Originally posted by OnTheClock:
Baalke seems to be in love with the player. I am indifferent. Not a huge fan because I think he gives up too many big play opportunities. Not a strong history of successful 4.6 corners in the NFL either. Good college player with solid coverage skills, but I would personally pass.
I would disagree with the part about the big play opportunities. As someone who has watched all of his games, I would say he has greatly improved in pass coverage and has always been very physical in run support/tackling. He has very good instincts and uses his size well. I certainly think he could have pushed himself into borderline first round territory with a strong senior season. Clemson's secondary has had big struggles the last couples of years, but Breeland was a definite bright spot during that time. The corners as a whole actually played much better last season, but the safeties were responsible for giving up some big plays on what nonetheless proved to be a much improved defense as a whole.
I love him as a prospect in our system. He is much more instinctive than Culliver. Culliver has ridiculous athletic skill but has never been totally comfortable as an actual player (though he clearly has a huge ceiling apart from his off field issues).