Secondary is a Primary

[KI Skins Fan]

Regarding the scouting reports, I have some observations and opinions on some of these players, as well. I'm just an average guy who loves NFL football and who has closely watched players for over 50 years, so I do have a point of reference. I'd like to share some of my quick and dirty observations on these players.

CB's

First of all, I agree with the author that Milliner, Rhodes, and Trufant should go before we pick. However, I'm surprised that he didn't list Johnthan Banks as one of the top corners in the draft. I would rate him second behind only Milliner who, IMO, is clearly the best CB in the draft.

The rest of the corners that I would rate as Tier 1 are Poyer, Ryan, Alford, and (surprise!) Adrian Bushell. Any of those players could either fall to us or be drafted before we pick at #51 (except for Bushell).

IMO, Alford covers as well as any CB in this draft. Half the time, it almost looks like he's the WR.

Poyer is one of my favorites because he is a playmaker who is an exciting PR. We'll have to see how he runs at the Combine.

I see Bushell as a potential bargain in the draft. He might go as low as the 4th or 5th Rnd but he is fast, he covers well, tackles well, and is a great ST player as a KR/PR.

Now for my Tier 2 CB's:

I sincerely hope that Jamar Taylor is taken by somebody in the 1st or early 2nd Round because I think he's an average prospect and that will leave one more good CB for us. Taylor is a willing tackler, though.

To me, Leon Mcfadden has everything you would want in a CB. He's very talented but, I think, a bit raw. He's a converted WR, so that's to be expected. he'd be a very nice pick in the 4th Rnd.

Terry Hawthorne is no NFL CB at all, IMO. However, I think he could be a very good NFL safety, in time. He's strong, fast, and a great tackler. He'd be a very nice 6th Rnd pick as a safety, IMO.

Safeties

On to the safeties. Man, there are a lot of good safety prospects, IMO.

Kenny Vaccaro is #1 and it ain't even close. Here's my initial note on him: "Heat-seeking missle!" He could be a great one.

I'm not nearly as positive about Eric Reid. He is a punishing tackler with good range but can he cover and is he fast enough? I say let's hope that another team takes him before we draft and let them find out.

I don't share the writer's concerns about Matt Elam. He is a great tackler with good range.

Cyprien has good size, great range, and he competes well. But he seems to me to play a bit out of control. He may not go as high as they think.

I think Baccari Rambo would be a good pick for us in Rnd 3. He is a silky smooth athlete with size, very good ball skills, and he's a good tackler. Who wouldn't want a player named Rambo as their FS?

I don't understand the concerns about Tony Jefferson. I think he is dynamic player who does it all. I've had my eye on him for years.

Ah yes, Phillip Thomas! According to the article Thomas is "an aggressive kid" who is "good at everything, but not elite at anything". I strongly disagree with those observations. Thomas has spectacular ball skills, he's a big hitter, and he's an outstanding blitzer. I would be thrilled if the Skins were to draft him in the 3rd Rnd.

As the man said, T.J. McDonald is not a willing tackler. I would not draft him.

I also agree with the author on David Amerson. He could either struggle as a CB or excel as a safety. I like him a lot at FS. He's very big and he's a great athlete with good hands.

I like Shawn Williams. Maybe I shouldn't like him so much but he really knows how to play the game and he'll knock your damn head off. He will be feared in the NFL.

Duke Williams is a hitter who can cover. He has good size and speed. It bothers me that he often takes bad angles. Would I take him as a 5th or 6th round pick? Sure.

I really like DJ Swearinger. He is a very tough player who can do it all. Lack of speed might be an issue with him.

To me, JJ Wilcox has all the skills you want as well as good size but he looks like someone who will need to be developed as a player. Could be a 6th Rnd pick.

I don't know enough about Micah Hyde and Cooper Taylor to comment on them.