2006 Draft, defensive backs:
An
infusion of underclassmen has dramatically improved quality at both the CB and
safety positions. Top underclass prospects include CB: Antonio Cromartie,
Johnathan Joseph, Ashton Youboty and Richard Marshall as well as S: Donte
Whitner, Darrell Bing and Ko Simpson.�
As one consequence, borderline R1 seniors now figure to be found in the
2nd frame.� That�s a depth
add, and a number of other underclassmen, including S Bernard Pollard and CB:
Danieal Manning and Derrick Martin augment that factor.� In sum: a quantity of quality DB prospects
figure to approach, if not attain, those R4 comps now projected for the
PS.�
On
a need-first basis, safety is on par with WR.�
The difference is: the safety pool is deep, but WR is not.� On a one-year need horizon, the Steelers
project no issue at CB but it is worth considering whether that influx of
underclassmen will deplete future pools, say, circa 2007.� Needless to say, Rico Colclough�s development
is instrumental in that calculation; if Colclough is on the come, then the PS
may be seeking a 4th guy only; if not, a 3rd or
better.� Of course, Ike�s (future) deal
figures too, with whatever proportionality to those coming (on a 2-year
horizon) for: Roethlisberger, Polamalu and, maybe, Parker.� Still, except as one of the lead-worthy CBs
noted in Table 9 may drop in R1/2, these 2006 Steelers figure to be looking at
mid-frame corners, if any at all.��
The
Steelers� base 3-4 Cover 3 tends to equalize selection criteria across the FS
and CB positions.� Physicality is
prized: size, toughness and tackling ability. For example, Chris Hope was #8 in
tackles last season, across all S; Ike Taylor was # 5, across all CB.� Speed too; the necessity at the CB spot is
apparent; so too at FS, where single high is the first morph out of Cover
3.� One degree of separation is most
salient: FS set the defense; CBs do not.�
Acuity that is, so as a first approximation (but certainly not the last word)
this:��
Table
1, random Wonderlic scores, NFL safeties, mainly:
|
The
good |
The
bad |
The
NE Patriots |
|||
|
|
Wonderlic |
|
Wonderlic |
|
Wonderlic |
|
Alan
Archuleta |
34 |
Chris
Hope |
16 |
Eugene
Wilson, FS |
20 |
|
Tank
Williams |
28 |
Tyrone
Carter |
16 |
Dexter
Reid, S |
18 |
|
Mike
Brown |
27 |
Madieu
Williams |
16 |
Guss
Scott, SS |
17 |
|
Troy
Polamalu |
24 |
Adrian
Wilson |
16 |
James
Sanders, SS |
NF |
|
Roy
Williams |
23 |
Ed
Reed |
14 |
Ellis
Hobbs, CB |
15 |
|
Ken
Hamlin |
22 |
Derrick
Gibson |
13 |
Asante
Samuels, CB |
10 |
|
Bob
Sanders |
20 |
Sean
Taylor |
10 |
Randall
Gay, CB |
NF |
- Typically, smart
players are found on the good side of 20, but that is not always so.� Ed Reed has tremendous football sense,
but a poor W-score.� The same may
be said of Madieu Williams and even Sean Taylor.� Of course, Taylor�s off-field exploits may have some impact
on his football future (ala Chris Henry) and then there�s Derrick Gibson,
an exemplar for the uncanny predictive power of Wonderlic testing.�
- Famously, NE is
regarded as one of the smarter teams in football.� Maybe so but with respect to DB anyway
(CB especially) that football IQ has been inscrutable to the
Wonder-mavens.� Teams interview
players, we don�t; within that process may reside some explication for
those prospects with low scores, but good sense.� Ellis Hobbs is one example; low Wonder marks but all-Big 12
academically.� In his rook
campaign, Hobbs did show as a smart player.� Make of that what you will, if anything; still, a low mark,
say, at or below the Derrick Gibson line, must be considered a
caution.���
Ok
then.
Many
of the safety prospects at the Combine, are noted here but some with durability
issues, poor KEI, or insufficient flat speed (say, 4.61, the Cato June line)
are excluded with no (further) comment.�
You�ll note some R1A/B types, far beyond the Steelers� reach.� Those prospects are shown for information
purposes only.� Some others, who do
figure to reach 1.32, are shown here too but are likely to be excluded from
that closing table integrating all PS-worthy DB.�
As
usual (this year), prospects will be listed by VJ results.� Per our KEI Review, that is an
upfront indicator, and PS DB do play upfront, some.� Additionally, this unconventional order has the benefit of
conflating the standard round by round by round array found everywhere
(else).� But first, if only to establish
some context:
Table
2, Combine results accomplished by two (relatively recent) PS
draftees:�
|
|
|
H |
W |
40 |
SS |
Cone
|
VJ |
LJ |
W |
Projected Value |
Drafted/Remarks |
|
�99 |
Scott
Shields |
6�-4� |
228 |
4.55 |
4.06 |
7.03 |
35 |
10�-3� |
25 |
R3 |
Deep
R2 |
|
�02 |
Chris
Hope |
6�-0� |
210 |
4.58 |
4.40 |
7.35 |
37 |
�9�-5� |
16 |
R3 |
R3 |
Notes:�
- Contrary to legend,
Shields was neither an uber-athlete nor a gross reach deep in R2.� He was just a guy (probably) best
suited for duty at LB in a Tampa 2 set (ala Cato June).� Shields did flash good (not great)
agility, but was marginal in most aspects and sub-par in that #1
explosiveness indicator, VJ.��
- Chris Hope delivered on
his promise: plus explosiveness, adequate flat speed and sub-par
agility.�
Table
3, 2006 safety prospects (as drilled at Indy):�
|
|
H/W |
40 |
SS |
Cone |
VJ |
KEI |
Remarks
|
|
Pat
Watkins Florida
State |
6046 211# |
4.42 |
DNP |
DNP |
41� |
66.09 |
Highly
intelligent and can make plays on the ball.�
Can�t play in the box, lacks strength, urgency and, perhaps,
toughness. |
Michael Huff Texas |
6000 204# |
4.34 |
DNP |
DNP |
40.5� |
71.91 |
Top
DB in
class: the PS will have no chance to draft this prospect.� |
|
Ko
Simpson South
Carolina |
6010 229# |
4.45 |
4.20 |
7.09 |
40.5� |
61.66 |
Capable
centerfielder type FS.� Has good ball
instinct/skill and is a good open field tackler.� Can�t play in the box, poor blitzer.� Red flag: Combine scores raise questions pertaining to
strength and acuity.��� Scored 11 on
Wonderlic, (unofficial); that�s his number for bench reps too.�� |
Donte Whitner Ohio
State |
5101 204# |
4.40 |
DNP |
DNP |
40� |
69.00 |
Has
passion, plays like a coach on the field.�
Good ball skills, and has CB-like COD.� Excellent prospect: can play in the box, single high, and
on-man or off.� R1-worthy for sure. |
Jon Alston Stanford |
6006 223# |
4.40 |
4.14 |
6.90 |
40� |
81.00 |
Jumps
and flat speed identical to Whitner (above).�� Explosive hitter who plays fast and smart.� Undersize LB but had 24 TFL and 16.5 sacks
(past 2 yrs.)� Is said to have
superior coverage skills, a pre-requisite prefacing conversion.� |
Jason Allen Tennessee |
6007 209# |
4.39 |
3.83 |
6.77 |
39.5� |
67.41 |
Top
CB in this class, IMO.� If the Steelers have a
chance to draft this prospect, they will do so, sorting out the CB/FS
situation later.� Red flag: Recovered
from hip injury but has a chronic shoulder too.� Reportedly WQ is below the Gibson line. |
Daniel Bullocks Nebraska |
6014 212# |
4.38 |
4.18 |
6.92 |
38� |
64.33 |
Strong
character guy, who takes the game seriously.�
Has the speed to play single high; good in zone, average in man.� Good tackler, average hitter.� Impressed teams in interviews and had an
excellent Senior week.� A R2
riser.�� |
|
Greg
Blue Georgia |
6022 216# |
4.57 |
DNP |
DNP |
37.5� |
63.50 |
Looks
the part but doesn�t make plays.�
Future could be at LB in some Tampa 2.� |
|
Antoine
Bethea Howard |
5110 203# |
4.39 |
4.13 |
6.99 |
36.5� |
66.09 |
Undersized
but athletic and aggressive.� A rising
prospect, just a cut below former teammate Ronald Bartell, who reached mid-R2
last spring.� |
|
Bernard
Pollard Purdue |
6015 224# |
4.57 |
DNP |
DNP |
36.5� |
64.33 |
Great
size, solid in run support, projects to ST; (-) lacks range to play deep halves.� In the box safety, or yet another LB.� Red flag: Problems with Coach
Tiller.� |
|
Calvin
Lowry Penn
State |
5110 200 |
4.54 |
4.23 |
7.16 |
36� |
61.00 |
Good
hands, good instincts and acceptable speed, supports the run.� Can play halves but untested in man (PSU
zone system).� Decent Day 2 pick.� |
Cedric Griffin Texas |
6004 199# |
4.51 |
4.10 |
6.86 |
35.5� |
62.91 |
Tough,
smart and coachable, very durable, good worker.� Physical in run support, good zone awareness but despite
measured COD struggles in man.� Still,
has some qualities |
Roman Harper Alabama
|
5117 198# |
4.48* 4.53 |
4.34* |
7.04* |
34� |
62.67 |
*
Pro day results.� Son of a coach and
it shows.� Decisive, quick to react
and is a tremendous competitor.� (-)
Speed marginal for halves, inadequate for single high.� Poor COD. |
Notes:
- DNP:� Darrell Bing and Brian Iwuh.� DND: Bing jumped 34�and, reportedly,
lacks the acuity to direct traffic from the FS spot.�
- It is worth noting that
a number of deep R4/early R5 rooks have started at safety, and performed
well.� Consider: Gibril Wilson and
Erik Coleman (2004) and Kerry Rhodes (2005); last season, those players
finished #2, #1 and #6 in tackles (for all safeties in the League).� That�s Day 2 value; then too, Justin
Beriault (R6, 2005) who was leading the FS race early on in Dallas, but
blew a knee in camp.� As to this
class, well, it may be that various athletic limitations will push down
Harper and Griffin, creating, with Lowry (or Samson FS Cortland Finnegan),
a R4/5 value cluster at the position. We�ll see.
- Information yet to be
found on everyone�s favorite S-sleeper: Antwan Marsh, Pikeville.�
In
that safety set above, the athletic elite includes: Huff, Allen, Whitner and
Alston.� It�s a lock that Huff is out of
range; likely, that�s so for Allen too.�
That leaves Whitner, who might be had with a short jump, or Alston, if
the Steelers drop back from 1.32 (or, maybe, rise from 2.64).� It is worth noting that, while, traditionally,
the Steelers have not split safety duties, (preferring one down, one deep),
that paradigm does fit the all the rings within Coach LeBeau�s magic
circus.� Off that, well, Alston does most
closely match Polamalu�s considerable skill set.� On the same (athletic) vector both Bethea and Bullock must be
considered a step down.� Regardless,
Bullock won�t get to 2.64, which (putatively) leaves Bethea and that set of
R3/4 prospects, characteristically good players but limited athletes.� Onward.�
Like few others, CB prospects are heavily scrutinized on a
numbers basis.� Guys jump up the board
because they ran fast; guys jump up because, well, they jumped up. �Three tables following purport some context in considering
current results.����
Table 4, CB prospects� Combine performance table, 1999-2006:
|
|
Invitees |
40 <4.40
|
40 <4.45 |
SS <4.00 |
Cone <6.85 |
VJ . 37� |
LJ 10�-0� |
Remarks |
|
1999 |
26 |
5/26 |
7/26 |
5/25 |
5/23 |
10/26 |
12/26 |
|
|
2000 |
34 |
1/26 |
3/26 |
4/22 |
9/23 |
10/26 |
12/26 |
Jumps
per 1999 marks but speed was not.�
On-field production: poor, in the aggregate.�� |
|
2001 |
35 |
0/24 |
1/24 |
2/21 |
2/21 |
14/27 |
14/28 |
Another
sub-par CB class, even if they (too) could jump |
|
2002 |
23 |
2/6 |
2/6 |
3/12 |
4/11 |
8/19 |
12/19 |
|
|
2003 |
25 |
6/18 |
10/18 |
4/19 |
3/20 |
9/23 |
15/23 |
This
year, speed takes a quantum leap.�� |
|
2004 |
34 |
6/18 |
12/18 |
5/14 |
6/14 |
8/21 |
15/18 |
Speed
persists.� 10-0� LJ, once an average
good, is now a minimum standard |
|
2005 |
33 |
11/29 |
16/29 |
12/21 |
6/21 |
*
18/28 |
19/25 |
Speed
and SS times indicate a preponderance of small CB.� *� 11/28 went over 40�, roughly the same % did
37� 6 years prior. |
|
2006 |
29 |
4/24* |
9/24 |
1/16 |
7/10 |
*18/24 |
19/24 |
*10/24
over 40� |
Of
note:�
- When those prospects
drilling at FS are considered (Huff, Allen and Bethea), speed ratios for
this year rise to something roughly on par with 1999, a good year for
DB.� Speed-wise, 2005 remains on
the lead but it is worth noting that, typically, those fast guys were
small guys too.� That
disproportionate success found in agility drills, circa 2005, (probably)
stems from the same factor: most smalls are quick and fast smalls
(generally) are hyper-quick.����
- Six years ago, 37� was
the VJ benchmark for DB; now that�s 40�.�
Similarly, LJ achievement is stretching from 10�-0� towards 11�0�.
Table
4 was offered as context in reviewing current Combine scores.� A loose fit indicator, ranging the field,
those scores may be useful in confirming whether a prospect has sufficient
athleticism to go forward but as we all know Combine results ought not be used
to project production, in (classic) workout warrior fashion.� As shown below, great marks have not been
any great predictor for future success on the field.�
Table 5, some prospects put up excellent Combine numbers but��
|
|
|
H |
W |
40 |
SS |
Cone
|
VJ |
LJ |
W |
Projected Value |
Drafted/Remarks |
|
�99 |
Charles
Fisher |
5117 |
187 |
4.49 |
4.16 |
DNP |
38� |
10�-4� |
22 |
R2/3 |
R2:
Had a one game career |
|
�99 |
Chris
Watson |
6005 |
191 |
4.34 |
3.86 |
6.80 |
37� |
9�-11� |
20 |
R2 |
R3:
(4) yr. career but did with little |
|
�00 |
Antwan
Harris |
5091 |
186 |
4.32 |
4.01 |
6.75 |
39� |
10�-1� |
12 |
R5/6 |
R6:
mainly an ST player |
|
�00 |
Sedrick
Curry |
6014 |
197 |
4.46 |
3.94 |
6.34 |
39� |
10�-5� |
14 |
UDFA |
UDFA:
Steelers cut in camp |
|
�01 |
Brock
Williams |
5095 |
183 |
4.46 |
4.21 |
6.70 |
42.5� |
10�-10� |
18 |
R5/6 |
R3:
Cut by Pats, hanging around.� |
|
�02 |
Joseph
Jefferson |
5114 |
205 |
4.39 |
4.01 |
6.84 |
39.5� |
10�-1� |
21 |
R6 |
R3:
|
|
�02 |
Tony
Beckham |
6007 |
195 |
4.39 |
4.30 |
7.12 |
34.5� |
10-1� |
15 |
R6 |
R4:� Started last season, failed. |
|
�03 |
Sammy
Davis |
5116 |
186 |
4.42 |
DNP |
7.01 |
40� |
10-11� |
16 |
R2/3 |
R1:� Started rook season, injuries and illness
since.� |
Notes:
- Based on play grade:
Jefferson, Williams and Beckham were considerable reaches.�� Oddly, they were selected by three of
the League�s more successful teams: Indy, New England and Tennessee.� Beckham is a particularly egregious
example; in workouts, he did one thing well, run in a straight line.� Nothing is of less consequence to
performance on the field.���
- Davis and Fisher may be
described as mild reaches, a round or so.�
Conversely, Watson was a slight value.� Both Harris and Curry were taken as projected, illustrating
this: expect little or nothing of deep Day 2 /UDFA DB, regardless of
athleticism.�����
- Some things can�t be
measured; toughness is one, purportedly a factor with Williams.� Some things can�t be projected;
durability is one, clearly a factor with Jefferson, Beckham and Davis.� We may infer the same was so for
Fisher, if not Watson.�� Finally,
if just for laughs:
Table
6, PS CB picks, in
the Colbert Era:�
|
|
|
H |
W |
40 |
SS |
Cone
|
VJ |
LJ |
W |
Projected Value |
Drafted/Remarks |
|
�00 |
Hank
Poteat |
5097 |
197 |
4.54 |
4.09 |
6.66 |
37� |
10�-6 |
11 |
R3 |
R3:
had value as a PR/KR too |
|
�02 |
Lavar
Glover |
5094 |
177 |
DNP |
4.29 |
7.18 |
37� |
9�-9� |
18 |
UDFA |
R7:
cut in camp |
|
�03 |
Ike
Taylor |
6013 |
191 |
4.32 |
4.40 |
NF |
38.5� |
10�-10� |
16 |
Varied wildly |
R4:
developing as a top CB |
|
�04 |
Rico
Colclough |
5105 |
185 |
4.49 |
DNP |
DNP |
39� |
10�7� |
11 |
R2 |
R2:� PR/KR prospect too, but hasn�t developed |
|
�05 |
Bryant
McFadden |
5116 |
193 |
4.37 |
4.06 |
DNP |
38.5 |
10�-10� |
19 |
R2/3 |
Deep
R2:� Figures to start Y2 |
As
was true of the safeties noted previously, the Steelers have drafted CB exactly
where those were slotted.� It may be
noteworthy that their smalls flashed plus leaping ability but (relatively)
pedestrian speed, and that they didn�t make it.� The jury is out on the mid-sized model, Rico Colclough, who, in
many ways, resembles Poteat.� On the
plus side, the bigs, Taylor and McFadden, are developing, so demonstrating the
merit in selecting big, fast CB with plus hitting ability and average (per the
position) Wonderlic scores.� What a
shock; now:�
Table 7, 2006 CB prospects:
|
|
H |
W |
40 |
SS |
Cone
|
VJ |
LJ |
Remarks |
Johnathan Joseph South
Carolina |
5110 |
193 |
4.31 |
4.27 |
6.94 |
37� |
10�-3� |
Superior
speed and body control with plus hands.�
Best feet in class.� Better
on-man than off.�� (-) So-so tackler,
technique is raw and route recognition spotty.� Still, could be the best cover CB this side of Jason
Allen.� |
|
Tim
Jennings Georgia |
5076 |
185 |
4.32 |
|
|
37.5� |
�9�-9� |
Great
character, good worker.� Plus hands,
will give effort but too small to factor in run force.� Figures as a deep R3 value ala Ricky
Manning.� |
|
Cortland
Finnegan Samson |
5097 |
188 |
4.33* |
4.34* |
6.95* |
44�* |
10�-8�* |
*
Pro Day results.� Small school
prospect; looks to be a straightline guy.�
Dominating KR/PR at low level of competition.� FS in school. |
|
Tye
Hill Clemson |
5095 |
185 |
4.34 |
4.05 |
6.64 |
41� |
10�-9� |
Good
toughness, good tackler and all the speed needed.� Minus hands.� |
|
Kelly
Jennings Miami
South |
5107 |
178 |
4.39 |
4.04 |
DNP |
40� |
10�-0� |
Many
of the attributes ascribed to Tim apply to Kelly Jennings too.� However, this Jennings figures to be
drafted on the R1/2 cusp rather than R3/4.�
|
|
Antonio
Cromartie Florida
State, CB U |
6021 |
208 |
4.39* |
3.89* |
7.03* |
38� |
11�-0� |
*Pro
Day results.� A freak, some 8 months from
knee surgery put up those marks noted.�
Has only one career start (2004, split time with McFadden) but was 1st
team ACC anyway.� Added value as a KR |
|
Dee
Webb Florida |
5106 |
183 |
4.41 |
DNP |
DNP |
36.5� |
10�-1� |
Plus
hands, toughness and tackling.� (-)
Struggles to read keys and has been a PI machine.� Red flag:� Character check required.�
|
|
Gerrick
McPhearson Maryland |
5101 |
196 |
4.42 |
DNP |
DNP |
37� |
10�-9� |
Solid
strength, good hitter. Can play man but struggles to hand off in zone. |
|
Richard Marshall Fresno
State |
5111 |
189 |
4.42 |
4.16 |
6.66 |
41.5�
|
10�-9� |
Best
cover CB on the West Coast.� Plus
toughness and football IQ.� Fast enough,
agile enough; superb R2 value.��� |
|
Ashton
Youboty Ohio
State |
5116 |
189 |
4.43* |
4.18* |
6.96* |
36�* |
10�-0�* |
*
Pro Day results on a fast track.�
Fluid, athletic cover corner.�
Not good in run support, as (11) reps suggests.� Dubious value at 32 but won�t be there at
64.� |
David Pittman Northwestern
State*. |
5112 |
182 |
4.44 |
4.27 |
DNP |
36� |
10�-3� |
Very
tough,
played with a dislocated elbow last season.�
Motivated, hard worker.� Superb
quickness on field, and plus ball skills.�
Did not back down at the Senior Bowl.�
|
Will Blackmon Boston
College |
6002 |
198 |
4.47 |
4.24 |
6.69 |
41� |
11�-1� |
Plus
ball skills and feet.� Lacks top-end recovery
speed and while willing, is not physical in run force.� Adds value as a KR and #5 WR |
Danieal Manning Abilene
Christian |
5106 |
202 |
4.48 |
4.08 |
7.24 |
39� |
10�-3� |
Made
a lot of plays at a lower level.� Average
tackler, by S-standards.� Can play
zone or single high but is not comfortable in man.� FS prospect with added value as a KR. Red flag:� Reported 12 WQ is a problem at FS.� |
|
Derrick
Martin Wyoming |
5100 |
202 |
4.50 |
3.97 |
6.73 |
40� |
10�-7� |
Plus
recovery speed, good feet and fine in zone. .� Made plays on ST. ����(-) Will try but is only adequate in run
force.� Like most small school
players, technique needs work.� |
Alan Zemaitis Penn
State |
6012 |
194 |
4.57* PD
on a fast track |
4.19 |
6.68 |
30� |
9�9� |
Highest
character, excellent tackler, superb anticipation and plus ball skills.� Like Cromartie, has superb COD considering
frame length.� Red flags: Zone
schemes at PSU render man overage skills unknowable.�� Reported 9 WQ puts in doubt FS
feasibility.� KEI: 49.75 does
close that deal. |
|
Anwar
Phillips |
5115 |
193 |
4.60 |
4.09 |
6.80 |
35.5� |
10�-2� |
Looks
the part but reportedly, has some confidence issues.� Pro Day results: slow times on a fast
track.� 10 reps. |
Notes:
- There�s something
(other than mocs and crocs) in that bayou water.� Small Louisiana schools have sent a disproportionate number
of DB forward including (but hardly limited to): Ike Taylor, Charles
Tillman, Chris Harris, Kenny Wright and Terrence McGee.� Both Wright and McGee came out of Northwestern
State; that HC regards David Pittman as the finest cover man he�s
tutored.�
- DNP at Indy: Jimmy
Williams, Justin Wyatt and the PSU pair noted above.�
- DND: Jimmy Williams, more
bluff than stuff; Josh Lay, run non-support; Marcus Maxey, DeMario Minter
and Darrell Hunter look the part, but don�t make plays.� Additionally, a host of CB running 4.59
and above including (but not limited to) Antonio Malone and John Walker.�� In general, CB is a bad play past R5;
therefore, no Deep Day 2 prospects will be shown in those summarizing
tables following.� UDFA?� Sure.�
- Information to follow
on two sleepers: EJ Underwood, Pikeville and Onaka Whitaker, Murray
State.�
Close:
The
closing tables do not constitute any final SBBV; it�s a bit too early for that.� Rather, those are intended to illustrate
that value cluster paradigm. This notion crosses any current crop, at any
position, with certain historical facts (pick/position/R).� In the table below, take ranges over the
past five years are displayed, against rankings for this season�s crop.� The latter are compiled, provisionally, as
the average from PFW and Draft Scout rankings.���
Numbers
taken per position tend to converge because, year after year, teams tend to
draft for need.� Need, summed over all teams,
tends to remain constant, if only because injury is a constant.� Then too, it could be that busts are a
constant because teams constantly draft for need. Busts create need too�and
around we go.������
On
the flip side, talent per crop per position varies wildly.� Earlier, we gave R3 RB as an example;
consider too, LB, circa 2000, as was highlighted previously, in our Roster
Overview.� The short form is: the #5
guy at any given position in any given year is unlikely to an equivalent
prospect when compared to the #5 at that same spot in any other year.� In the end, it�s a matter of judgment.� If you believe, say, Jonathan Joseph
compares favorably with #4 CB prospects taken in prior years, and with
classes oncoming, then Jonathan Joseph constitutes R1 value.� If not, not; so, if just for now:�
Table
8, summary of tables 3 & 7 above, parsing Combine CB and
safety prospects to serve the PSD machine:
|
|
R1 |
R2 |
R3 |
R4 |
R5 |
R6/R7 |
Info
missing |
|
|
CB |
Allen
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
S |
Huff Whitner |
Bullocks
Simpson Griffin Pollard Alston |
Harper Watkins Bethea
|
Blue |
Lowry |
|
Marsh |
|
|
S
pool: 5
yr. Aver. |
1-2 (0) |
5-6 (3) |
7-10 (4) |
9-12 (7) |
11-14 (19) |
R6 17-21 (15) |
R7 19-23 (13) |
|
|
CB |
J.
Williams Cromartie
Hill
Joseph
|
K.
Jennings Youboty Marshall
|
T.
Jennings |
Webb Phillips Blackmon
Pittman |
Martin
McPhearson |
|
Underwood Whitaker Finnegan |
|
|
S |
|
Zemaitis |
Manning
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CB
pool: 5
yr. Aver. |
3-5 |
8, four times (6) |
11-13 12,
three times |
16-18 (14) |
18-21 (16) |
R6 22-23 (26) |
R7 22-25 (29) |
|
Notes:
- Historically, R6/7 CB
is one of the worst of all draft buys; hence the cells shown above.�
- Averages are from
2000-2004.� Oddly, 2000, subsequently
shown to be the worst (performance-wise) of all classes surveyed, did
yield the largest number of draftees, from R2 on that is.� As always, (outlaying results) are
shown (thusly) within those averages rows.�
- Note overlap in
S-prospects taken R3 and R4.� As
mentioned previously, those R4 comps may be in the Harper, Griffin or
Lowry zone.�
Table 9, DB prospects integrated, some from Table 8 above now eliminated:
|
|
R1 |
R2 |
R3 |
R4 |
R5 |
|
|
Safeties |
(Whitner) |
Alston (Bullocks) Griffin |
(Bethea) Harper Manning |
|
Lowry |
Marsh |
|
CB |
(Allen) (Cromartie)
Joseph |
(Marshall) |
|
Blackmon
Pittman |
Martin
McPhearson |
Underwood Whitaker Finnegan
|
Notes:
- (Players) which fit but
are unlikely to be on the board are shown in parentheses.�
- Added value as KR:� Cromartie, Manning, Blackmon and,
maybe, Finnegan.� Finnegan is
a wild card.� He could be a small
school comer in the mode of Ike Taylor, or not.
- CB is not an immediate
need but if either Joseph or Marshall is on the board where shown, that�s
your BPA pick.
- On a want-to basis,
DeMario Minter may be considered a R7 ST get.�����
Coming
attractions:
- Embryonic SBBV, shaped
with PS needs in mind.�
Acknowledgments:
Combine
stats cited here, in four similar articles previous, and the KEI Review are
from Frank Cooney�s Draft Scout (DS).�
That site, already a valuable resource, has the high ambition to post
(on-line) both Combine results and scouting reports from 1983 forward.� My highest recommendation is nano-thanks for
value (already) received, but there it is.
Average
takes per round per position, found here and in four related articles, were
culled from that draft history found on the sanctioned site, nfldot.��
Those
notes in remarks columns, found here and in four related articles, are heavily
compressed alloys of those found at PFW and Draft Scout.
Special
thanks to mejeris:
for his much anticipated Volunteer review especially, this time, on Haralson, a
prospect (evidently) falling into the �kicks �em in the head and then gets
caught� bin.� His accomplishing the near
impossible, getting booted from an all-star tilt (Senior), should have been a
tip-off.� Otherwise: that O-lineman, R.
Sims, mentioned as DND is the Buckeye, not the Vol.� My bad.�