Position Group: Defensive Backs
Player A: 5’11, 170 lbs, Power 5 Conference
Player B: 6’2, 195 lbs, Power 5 Conference
Player A
Player A’s film consistently demonstrates an ability to accelerate, decelerate and reaccelerate. This is demonstrated in all coverages (press man, off man and zone). He has a high rate of PBUs in off man coverage which is an in-game indicator of his ability to reaccelerate. Player A’s ball skills and playmaking are clearly shown on film as a punt returner. His ability to catch and return punts in traffic demonstrates extreme focus under pressure.
In addition, Player A demonstrates these abilities while tackling in the open field. He is able to consistently finish tackles on his feet which is an outcome of his speed and agility. Therefore, he is able to tackle with force that equates to a larger player and rarely misses.
Although Player A is “undersized”, his style of play will transition well to professional football. He is both “sudden” and “smooth” which means he has superior “elastic strength”… the ability to get on the ground and off the ground quickly. Player A’s historical track & field data supports this analysis as he ran the 100m in 10.82 and Long Jumped 23 '7”.
Player B
Player B’s film consistently shows acceleration but has to work very hard to decelerate and reaccelerate. This is demonstrated in many “coverage” incompletions without getting a hand on the ball. While “coverage” incompletions demonstrate on field awareness, game changing plays on the defensive side occur when defensive backs are able to disrupt by getting their hands on the ball. Interestingly, Player B was the team leader in interceptions. Most of the interceptions were a result of QB errors rather than Player B causing a disruption.
Player B’s film shows a high completed tackle rate. However, many of these tackles are made while lunging or diving. This is common for players who have a difficult time decelerating, re-accelerating or changing direction. Player B got away with this in college but these are likely missed tackles at the professional level.
Player B has great size to go along with a good football IQ. He shows a strong desire to make tackles in the run game. However, Player B has to work extremely hard to change direction and reaccelerate which will make for a difficult transition to professional football. Player B does not have any historical track & field data to refute this analysis.
Recommendations:
Player A is worthy of being considered for a late round draft choice. If he goes undrafted, he is a must for free agency as his film demonstrates a style of play that is effective at the professional level.
Player B is intriguing because of his size but his film demonstrates some gaps between being an effective college player and a professional. He is definitely worthy of being considered a free agent. Dominic Zanot - Director of Sports Performance