Lesser Known Corners

Jackie Bates.

 

I don't know if he is a lesser known guy, but Darius Butler from UConn strikes me as an interesting possibility for us @ #30.

He's got good size, 5'10", 185-190 lbs, ran a much improved 4.38 at his pro day and from what I've seen of him, he could be a real steal.

I saw Mike Mayock of NFL Network rave about how impressive he was at his pro day. Mentioned that he bumped himself right up there with DJ Moore, Vontae Davis, and Alphonso Smith. Even went so far as to say that his size might even give him an added advantage over these guys because of his blazing 4.38 40-time.

I don't think that we will wait too long before taking a CB, so I think there is a good chance that we do go CB in the 1st. Butler would be my pick.

 

The socks, pants and helmet specifically. Actually, his uniform now is:

 

None of these guys have the blazing speed that Finny has but if we continue to play a cover 2 type scheme we don't necessarily need a blazing CB. A good technique guy who can play well against the run is as important as speed especially on the strong side of the defense. Also we need a guy who can play smart. Those are the attributes Harper brings.

 

Well...

A 7th rnd CB. He's a 167lb CB who can't hold up against the run, can't jam anyone cause he's weak AND small, doesn't have good balance, doesn't have good awareness in zone coverage and is not a strong player (coverage-wise)? Sounds like a 5th-6th guy who's more likely to go undrafted than go in round 3. Remember, a 200lb WR outweighs by 33lbs.

EXACTLY the kind of prospect that the Titans could reach for in rnd 3 or 4! He's not big, but has speed, athleticism, and USES it on the field to make plays! He's aggressive and has a lot of the natural things - good hands, plays the ball, and plays the run! He's also a KR and PR...Carr with MUCH better upside and the potential to be a very good kr/pr. Only problem is...why was he dismissed from team in '07? I could see him go 4nd 4 or 5...depending on his red flag.

Well, you usually take the freakish athletes in rnd 3 or later. Wash has a fantastic vertical and a huge broad jump(he was long jump champ) so you know he has explosive lower body power. He's flashed ability to play but it is quite disconcerting he was suspended for 2 games and apparently never really regained his starting job...not to mention finishing with 5 assisted tackles. Not good. Could see us taking a flyer on him in rnd 4-7.

I think there is zero chance any of the above would be even considered in rnd 2. Webb could go as high as 3 - at best.

Gut

 

Hey, keep an eye on...

Bradley Fletcher, Iowa - He's got the size (6'), speed (4.44) and athleticism (40" vertical and solid cone 7.04). Gets his hands on a lot of balls, seems to have pretty good instincts, skies for balls and is aggressive in doing so. He's also a good tackler. Some think he might be better at S...he's worth a later mid to late round pick. Performed very well in all-star practices.

Coye Francis, San Jose State - Has the size (6') but not the speed (4.6+) nor the build (only 185lbs) to be a starting NFL CB. However, he could work out well in a zone scheme in which his legit 10 and 20 yd burst are good along with his tacklings and ability to break on the ball. He's a very good player that just doesn't have long speed but also possesses a red flag...arrested for having a loaded firearm (though the charges were dropped).

Ryan Mouton, Hawaii - diminutive at 5'9. He's a slot CB (nickel) who can return punts and can even play some slot WR. He is aggressive and a playmaker, but doesn't always have the size or strength to make the play. He's a baller though. He also blew the doors off his Pro Day. Timed between 4.42 and 4.46...but was supposedly slowed the last 10 with a hamstring (meaning he probably would have been in the 4.3's). Alo posted a very impressive 11' broad jump and a solid 39 1/2" vertical. Could go late or undrafted but I like him as a #4 CB with the potential for more.

A few late guys to keep your eye on...

Gut