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Photo Blog: Breaking down the CBs
As we cruise toward the 2012 NFL Draft, get a quick glimpse at prospect breakdowns for the cornerback position from Andy Hart of Patriots Football Weekly.
Norman has very good ball skills and reportedly proved himself a little bit at the Shrine Bowl. He's very competitive and goes and gets the ball.
Hayward started 37 games in college and had 15 interceptions. He may end up a good zone corner or even a free safety. He's a captain who makes plays and can play physical.
Robinson has great 4.3 speed. He has good reactions and ball skills, but also likes to bring the wood when he hits.
Dennard has good football speed and isn't afraid to mix it up either against receivers or in the running game. Solid but not flashy.
Fleming is better in man coverage. He plays a pretty physical style and gets he hands on a lot of footballs.
Boykin is a great athlete with a lot of versatility for a team. He's a smaller corner (5-9, 182) but he likes to tackle and play pretty physical. His return ability only increases his value.
Johnson has great size (6-2, 204) and a lot of playing experience. But it's hard to judge him, to some degree, at a lower level of competition. As smaller-school projections go, Johnson is a good one.
I think Kirkpatrick might be more of a complementary player off the great Alabama D, but he also has good physical tools. He likes to hit and play a physical style.
Gilmore is pretty much the total package. Good size, speed and football IQ. He's pretty physical and has good ball skills. He can also return.
I don't think Claiborne should be a top-five pick, but the former Tigers star is certainly a potential No. 1 corner in the NFL. He has good ball skills and closes. Very good, but not elite.
Jenkins off-field issues are well documented. But when you watch his tape, you see a pure cover talent. I'd be scared to draft him. I'd also be scared not to.
