Part 8, DB: These corners possess (historic) speed to burn
Part 8, DB: These corners possess (historic) speed to burn
There's no "Sauce," but this class can fly. And one scout calls Oregon's Christian Gonzalez, "as confident a player as I have seen." Bob McGinn's 39th Annual Draft Series continues.
This is the 39th year that Bob McGinn has written an NFL Draft Series. Previously, it appeared in the Green Bay Press-Gazette (1985-’91), the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (1992-’17), BobMcGinnFootball.com (2018-’19), The Athletic (2020-’21) and, now, GoLongTD.com (2022-’23). Until 2014, many personnel people were quoted by name. The series reluctantly adopted an all-anonymous format in 2015 at the request of many scouts. The 12-minute, 50-question Wonderlic test no longer is administered at the NFL combine. Players generally took the test at spring 2022 timing days, all-star games and pro days in March and April. The NFL average score is about 19.
Today, Part 8: Defensive Backs.
It’s safe to say that no class of cornerbacks, taken as a whole, has ever possessed as much speed as the one that awaits eager teams Thursday in the NFL draft.
Eleven of the top 30 corners, including seven of the top 10, ran 40 yards in less than 4.4 seconds either at the combine or pro days. Last year, a mere two of the top 30 broke 4.4.
Not one of the evaluators interviewed for this series made a big deal about the speed factor. NFL people lock in on business at hand. All those 4.3s, even 4.2s written on the cards of the cornerbacks on their draft-room wall tend to blend in after a while as deliberations go on and on.
The closest remark regarding the collection of speed was made by a veteran scout when he was asked for his overview of the position.
“This group of corners is one of the best I’ve ever seen,” the executive said. “Most years you have one or two. This group, they just keep coming and coming. They all ran fast at the combine. I have five graded in the first round.”
Before getting into the names and numbers, perhaps I should mention my system for determining a 40 time for each player.
First, I disregard the electronic times at the combine. Electronic timing isn’t available at most pro days, and trying to compare electronic times with hand-held times is inappropriate.
At the combine, two designated scouts with stopwatches are seated at the finish line of the 40, and immediately their times are recorded by the combine staff. Working from those numbers, I average the times of a player’s first 40, the average of his second 40 (most run two) and then average the two averages for the number that I assign for posterity. If a player runs a 40 or two at a pro day, I’ll average those as best I can with his averages at the combine.
The sideline surface where the 40s are run at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis becomes the baseline surface. Fortunately, almost all pro days are conducted on comparable surfaces. In the past, when 40s were run on artificial turf or tracks (and some with participants wearing pin spikes) or on grass, I used the teams’ system of adding or subtracting a small amount of time in order to “curve” the time to the baseline.
I’ve used this system for about 20 years. Before that, I went with the fastest of the two hand-held times either at the combine or pro day.
Good or bad, my formula for 40 times has been consistent for a long time.
The avalanche of speed in Indianapolis included these 10 times: DJ Turner (4.26), Jakorian Bennett (4.27), Deonte Banks (4.31), Darius Rush (4.35), Tre’Vius Tomlinson (4.36), Cam Smith (4.37), Emmanuel Forbes (4.38), Kelee Ringo (4.38), Terell Smith (4.39) and Christian Gonzalez (4.39). Starling Thomas ran his 4.38 on March 23 during pro day at Alabama-Birmingham.
There were other fantastic times on the pro-day circuit from players that don’t rank among the top 30 but should at least be signed to a free-agent contracts. That group would include Brigham Young’s Kaleb Hayes (4.32), Michigan State’s Ameer Speed (4.33), Houston’s Art Green (4.36) and Stanford’s Ethan Bonner (4.39).
It wasn’t just speed this year, either. Seven of the top 30 went 11-0 or more in the broad jump whereas five went 40 inches or higher in the vertical jump. Both drills are reflections of speed as well as explosiveness.
Last spring, the only top-30 corners with sub-4.4 speed were UTSA’s Tariq Woolen (4.26) and Baylor’s Kalon Barnes (4.27). There were eight top-30 corners under 4.4 in. 2021, two in 2020, four in 2019 and four in 2018.
Just how rare are the sub-4.3 clockings for Turner and Bennett? A total of 43 corners were taken in the first round of the past 10 drafts and only one, Trae Waynes, ran below 4.3. In 2015, his time was 4.26.
Six corners that ran 4.50 or above were first-round picks in those 10 drafts. Twelve ran between 4.3 and 4.39, 15 ran between 4.40 and 4.45 and eight ran between 4.46 and 4.49. One player was never clocked.
“In the NFL of today, if you’re a corner and you’re not 4.45 on down, you can’t run,” one personnel man said. “The success rate of 4.55 corners is minimal.”
My poll of 16 evaluators asked them to rank the corners 1-2-3-4-5, with a first-place vote worth 5 points, a second-place worth 4 points and so on. It’s worth noting that 164 of the 240 possible points, or 68.3%, went to corners that ran under 4.4.
Christian Gonzalez led with nine firsts and 70 points. Following, in order, were Devon Witherspoon (67, six), Joey Porter (30, one), Deonte Banks (24 ½), Emmanuel Forbes (20), DJ Turner (nine), Cam Smith (6 ½), Garrett Williams (four), Julius Brents (three), Kelee Ringo (three), Clark Phillips (two) and Darius Rush (one).
As much as scouts admire the group as a whole, they were hesitant to label any one player as elite. The current young players most commonly referred to as falling in that category were Sauce Gardner (6-2 ½, 193, 4.46) and Patrick Surtain II (6-2, 208, 4.42).
Last year, the Jets drafted Gardner at No. 4. In 2021, the Broncos selected Surtain at No. 9.
“There’s no one in that class in this draft,” said one personnel man. “I don’t think the top of the corner class is filled with as many good football players as the last couple years. It’s kind of a mix between the tough, undersized, instinctive guys and the pretty height-weight-speed guys that maybe you wish their film was a little better.”
Of the corners as a whole, another executive said, “There are probably 12 to 15 guys that can come in and at least be a No. 3 corner in the first year. Eight or so of those could be good No. 2’s. Probably be four to six in the first round.”
Meanwhile, it appears this will be the third draft in the past four years in which no safety has been taken in Round 1.
“This is unbelievable how bad this is,” one scout said. “(Brian) Branch, (Antonio) Johnson and then it’s kind of a free-for-all. It falls quick.”
Branch dominated the 16-scout poll with 13 firsts and 74 points, yet he is considered an underdog for the first round.
The rest of the vote was Johnson (39, one), Quan Martin (28), Sydney Brown (25, one), Jordan Battle (20, one), Jammie Robinson (17), Ji'ayir Brown (12), Jay Ward (seven), JL Skinner (five), Ronnie Hickman (four), Gervarrius Owens (four), Christopher Smith (three) and DeMarcco Hellams (two).
“No one in our room has any conviction on any of these guys,” one personnel man said. “I think the highest grade we have is a late second or third of that group. It was sort of an uninspiring group.”
Full scouting reports on all top defensive backs — with analysis from personnel men across the NFL — are below. You can catch up on Bob McGinn’s entire draft series right here:
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CORNERBACKS
1. CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ, Oregon (6-1 ½, 199, 4.39, 1): Started all 30 games of his collegiate career, including 18 at Colorado and 12 at Oregon. “He’s the prototype height-weight-speed guy,” said one scout.
“He makes it look effortless. Is he a big-time playmaker? He really hasn’t been. But with his physical tools he’s going to start Day 1.” Failed to intercept a pass at Colorado in two seasons, breaking up just nine. Had four picks and 11 passes broken up (PBUs) for the Ducks. “He is as confident a player as I have seen,” said a second scout. “He is so smooth. He is what you draw up. He runs the pattern for the wide receiver. I wouldn’t call him a real hitter but he'll come up and force and tackle.” Scored 14 on the Wonderlic test. “He’s a wonderful athlete and a good kid and is a really talented player,” said a third scout. “But his film isn’t elite right now.” Finished with 123 tackles and no forced fumbles. “I question the person,” a fourth scout said. “May be a tad too soft. Unbelievable athletic talent. Needs to display a little more physicality in his play. He can play the long ball. His biggest issues will be the sudden change of direction and explosive movement. Not an alpha dog. More of a laid-back, cool dude. Very smooth. He doesn’t have the instincts of either Sauce Gardner or (Pat) Surtain. He’s better athletically than (Jeff) Okudah.” From The Colony, Texas. “He just kind of checks every box,” said a fifth scout. “Not the strongest guy but very low bust rate.”
2. DEVON WITHERSPOON, Illinois (5-11 ½, 183, 4.45, 1): Appeared headed for a junior college due to academic shortcomings when he was ruled eligible and joined the Fighting Illini in mid-August 2019. Played extensively as a freshman before starting for three seasons. “I love the kid,” said one scout. “I love his interview. I love the way he plays. He’s got this presence to him. You know he’s locked in, he’s all about ball. He doesn’t care that he’s 185 pounds. He carries himself like he’s a bigger dude, almost like he’s invincible. If Witherspoon had Gonzalez’ size you’d have a top-10 corner.” Finished with 159 tackles (11 ½ for loss), five picks and 30 PBUs. “Faster than everybody thinks,” said a second scout. “Wants to play the best man on the field. Got change of direction, acceleration, feel for the game. Very good tackler for the cornerback position. Top 15. He’s got everything you want.” Posted 20 on the Wonderlic. “I think he should (be drafted in the top 10),” another scout said. “He had a sensational senior season. He contested everything. He’s got a lot of fight. He’s on the borderline height-weight. His speed is good.” From Pensacola, Fla. “Hell of a football player,” a fourth scout said. “All he did was press. That’s all they did.”
3. JOEY PORTER, Penn State (6-2 ½, 196, 4.41, 1): Played four games in 2019, preserving his redshirt season, before starting three years on the outside and declaring a year early. “Enigma,” said one scout. “He’s one of these guys that you would hope would be a better pro than he was in college. He’s got all the height-weight-speed you want to be in a first-round corner but his instincts are off. They tried him at nickel; it was an experiment that went awry. He’s an outside corner until further notice. He’s fast, he can turn and run, he can stay in phase, he can run with anybody on a 9-route. But don’t ask him to play off cover and get out of his backpedal with good quickness to close on the football. His value is as a press-trail corner. If you’re drafting him to line up with the other team’s biggest, fastest receiver in press-trail, sure. But eventually they’ll figure him out and force him into situations where he’s going to be uncomfortable. How many interceptions did he have in his career? One. He’s just a naturally timid kid to begin with. I’m not questioning his toughness. I’m questioning his willingness to have a pro mindset prepared to be great. He’ll tackle. He’s not a coward. He’s somewhere in-between.” Finished with 114 tackles (two for loss) and 21 PBUs. “We didn’t like him,” a second scout said. “He’s soft.” Wonderlic of 15. His arm length (34 inches) was the longest at the position. “He’s a 6-2 guy that’s super-fast,” a third scout said. “Good man coverage. Long arms. Not as sticky in coverage as the top guys.” His father, Joey Sr., registered 98 sacks and made four Pro Bowls as a 13-year NFL edge rusher. He coached the Steelers’ linebackers from 2014-’18. “He grew up the son of an NFL player and never wanted for anything,” a fourth scout said. “He’s a good kid but he doesn’t really have a great work ethic or passion for the game. You could really hit on him and you could really bust on him.” From Bakersfield, Calif. “Last year, lot of PI’s (pass-interference penalties),” a fifth scout said. “Little bit rigid and stiff. He’s got to be scheme-specific in terms of press man. I’m lukewarm on him.”
4. DEONTE BANKS, Maryland (6-0, 200, 4.31, 1): Started 21 of 30 games over four years. “Talented guy,” one scout said. “He’s got all the height-weight-speed. The problem with him is, when his back’s turned to the ball, can he find it? That’s his biggest issue. He’s a tough kid; he’ll tackle you. It’s just his natural instincts for the position. Not quite as productive on the ball as you would like.” Just two interceptions to go with 83 tackles and 13 PBUs. “He’s got incredible upside,” said a second scout. “He’s No. 1 or No. 2 in all the athletic testing. He does not have natural ball skills. He’s a developmental upside player you roll the dice on. It’s going to take a little time. I’d say halfway through the first season he’s a starter.” His vertical jump of 42 inches led the position. “That Ohio State game (Nov. 19), man, he was, like, ‘This is my game,’” said a third scout. “He went against (Marvin) Harrison Jr. and those guys and he was good. He talked shit to those guys. The whole game. He can press and run. In run support he’s strong. He can hold up against big wideouts. He just gets a little grabby downfield some but, when he’s locked in, he’s a top-10 talent.” Fourth-year junior with a Wonderlic of 18. “He is mentally raw,” a fourth scout said. “He didn’t play hardly at all in 2021 (out 11 games, shoulder surgery). He’ll be fine. It’s just he may go through some growing pains at first because he’s raw.” From Baltimore.
5. EMMANUEL FORBES, Mississippi State (6-0 ½, 170, 4.38, 1-2): Third-year junior, three-year starter at LC. “I’m a Forbes man,” one scout said. “He’s so skinny and narrow. That body type is just not super conducive. But he has incredible ball skills. He is a ball magnet. It just finds him. He tries to (tackle). In the Georgia game, there was one time he stuck his nose in there and he looked like somebody getting thrown out of a saloon. He got literally ejected out of a pile. At least he tried.” Returned six of his 14 picks for TDs, an FBS record. “Very, very similar to Witherspoon,” a second scout said. “He’s quick, sudden and a loose athlete. He can mirror guys as well. He’s got a second gear.” Weighed 166 at the combine, 170 at pro day. “Because he’s only 166 and has such an unusual body type he’s a little under the radar,” a third scout said. “But he’s got incredible length (32 ¼ arms) and ball skills and instincts. He plays hard, but who’s been a 166-pound corner that’s held up? They’re going to make you tackle.” Finished with 149 tackles and 35 PBUs. Wonderlic of 18. “There’s a lot of buzz with him,” a fourth scout said. “He’s OK, but I don’t think he’s a first-rounder. He’s skinny as shit. Those guys don’t work. They don’t work.” From Grenada, Miss.
6. DJ TURNER, Michigan (5-11, 179, 4.26, 1-2): Fastest man at the combine. “He’s a cover guy,” one scout said. “He’s not strong in run support and he needs to get stronger in contested catch situations. But, boy, he can recover if someone gets a step on him.” Limited to four games as a freshman due to a glute injury. Barely played in 2020, then became a starter in mid-2021. “Even when he’s beat he has the recovery speed to get back into phase,” said a second scout. “Just struggles at the top of routes. Willing tackler, but his lack of size shows when wrapping up.” Finished with 69 tackles, three picks and 20 PBUs. “He might be the best of the group,” a third scout said. “He’s probably the most fluid guy in the draft. I thought he was a good tackler for his size.” From Suwanee, Ga. “He was disappointing,” a fourth scout aid. “He’s a good athlete but he gets beat all the time. Looks like he’s just kind of out there. In the TCU (playoff) game he whiffed on that big tackle (on Quentin Johnston’s 76-yard touchdown reception). More an athlete than a player. Plays small.”
7. CAM SMITH, South Carolina (6-0 ½, 183, 4.37, 1-2): Started 19 of 33 games over four seasons. Probably lined up as much in the slot as outside. “Thin-framed guy,” one scout said. “Smooth, twitchy athlete. Good speed, and I really like his instincts. He can match up with top receivers. Not the strongest guy. Not a real physical guy. Not great in the run game.” Finished with 91 tackles, six picks and 24 PBUs. “He can play,” a second scout said. “He’s just a little bit of a live wire. Emotional would be a safe word to (describe) him.” Scouts from five teams expressed reservations about his makeup. “Diva, high maintenance,” said one scout. “Just not good enough to deal with all his bullshit.” One team removed him from their draft board. “He’s got anger-management issues,” said a third scout. “Be hard to coach this guy.” Wonderlic of 20. “He’s a good athlete — just undisciplined,” a fourth scout said. “He is talented. Second round. Too many good corners ahead of him.” From Blythewood, S.C.
8. KELEE RINGO, Georgia (6-1 ½, 209, 4.38, 2): Ranked as the fourth-best recruit overall in the class of 2020. “I gave up on him because he got beat a lot,” said one scout. “I don’t know what it is. Maybe he can improve.” Missed his freshman season (shoulder surgery) before starting 27 of 30 games for the two-time national champions. “He’s long and can run in a straight line,” a second scout said. “But when people make double moves he can’t mirror a sudden or abrupt change. He’s a straight-line speed guy with good hands and had some production this year. Above-average tackler. I wouldn’t touch him in the first.” Ran a 10.43 100 meters and a 21.18 200 meters as a high-school junior. “Like world-class speed,” a third scout said. “And he’s huge. With the explosive speed he can recover if he’s beaten. Needs to clean up some stuff technique-wise with his eyes in coverage but he’s extremely talented. Only 20 years old. Sky’s the limit.” Finished with 76 tackles, four picks and 19 PBUs. “People thought he was going to be the top corner,” a fourth scout said. “He had that huge play in the first national championship game but, other than that, he doesn’t have great ball production and he’s tight in the hips. Tight lower body. Now he’s straight-line fast, but that tightness shows up in a short area. That concerns me.” Wonderlic of 14. “I thought safety would be his best position,” said a fifth scout. “He’s one speed. I didn’t see burst. He has his hands all over people, too. Had a number of PI penalties. I thought if you moved the guy inside he’d be what you need because he can pick up when they go to five wides and actually cover people.” From Tacoma, Wash.
9. CLARK PHILLIPS, Utah (5-9, 182, 4.47, 2): Third-year junior, three-year starter. “Love him,” said one scout. “His instincts are unbelievable. He’s quick and his ball skills are outstanding. They played him in the slot a lot, and that will be his role in the NFL. Just doesn’t have great top-end (speed). He reminded me of Tre’Davious White. Not as good but a guy with eyes, instincts, all of that.” Extremely short arms (29 1/8). “Had a ton of production,” said a second scout. “He can tackle. Can play man. He got hurt two years ago in the Rose Bowl against Ohio State and (Jaxon) Smith-Njigba had a big game because he wasn’t out there. He was the key to that back end of that defense, which was really good. He’ll have a solid career playing inside.” Finished with 112 tackles, nine picks and 30 PBUs. “He’s a straight-up nickel corner,” a third scout said. “Competitive, loves football. Doesn’t have enough speed to play outside. He’s willing to be physical. Has enough quickness and short-area speed to match up in nickel situations.” Wonderlic of 19. From Lakewood, Calif.
10. DARIUS RUSH, South Carolina (6-2, 198, 4.35, 2): Moved from WR to CB midway through his second season. Played sparingly in his third year and then started 21 games in 2021-’22 opposite Cam Smith. “He really showed up at the Senior Bowl and he ran well at the combine,” said one scout. “I didn’t know much about him. This Rush kid’s going to go second round. He came out of nowhere.” Finished with 74 tackles, three picks and 18 PBUs. “Long (33 3/8 arms), super fast,” a second scout. “Really professional, mature, really good head on his shoulders.” Several teams expressed at least mild reservations about his makeup. Wonderlic of 13. “He was a combine superstar but just not a good player,” said a third scout. “He doesn’t read or feel the routes well. Doesn’t mirror well. Plays small at the ball arrival. Doesn’t have really good ball skills. Weak in run support. It’s all about taking a shot on a size-speed guy and develop him.” From Kingstree, S.C.
11. JULIUS BRENTS, Kansas State (6-2 ½, 198, 4.52, 2-3): Led the position in broad jump (11-6), short shuttle (4.05 seconds) and arm length (34). “Hell of an athlete,” one scout said. “Really bends well for a guy that tall. He gets in and out of his breaks on short-to-intermediate routes when he’s coming downhill or laterally. You love the length with this kid. He can be physical in the run game. Certainly, heavy press teams are going to be intrigued with this guy, but he’s not just a press corner. With a 4.5 guy, you’re looking for a compensating factor. Well, his are his length and his ability to play the ball.” Spent three years at Iowa, battled injuries and started five of 19 games. Started at LC in Manhattan for two years. “Really a long corner,” said a second scout. “He’s kind of like Porter. If you don’t get your Porter, you can get Porter Light.” Finished with 111 tackles, six picks and 16 PBUs. “His speed (4.52) is more than good enough,” a third scout said. “You don’t have to be a blazer when you’re that damn big and take up that much space.” From Indianapolis.
12. GARRETT WILLIAMS, Syracuse (5-10 ½, 190, no 40, 3-5): Suffered a torn ACL at midseason and underwent surgery. Was able to bench press 19 times at the combine and interview with clubs. “If this guy wasn’t hurt I’d have no problem pulling the trigger in the second round,” said one scout. “This guy will be a great pro. He’s mature. I don’t know if he’ll ever be Deion Sanders but he’ll be a really good player as soon as he’s ready to play and for his whole career. I like him better than Porter.” Led the cornerbacks on the Wonderlic (31) and in the bench press. “Tough,” said a second scout. “Good special-teams player. He’ll go down and tackle and hit you. Makes a few mistakes when the ball’s in front of him. Not the biggest guy in the world. He’ll be a great gunner in the NFL. Obviously, you’ve got to see how the physical comes out.” Started 28 of 32 games, finishing with 152 tackles, four picks and 27 PBUs. “He’s a slot but I’m OK with that,” a third scout said. “He was probably 4.46, right around there. He goes back of the fourth or fifth.” From Harrisburg, N.C.
OTHERS: Riley Moss, Iowa; Cameron Mitchell, Northwestern; Jakorian Bennett, Maryland; Tyrique Stevenson, Miami; Mekhi Blackmon, Southern California; Kyu Blu Kelly, Stanford; Jaylon Jones, Texas A&M; Cory Trice, Purdue; Kei'Trel Clark, Louisville; Carrington Valentine, Kentucky; Terell Smith, Minnesota; Rejzohn Wright, Oregon State; Starling Thomas, Alabama-Birmingham; Darrell Luter, South Alabama; Eli Ricks, Alabama; Alex Austin, Oregon State; Tre’Vius Tomlinson, Texas Christian.
SAFETIES
1. BRIAN BRANCH, Alabama (5-11 ½, 192, 4.55, 1-2): Played the star position for Nick Saban that Minkah Fitzpatrick manned with aplomb from 2015-’17. “Is he a safety or a nickel?” one scout said. “Is he too slow for nickel, and can he communicate to be a safety? That’s got to be the key. He’s a great football player but he has a few warts on him. He can’t cover for very long (from the slot). That (directing a secondary) is his bugaboo. He’s a great tackler, not a good one. He’s 4.6 for us, but damn can he play football.” Scored 15 on the Wonderlic. “He’s probably the best safety,” said a second scout. “He played that star position in Nick’s defense, which is very tough to play. He’s kind of like a nick (nickel).” A 5-star recruit, he essentially started for three seasons before declaring a year early. “He’s one of those guys that is a better football player than tester,” a third scout said. “He doesn’t fit the profile of an elite athlete because his numbers are pretty pedestrian. But the thing that sets him apart is just the instincts. His movements are much more decisive when he’s on the field. He sees things quicker.” Finished with 172 tackles (19 ½ for loss), four sacks, four picks and 27 PBUs. “He can be a safety much like (Antoine) Winfield,” said a fourth scout. “Kind of that hybrid down safety. More of a short-to-intermediate zone robber. Can match up with some slots. Good in the run game. But I see him as a starting nickel.” From Fayetteville, Ga.
2. QUAN MARTIN, Illinois (5-11, 194, 4.42, 2-3): Started 36 games over five seasons in a secondary that included safeties Kerby Joseph (Lions) and Sydney Brown plus cornerback Devon Witherspoon. Most of his action came as the star defender. “I would take Kerby over this guy because Kerby was bigger,” said one scout. “He can do more than Kerby. Kerby was a rangy dude back there. (Martin) is an undersized, smooth-moving safety. Can play some nickel. Has a chance to be a starter. Lacks some size and strength in press situations. Will give up separation at the top of routes against more physical receivers. There’s upside with him.” Finished with 222 tackles (10 for loss), seven picks and 30 PBUs. “He was their nick but everybody projects him as a free safety like they’re doing with Branch,” said a second scout. “Good football player. Big hitter for his size. Guys that can do both are becoming pretty valuable. He and Branch are going to be valuable commodities.” His vertical jump of 44 was the best by a defensive back. His 11-2 broad jump paced the safeties and demonstrated just how explosive he is. “People didn’t give Lovie Smith enough credit,” a third scout said. “The defensive backs he recruited were pretty good.” From Lehigh Acres, Fla. “He’s fast enough to play outside, he can play safety and he’s played nickel,” a third scout said. “He’s the Swiss Army knife for this year’s class.”
3. SYDNEY BROWN, Illinois (5-9 ½, 211, 4.42, 2-3): With some scouts expecting him to clock in the mid-4.5s to 4.6, Brown raised eyebrows and made big money by running the 4.42. “He certainly didn’t play like that,” one scout said. “That time shocked me. He’s really good in the box but he can’t play in space. He’s a really tight guy. I like the way he plays but I’m not sure he can cover.” Shared the lead among safeties in the bench press (23) and had the largest hands (10 ¼). “He’s smaller but explosive,” a second scout said. “He’s 5-9 and 211 so he’ll have to cover a back. Can he cover receivers because he can run? He’s got some interchangeable stuff. Plays the game the right way.” A five-year player with 50 starts, he finished with 319 tackles (10 for loss), 10 picks and 26 PBUs. “Outstanding player,” said a third scout. “Excellent instincts, ball skills and competitiveness. Plays super fast. Tough in the box. Can man cover tight ends. Lots of range.” Wonderlic of 16. “Helped himself this spring,” a fourth scout said. “Tough, physical kid. Has short-area quickness, I have concerns in man. He’ll get drafted way higher than I would do. Third round would be extremely rich for how he played. I’ve seen crazier shit.” From London, Ontario.
4. ANTONIO JOHNSON, Texas A&M (6-2, 201, 4.55, 2-3): Third-year junior. “Kind of a mix between a tough-ass safety and a linebacker,” one scout said. “There’s a lot of people that like those kind of guys now. They use them to stunt and blitz, come off the edge and cover tight ends. Somebody might grab him late in the first if they want an all-purpose type player. Uses his hands real well to take on backs. He’s got cover ability, but it’s not deep cover ability. The guy is put together.” Despite the physique, his eight reps on the bench press were the fewest among safeties. “He’s not really a play-the-ball guy,” a second scout said. “He can run, he’s got good feet and he’ll hit you. He’s not dumb but he’s not that guy (to run a secondary). He’s more get after you and hit you and let’s play football.” Finished with 164 tackles (14 for loss), two sacks, four forced fumbles, one pick and eight PBUs. Wonderlic of 19. “He scares me,” a third scout said. “He’s going third day. He doesn’t make plays. He’s just a guy.” From East St. Louis, Ill.
5. JAMMIE ROBINSON, Florida State (5-10 ½, 196, 4.55, 3-4): Made the All-SEC freshman team in 2019 at South Carolina and started again in ’20. When coach Will Muschamp was jettisoned, he shifted to Tallahassee and aligned as a safety that sometimes played the slot. “He’s going to be a nickel corner,” one scout said. “He’s not a safety. He’s not as good as Branch. He’s tough as s--t.” Shared the bench-press lead with Brown at 23. “Just a football player,” a second scout said. “He’s a lesser version of Jalen Pitre. Pitre’s success last year (with the Texans) will help Jammie. He just didn’t test very well. Didn’t run great. But he’s a damn good football player with his pads on. Lot of fun to watch.” Finished with 319 tackles (15 ½ for loss), seven picks and 23 PBUs. From Cordele, Ga.
6. JI'AYIR BROWN, Penn State (5-11 ½, 203, 4.60, 3-4): In academic jeopardy, he played two seasons at a junior college before starting all 26 games for the Nittany Lions in 2021-’22. “Not the biggest guy in the world but big enough,” one scout said. “He plays faster than that (4.60). If he gets pushed in the middle rounds, that’s fine because he is a good football player. He’ll start.” In 2021, he played alongside Jaquan Brisker, the Bears’ second-round draft choice. “He played consistently better than what Brisker played,” a second scout said. “Brisker was bigger and more talented than this kid, but this kid’s a better football player. He’s definitely smarter. He’s not a burner. Little bit stiff. Has juice with his teammates. Real positive energy guy. I think he can be a great third safety.” Finished with 153 tackles (nine for loss), 10 picks and 19 PBUs. Wonderlic of 10. “Tough guy, plays hard,” a third scout said. “You love the energy and how he flies around. If you want to play with him and make him a sort of nickel backer do that, but he cannot play in space. He showed all of that at the combine. You can’t play with box safeties anymore.” From Trenton, N.J.
7. JL SKINNER, Boise State (6-3 ½, 209, no 40, 4): Towers 1 ½ inches above the next tallest of the 20 top safeties. “He’s interesting just because of his size,” one scout said. “He’s more of a free (safety). He’s tall but really thin. His legs are really slender. How you play him will determine the career he has. He kind of got exposed in coverage at the Senior Bowl just being so leggy and not being as quick. But if you’re able to keep him out of spots where he gets isolated on people he can do a really good job. I like him but everyone watches the one-on-one’s at the all-star games. Unfortunately, he didn’t have the best week.” Suffered a torn pectoral muscle and had surgery March 7. “He’s a big hitter,” a second scout said. “He’s better closer to the line of scrimmage. This kid is a little bit leggy and I question his twitch when he has to cover. He's not any faster than 4.6.” Finished with 208 tackles (9 ½ for loss), seven picks and 20 PBUs. From San Diego.
8. JORDAN BATTLE, Alabama (6-1, 210, 4.54, 4): Four-year starter at strong safety. Joined Bryce Young and Will Anderson as tri-captains in 2022. “He decided to come back this year but instead of elevating his play he basically just checked the boxes along the way,” said one scout. “Which was sort of get through it. He’s a liability in coverage and he’s just got ordinary speed. He probably will get overdrafted and (then) I think he’ll get exposed a little bit. I thought he came up short. I wouldn’t be excited about taking him.” Finished with 251 tackles (6 ½ for loss), six picks (three returned for touchdowns) and just 16 PBUs in 54 games (44 starts). ”Too limited of an athlete for me,” said a second scout. “Box guy.” Wonderlic of 14. “He didn’t have a good year,” said a third scout. “Everybody thought he was going to be a top two-round guy. Third-day guy.” From Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
OTHERS: Jay Ward, Louisiana State; Christopher Smith, Georgia; Daniel Scott, California; Gervarrius Owens, Houston; Jordan Howden, Minnesota; Kaevon Merriweather, Iowa; DeMarcco Hellams, Alabama; A.J. Johnson, Virginia; Brandon Hill, Pittsburgh; Ronnie Hickman, Ohio State; Jason Taylor, Oklahoma State; Anthony Johnson, Iowa State; Brandon Joseph, Notre Dame.
THE SKINNY
UNSUNG HERO
Mekhi Blackmon, CB, USC: Coming out of East Palo Alto, Calif., Blackmon (5-11, 180, 4.49) landed at a junior college in 2017 before finding a home at Colorado from 2018-’21. In ’22, he joined first-year Trojans coach Lincoln Riley and started at left corner. He impressed with a strong week at the Senior Bowl. “He gets very physical with guys and it gets him in trouble at points,” said one scout. “He was at Colorado two years ago and they weren’t very good (4-8) but he was out there competing and playing well. There wasn’t a whole lot of love for him and I just didn’t understand it.”
SCOUTS’ NIGHTMARE
Tre’Vius Tomlinson, CB, TCU: Of the 30 leading cornerbacks, Tomlinson (5-7 ½, 181, 4.36) is the shortest by 1 ½ inches. He’s also a phenomenal athlete (39-inch vertical jump, 11-0 broad jump, blazing 40). For three seasons he fought the good fight on the outside against far bigger receivers and won the Jim Thorpe Award. The task will only get more difficult in the pros. LaDainian Tomlinson, his uncle, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame six years ago. “He tests well and all that but I wouldn’t draft him,” said one scout. “He’s living on his name. All he does is hold.”
SCOUT TO REMEMBER
Bill Groman: A native of Tiffin, Ohio, Groman played wide receiver for his hometown liberal arts college, Heidelberg, in the 1950s. He was teaching eighth-grade science in Perrysburg, Ohio, when the AFL was born in 1960. Having finagled a tryout with the Houston Oilers, he went on to set an NFL rookie record for receiving yards (1,473) that still stands. The Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase got close in 2021 with 1,455. After a six-year playing career, he broke in as a weekend scout for the Bengals. From there, Groman spent about 35 years scouting for Buffalo, Houston, Tampa Bay, San Diego and, finally, Atlanta, retiring in 2003. He also was the man responsible for signing quarterback Jim Kelly in his role as personnel chief of the USFL Houston Gamblers in the mid-1980s. In an interview with ESPN in 2015, Groman connected some of his success in the AFL to his hands. “They always measure everybody’s hands at the combine,” he said. “A big hand for a receiver is 9 ½ inches. From the tip of my finger to my thumb is 10 ½ inches. I even measured it last year. I had long, thin fingers.” Groman died in 2020. He was 83.
QUOTE TO NOTE
AFC personnel man: “I look for hips in a corner. That’s the key for me. I don’t care how fast a guy is. If he has to stop and gather to change direction he’s beaten. That’s why I really like watching corners in practice. I get more out of corners at a practice than any other position.”
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