Defensive backs: Early rounds loaded with speed, size

[bengaldee]

By Frank Cooney, Special for USA TODAY
NFL teams are looking for bigger, versatile defensive backs to cope with larger receivers and offer flexibility without substitution. This year's draft has plenty to offer.
Topping the list is Texas' Michael Huff, who is projected as a strong safety but might be the best cornerback or free safety in the draft. He sets the tone for a draft that could include as many as 19 defensive backs selected in the first two rounds, according to ratings by NFLDraftScout.com.

Most unusual is that up to five of those are listed as strong safeties. This might be a reaction to the emergence of huge, pass-catching tight ends in the NFL as well as the need for fast, tough and versatile athletes — typified by Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu — who help defenses avoid substitution mismatches.

A closer look at the top defensive backs in the 2006 draft:

CORNERBACKS

1. Tye Hill, 5-9, 185, Clemson

Established himself as a future star in 2004. Deflected a school season-record 21 passes, most on third-down plays, and was responsible for killing 15 scoring drives, including one on fourth down. Was rarely challenged in 2005. His rare athleticism made him an obvious standout at the Senior Bowl. Hill's track career was highlighted in 2003-04, when he won the Atlantic Coast Conference title in the 60 meters indoors (6.73) and 100 outdoors (10.29).

2. Jimmy Williams, 6-3, 213, Virginia Tech

Physical defender whose hard-hitting style is linebacker-like. Might move to free safety at the pro level, a position he played earlier in his college career. Since becoming a starter in 2003, he was on the field for more plays (702) than any other Tech defender, finishing second on the team with a career-high 114 tackles (63 solo). Moved from safety to corner in 2004 and led the ACC with five interceptions and deflected 14 passes.

3. Johnathan Joseph, 5-11, 193, South Carolina

Junior college transfer emerged as an instant starter in 2004 but was lost for the season after two games when he broke his foot. Was back at 100% in 2005 and finished among the team leaders in both tackles (55) and tackles for loss (3½) while leading the team in interceptions (four) and finishing second in passes broken up (nine). Elite speed was demonstrated at the combine (4.31 in 40 yards).

4. Alan Zemaitis, 6-1, 194, Penn State

Key man in Nittany Lions' stingy defense for two years. Well-built athlete with rare size for his position. Unlike other tall cornerbacks, can change direction fluidly. He's a team-oriented player who mentors younger players and takes pride in his role as defensive captain. Did not allow a reception in two games in 2004, including vs. Indiana receiver Courtney Roby, who was leading the nation in catches at the time. It was the first time in Roby's career that he did not catch a pass in a game.

5. Kelly Jennings, 5-11, 178, Miami (Fla.)

Relies on blazing speed, perfectly timed leaps and a tenacious attitude to compensate for a lack of ideal height. In 2004, playing opposite top-10 selection Antrel Rolle, he came through with 40 tackles, six passes broken up and two interceptions. Improved in 2005 with 13 passes broken up, three interceptions and four forced fumbles. Was named first-team ACC cornerback this season.

6. Ashton Youboty, 6-0, 189, Ohio State

Emerging talent started final nine games in 2004 and finished with 61 tackles, four interceptions and a team-leading 14 passes broken up. He's not only effective in coverage but will come up to support the run, ranking fourth on the Buckeyes in total tackles (56).

7. Richard Marshall, 5-11, 189, Fresno State

Has a cocky man-to-man attitude and backs it up most of the time with tight coverage. Earned second-team Western Athletic Conference honors the last two seasons. Had some moments of poor play but has elite potential. Led Fresno State's defense in tackles (78) and fumbles recovered (two), two categories not normally associated with cornerbacks. Was a part-time kick returner (22.7 yard avg.) and scored three touchdowns with his nine career interceptions.

8. Antonio Cromartie, 6-2, 208, Florida State

All-ACC pick as a sophomore but was lost for the entire 2005 season after tearing the ACL in his left knee in July. Still elected to declare early for the draft. Answered some questions about the stability of his knee with a 4.47 in 40 yards and stellar 11-foot broad jump at the combine. Great size and speed for the position but may have lost some quickness with the injury. Might have been a top-10 pick in 2007 if he returned to school and played at previous level.

SAFETIES

1. Michael Huff, 6-1, 198, Texas

Has potential to be dominant player at any defensive back position but has been nominally listed at strong safety by most scouts. Combine workouts only further validated his physical skills, with a 4.34 in 40 yards. Enjoyed his best season as a senior, finishing second on the team with 97 tackles and also contributing nine tackles for loss, two sacks, an interception and a team-leading four forced fumbles. Has potential as a returner after scoring TDs on four of his six career interceptions.

2. Jason Allen, 6-1, 208, Tennessee

Free safety prospect is recovering from a hip injury but put concerns to rest at the combine with a great workout that included a 4.39 in 40 yards and a 39.5-inch vertical jump. Started eight games as a sophomore at cornerback before switching to free safety for his junior and senior seasons. Scouts are split as to whether Allen can be a standout cornerback at the NFL level, but most believe he could be a difference-maker at free safety.

3. Donte Whitner, 5-11, 204, Ohio State

Started six games at strong safety for the Buckeyes in 2004 and all of 2005. Despite all of the attention devoted to the Buckeye linebacking corps, Whitner was a major factor, finishing among team leaders in tackles (65), tackles for loss (nine), sacks (four) and interceptions (two). Lacks great size for the position but is a nice athlete at safety and is an instinctive, physical player.

4. Darnell Bing, 6-2, 227, Southern California

The strong safety prospect has instincts to be effective in coverage but is most impressive coming up to support the run. Has durability issues involving a recurring separated shoulder.

5. Daniel Bullocks, 6-1, 209, Nebraska

A strong safety, Daniel is the twin of Josh Bullocks, the Nebraska safety who opted for early entry into the NFL last season. He isn't the playmaker his brother was but has similar skills in coverage and might be more physical in the running game. Climbed charts after good Senior Bowl and combine showings.

6. Ko Simpson, 6-1, 209, South Carolina

A playmaking free safety whose abilities became obvious in 2004 when the Associated Press named him Southeastern Conference Defensive Freshman of the Year. Also garnered freshman All-America and second-team SEC honors after his 61-tackle, six-interception season. He was rarely challenged deep in 2005.

[Guest BadassBengal]

Gimme Whitner or Jimmy Williams.


BTW, how did HIll jump in front of JW?

[JC]

[quote name='BadassBengal' post='233299' date='Mar 16 2006, 07:14 PM']Gimme Whitner or Jimmy Williams.


BTW, how did HIll jump in front of JW?[/quote]
Jimmy williams mmmmmmmmmm!!!

Deltha and Jimmy

[Guest BadassBengal]

[quote name='JC' post='233305' date='Mar 16 2006, 07:19 PM'][quote name='BadassBengal' post='233299' date='Mar 16 2006, 07:14 PM']
Gimme Whitner or Jimmy Williams.


BTW, how did HIll jump in front of JW?[/quote]
Jimmy williams mmmmmmmmmm!!!

Deltha and Jimmy
[/quote]

That would be the most DELICIOUS combo... .ever.

[Guest #22]

Jimmy Williams is a punk.
There is no way we blow a first on this loser.

[DanvilleBengal]

[quote name='#22' post='233410' date='Mar 16 2006, 11:15 PM']Jimmy Williams is a punk.
There is no way we blow a first on this loser.[/quote]

you might be right, but the final evaluation belongs to Marvin.

[Guest #22]

Can't disagree there, but I personally think he has more baggage than Marcus Vick.

[Kochman]

NCAA | Cromartie has strong showing at Pro Day
Thu, 16 Mar 2006 23:25:04 -0800

Jim Lamar, of the Palm Beach Post, reports Florida State CB Antonio Cromartie dazzled NFL scouts at his Pro Day workout Thursday, March 16. Cromartie, who did not play during his junior season because of a knee injury, ran times of 4.36 and 4.41 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Cromartie also turned in a 42-inch vertical jump. At least four NFL head coaches attended the session — Tom Coughlin (Giants), Romeo Crennel (Browns), Lovie Smith (Bears) and Scott Linehan (Rams).

Some real impresive numbers.