Shrine workouts, his 40 at the combine (ranging from 4.54 to 4.7 seconds) are a concern.
SAFETIES
1. *Kenny Phillips, Miami (Fla.), 6-2, 212, 1st/2nd: His college coaches described Phillips as a combination of Sean Taylor and Ed Reed. While NFL teams believe he is very good, many think he is at least a bit overhyped.
NEXT FROM THE U?Phillips follows in long line fo safeties
His combine workouts were good, not great. His best 40-yard time was 4.48 and he hoisted 225 pounds 19 times, then chose not to run at Miami's pro day.
Phillips' strength is his collection of skills. He is an aggressive player who will concern offenses when he lines up in the box, and his cornerback experience enables him to turn and run with most receivers.
In 34 games as a Hurricane, he made 203 tackles, forced three fumbles, intercepted seven passes and deflected 13 others.
2. *DaJuan Morgan, North Carolina State, 6-1, 195, 3rd: Opinions vary widely on Morgan after a surprisingly productive 2007, his only season as a starter. After coming off the bench in the opener, he started five games at free safety, seven at strong safety and led the team with 97 tackles.
Morgan is a gamer who relishes the concept of competition to the degree that he baits quarterbacks and shocks receivers with his closing speed and hard hitting.
He was a star wide receiver in high school until a car accident caused a severe hip injury that erased his senior season and continued to bother him into his second year of college.
3. Quintin Demps, Texas-El Paso, 6-0, 206, 3rd: Noted as a big-play defender in college, Demps seemed to have trouble with coverage at Senior Bowl practices. At the combine, he had an excellent best 40 time of 4.39 but seemed to lack agility in other drills.
Although he is a reliable open-field tackler, Demps isn't the kind of hitter who strikes great fear into his opponents.
At UTEP, he started 40 games at free safety and six at right cornerback, collecting 17 interceptions. He lacks the coverage ability to play corner at the next level and the physicality to be a top safety.
4. Tom Zbikowski, Notre Dame, 5-11, 210, 3rd: Projected as a strong safety, Zbikowski literally brings a fighter's mentality to the game. He has fought as a pro boxer but says he is putting that aside for a chance to play in the NFL.
He surprised scouts with a good week of workouts at the Senior Bowl and then put on a good show at the combine with a 40-yard clocking of 4.44 while adding 24 bench-press repetitions at 225 pounds.
In an oddity for a strong safety, Zbikowski's quickness shows up as an effective punt returner.
He is only the seventh player in Notre Dame history to total at least 300 career tackles.
5. Josh Barrett, Arizona State, 6-2, 223, 3rd: Barrett, another strong safety prospect, struggled with injuries in 2007. But he commanded attention at the combine, where he put on a show that included a 40-yard clocking of 4.34 seconds.
With his size and athleticism, some teams will be tempted to look at him as an outside linebacker in certain defenses. His physicality doesn't always match his size, but he is a sure tackler who sometimes comes up with a big hit and commits his body to run support.
Barrett, who plays with above-average instinct, had six career interceptions for the Sun Devils.
6. Tyrell Johnson, Arkansas State, 6-0, 207, 3rd: His first name is really Marcellous, but despite a dazzling career in the Sun Belt Conference, few NFL teams were familiar with any of his names until he was given a shot in the Hula Bowl.
After doing well there, he was invited to the combine, where he further validated his small-school accomplishments with an amazing performance that included a 4.41 time in the 40-yard dash and 27 repetitions with 225 pounds on the bench press.
On film, he shows all the instinct and athleticism necessary to play the game. Now somebody must roll the dice and see if he can make the jump to the NFL.
Players' heights and weights are listed; *denotes underclassmen
Frank Cooney is publisher of NFLDraftScout.com, the scouting service of USA
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2008-03-19-sw-defensive-backs_N.htm
By Frank Cooney, Special for USA TODAY
This isn't the year NFL teams can expect to find a sure thing in the draft for their secondaries. Although NFLDraftScout.com has four cornerbacks projected as first-rounders, there are legitimate concerns about each. It is even worse at safety, where only one is projected to be taken in the first three rounds.
The top corner, Troy's Leodis McKelvin, is a sensational returner but doesn't display good coverage technique. He is followed by South Florida's Mike Jenkins, whose lack of agility might mean he ultimately converts to safety.
The No. 3-rated cornerback, Tennessee State's Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, has speed, confidence and bad habits to unlearn. Arizona's Antoine Cason obviously knows how to play corner but might not be fast enough for the NFL.
Miami's Kenny Phillips is the only safety listed as a first-round prospect, but several NFL teams are not sold on his overall productivity.
A closer look at the top defensive backs in this year's draft:
CORNERBACKS
1. Leodis McKelvin, Troy, 5-11, 190, 1st: McKelvin can help immediately as a returner while he learns to harness his athleticism at cornerback. His eight return touchdowns (seven punts, one kickoff) tied an NCAA record shared with such great names as Cliff Branch, Johnny Rodgers, Derek Abney and Chad Owens.
NFL teams were curious to see how he would look against top college players, and he came through extremely well in Senior Bowl practices and at the combine, where his best 40-yard time was 4.38 but included an explosive 10-yard split of only 1.43. NFL scouts like his willingness to be physical.
In 48 career games, McKelvin had four interceptions and 22 pass breakups. He finished with 173 tackles, five forced fumbles and a blocked kick. He also averaged 23.7 yards on 99 kickoff returns and 13.1 yards on 112 punt returns.
2. Mike Jenkins, South Florida, 5-11, 197, 1st: Jenkins seems to have the physical ability to be a top corner, where he played his entire college career, but still doesn't display the necessary techniques. His basic instincts seem to be more that of a safety, where he was a star in high school.
He has excellent straight-line speed, as evidenced by his best 40-yard time at the combine of 4.38 seconds. But on film and in workouts, he didn't show the agility teams like in a cornerback. He does commit himself to making contact but isn't really an aggressive hitter.
His coaches and NFL teams don't seem overly concerned with a March 2007 misdemeanor charge for disorderly conduct after a fight outside a bar.
Jenkins started 40 games for the Bulls and collected 133 tackles. He had six interceptions and broke up 41 passes.
3. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State, 6-2, 184, 1st: A cousin of Chargers Pro Bowl cornerback Antonio Cromartie, this small-school standout was impressive against the big boys in Senior Bowl workouts and had an exceptional game with an interception and some big hits.
"DRC" helped himself again at the combine, where his fastest 40 time was a blazing 4.29 and he had a 10-yard split of 1.41, second-fastest in Indianapolis this year. He also had a vertical jump of 38½ inches.
Rodgers-Cromartie has the confidence — and then some — to step in and play at any level. He is an excellent prospect on pure athletic ability, and some team could reap tremendous rewards if the coaches and the player are patient with each other while eliminating several bad habits and replacing them with better techniques.
4. Antoine Cason, Arizona, 6-0, 190, 1st: Cason is smooth and natural in coverage with good foot quickness, agility and a knack for knocking away passes.
He did not take part in the Senior Bowl and had a mediocre combine that included a best 40-yard time of 4.52, validating concerns he lacks top-end speed.
Still, Cason is a solid player from a family full of top athletes. He is reminiscent of former Wildcat and current Baltimore Ravens standout Chris McAlister.
Cason had 15 career interceptions, and his average of 23.27 yards per interception return set a school record.
Cason has also already established himself as one who takes a positive and active part in his community.
5. *Aqib Talib, Kansas, 6-1, 202, 1st/2nd: Talib did surprisingly well with a 40 time of 4.44 and a vertical jump of 38 inches at the scouting combine.
He is a versatile athlete with the ability to help as a wide receiver if necessary. On defense, he is excellent in man or zone coverage schemes and can hit.
Talib has been on the radar of pro scouts since a sensational freshman season in 2005. His career included 13 interceptions and 43 passes broken up.
He tends to gamble and likes to trash talk, but if he can learn to play within the system, Talib will be an impact performer.
6. *Brandon Flowers, Virginia Tech, 5-10, 190, 2nd: Flowers plays faster than his clock times and hits bigger than he measures. Many teams considered him the No. 1 cornerback heading into the combine.
Despite a so-so showing in Indianapolis, he is still atop some lists. He might have the best pure man coverage ability, and he is one of those rare young corners who already understands the need for film study and seems constantly to improve because of it. He uses his compact body like a weapon and loves to be physical in coverage and on run support. He possesses exceptional initial quickness and smoothly glides as he mirrors receivers.
7. *Reggie Smith, Oklahoma, 6-1, 199, 2nd: Smith is a versatile underclassman with experience at corner and free safety.
He did not work out at the combine but appears to be one of those players whose functional speed is better than what a stopwatch says.
Smith has the coverage instincts to be a shutdown corner and the physicality and ball reaction to be a free safety, plus he is willing to smack anything that moves.
He started 36 games as a Sooner: 20 at strong safety, 16 at cornerback. He deflected 22 passes and intercepted eight others. He totaled 166 tackles and recovered three fumbles.
8. Tracy Porter, Indiana, 5-11, 188, 2nd: Porter is a better athlete than football player, for now anyway.
He did get the attention of scouts at the Senior Bowl by playing with more toughness than expected. He is not known as a physical player, but he bench-pressed 225 pounds 18 times at the combine, where he also ran 40 yards in 4.37 seconds. He was timed in 4.29 at his recent pro day workout. Still, most NFL teams remain more concerned with his weight, as he could use an extra 10 pounds of bulk.
Porter's 16 interceptions rank second in school history — and that was on a team that didn't rush the passer very well. He also has the ability to help as a returner.
9. Terrell Thomas, Southern California, 6-1, 202, 2nd/3rd: NFL teams aren't sure if Thomas projects as a cornerback or a free safety.
He looked solid in Senior Bowl workouts as a corner and his best 40 clocking at the combine was 4.45, better than expected. But Thomas lacks that burst or explosion that is mandatory for close coverage against NFL receivers. He is quick to see plays develop and has good geometric instincts that keep him in the middle of plays. All these traits seem to add up to a move to safety if he is to be successful at the next level.
Thomas played in 39 games for the Trojans, making eight interceptions with 22 passes deflected. He also totaled 109 tackles with four sacks.
He has had knee and shoulder injuries that could be a concern.
10. Charles Godfrey, Iowa, 6-0, 207, 3rd: Godfrey played every position in the defensive backfield for the Hawkeyes, befitting of an athlete who is built like a truck and runs like a deer.
He looked good at cornerback in Senior Bowl workouts, and his best 40 clocking at the combine was 4.43. Still, he is far from polished as a cornerback despite notable improvement as a senior.
Of his 28 starts at Iowa, 25 were at cornerback (two at strong safety, one at free safety). His career statistics include 193 tackles, seven interceptions and 14 deflected passes.
11. *Justin King, Penn State,5-11, 192, 3rd: Despite struggling in 2007, King opted to enter the draft with one year of eligibility left because he already graduated.
He put on a memorable show at the combine with a 40 time of 4.31 that included a 10-yard split of 1.40, the fastest at Indianapolis this year.
He has been a known talent since high school and was a prized recruit at Penn State. But when put on an island last year, he had difficulties staying with receivers who ran precise routes. King obviously could have used another year of schooling on the college field, but he has tantalizing natural ability.
12. Chevis Jackson, LSU, 6-0, 192, 3rd/4th: Jackson was proud that he was among the most impressive cornerbacks at the Senior Bowl workouts because he grew up watching that event in his hometown of Mobile, Ala.
He is a smart player who understands offenses and defenses and speaks with authority as a team leader. Jackson plays faster than his clock time (his fastest 40 at the combine was 4.52 seconds) but is not fast enough to be left alone in man coverage very often.
While at LSU, he played in 50 games, started 40, broke up 36 passes and intercepted eight. He also made 142 tackles.
13. Dwight Lowery, San Jose State, 5-11, 190, 3rd/4th: Lowery has amazing ball instincts, evidenced by his 13 interceptions in only two years with the Spartans. That was not a surprise after he stole 13 passes and set a California community college record by returning them 439 yards the previous two years at Cabrillo Junior College. It's all a result of marvelous body control, exceptional hand/eye coordination and a coach's knowledge of the game that made him a natural to call defensive plays.
Although he showed decent coverage skills at East-West Shrine workouts, his 40 at the combine (ranging from 4.54 to 4.7 seconds) are a concern.
SAFETIES
1. *Kenny Phillips, Miami (Fla.), 6-2, 212, 1st/2nd: His college coaches described Phillips as a combination of Sean Taylor and Ed Reed. While NFL teams believe he is very good, many think he is at least a bit overhyped.
NEXT FROM THE U?Phillips follows in long line fo safeties
His combine workouts were good, not great. His best 40-yard time was 4.48 and he hoisted 225 pounds 19 times, then chose not to run at Miami's pro day.
Phillips' strength is his collection of skills. He is an aggressive player who will concern offenses when he lines up in the box, and his cornerback experience enables him to turn and run with most receivers.
In 34 games as a Hurricane, he made 203 tackles, forced three fumbles, intercepted seven passes and deflected 13 others.
2. *DaJuan Morgan, North Carolina State, 6-1, 195, 3rd: Opinions vary widely on Morgan after a surprisingly productive 2007, his only season as a starter. After coming off the bench in the opener, he started five games at free safety, seven at strong safety and led the team with 97 tackles.
Morgan is a gamer who relishes the concept of competition to the degree that he baits quarterbacks and shocks receivers with his closing speed and hard hitting.
He was a star wide receiver in high school until a car accident caused a severe hip injury that erased his senior season and continued to bother him into his second year of college.
3. Quintin Demps, Texas-El Paso, 6-0, 206, 3rd: Noted as a big-play defender in college, Demps seemed to have trouble with coverage at Senior Bowl practices. At the combine, he had an excellent best 40 time of 4.39 but seemed to lack agility in other drills.
Although he is a reliable open-field tackler, Demps isn't the kind of hitter who strikes great fear into his opponents.
At UTEP, he started 40 games at free safety and six at right cornerback, collecting 17 interceptions. He lacks the coverage ability to play corner at the next level and the physicality to be a top safety.
4. Tom Zbikowski, Notre Dame, 5-11, 210, 3rd: Projected as a strong safety, Zbikowski literally brings a fighter's mentality to the game. He has fought as a pro boxer but says he is putting that aside for a chance to play in the NFL.
He surprised scouts with a good week of workouts at the Senior Bowl and then put on a good show at the combine with a 40-yard clocking of 4.44 while adding 24 bench-press repetitions at 225 pounds.
In an oddity for a strong safety, Zbikowski's quickness shows up as an effective punt returner.
He is only the seventh player in Notre Dame history to total at least 300 career tackles.
5. Josh Barrett, Arizona State, 6-2, 223, 3rd: Barrett, another strong safety prospect, struggled with injuries in 2007. But he commanded attention at the combine, where he put on a show that included a 40-yard clocking of 4.34 seconds.
With his size and athleticism, some teams will be tempted to look at him as an outside linebacker in certain defenses. His physicality doesn't always match his size, but he is a sure tackler who sometimes comes up with a big hit and commits his body to run support.
Barrett, who plays with above-average instinct, had six career interceptions for the Sun Devils.
6. Tyrell Johnson, Arkansas State, 6-0, 207, 3rd: His first name is really Marcellous, but despite a dazzling career in the Sun Belt Conference, few NFL teams were familiar with any of his names until he was given a shot in the Hula Bowl.
After doing well there, he was invited to the combine, where he further validated his small-school accomplishments with an amazing performance that included a 4.41 time in the 40-yard dash and 27 repetitions with 225 pounds on the bench press.
On film, he shows all the instinct and athleticism necessary to play the game. Now somebody must roll the dice and see if he can make the jump to the NFL.
Players' heights and weights are listed; *denotes underclassmen
Frank Cooney is publisher of NFLDraftScout.com, the scouting service of USA
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2008-03-19-sw-defensive-backs_N.htm
