Originally posted by Phoenix49ers:
I think if you want to criticize a player, it has to be more substantial than "lol, won't play, too short." There's nothing I've seen in Verrett's game that tells me that his height will be a hindrance to him as far as playing in the slot. He routinely bodied up against bigger receivers in college and did well against guys like Beckham, who at 5'11" is at an apparently insurmountable height, but somehow Verrett managed. He also held his own against a much bigger guy in Goodley who is about 5'10" and 215.
Nobody is saying that Verrett is going to defend Calvin Johnson in the NFL, but he could make a career out of defending smaller, quicker slot receivers. How many times do you see guys in the slot going up top as as compared to simply beating coverage and getting wide open to make a catch? If Verrett can lock down slot receivers, then he's worth a 1st round pick and then some for the 49ers.
When the 49ers played the Titans this year, which receiver gave them the most trouble? Nate Washington, Justin Hunter or Kendall Wright? It was Wright, a smaller, quicker receiver who also gave the Seattle secondary fits. You need someone to defend those guys, Verrett is ideal for doing just that.
I agree 100% here.
I think we are arguing on two different ideas, I'm arguing that I don't want him because I don't think he will be a starting CB over Culliver or Brock someday. In fact, I don't ever see him lining up as a starting CB for us. But as a routine slot CB, I would love him there, just not with a first round pick.
