Originally posted by PTulini:
2011 NFL Draft Preview: DBs
Quote:
Matt Maiocco
CSNBayArea.com
The top cornerback in this year's draft also happens to be the top safety.
LSU's Patrick Peterson has all the appearances of a safety with his height and weight. And, then, he steps on the field and puts his 219-pound body in motion and he looks like a cornerback.
"I feel my best game is at cornerback," Peterson said at the NFL scouting combine. "If an NFL team needs me to play the safety position, I'm definitely more than willing to transition my game to the safety position.
Peterson leaves college after his junior season, having won the Thorpe Award as the nation's best defensive back and the Bednarik Award as the top defender. In 13 games, Peterson intercepted four passes. He also was a dynamic return man, averaging 32.1 yards on kick returns and 16.1 and two touchdowns on punts.
Asked what separates him, Peterson answered, "I'd probably say my ball skills, toughness, I can support the run. I'm an all-around cornerback and that's what I wanted to do coming out of college."
CORNERBACKS
Patrick Peterson LSU (6-0, 219, Jr.)
Freakish combination of size and speed. Peterson ran the 40-yard dash in 4.31 to 4.38 seconds, went 38 inches in the vertical jump, and 10-foot-6 in the broad jump. There aren't many 220-pound cornerbacks in the NFL, so many wonder if he'll transition to safety early in his career.
Prince Amukamara Nebraska (6-0, 206)
He arrived on campus as a prized running back recruit, but was quickly converted to cornerback. He finished his career as the Big 12 Conference defensive player of the year.
Jimmy Smith Colorado (6-2, 211)
Experienced corner started the final 27 of the 47 games in which he appeared during his career. Has good size and an aggressive nature that should suit him well against big wideouts.
Brandon Harris Miami (5-10, 191, Jr.)
An exceptional press cornerback, the opposition completed just 22 of the 66 pass attempts in his area. He jammed or re-routed his man 29 times to force incomplete passes.
Curtis Brown Texas (6-0, 185)
Among the best in coverage in this draft, but he is not as physical against the run. A solid second-round talent, he allowed 18 receptions on the season.
Aaron Williams Texas (6-0, 204, Jr.)
Explosive hitter forced five fumbles in his final two seasons. He ran a 4.62 in the 40, giving some teams the idea that his best position might be safety.
Ras-I Dowling Virginia (6-1, 198)
Hamstring, knee and ankle injuries limited him to just two starts as a senior. He recorded eight interceptions in 23 starts leading up to senior year.
Best of the rest
Davon House New Mexico State (6-1, 200)
Brandon Burton Texas (6-0, 185, Jr.)
Chimdi Checkwa Ohio State (6-0, 191)
Shareece Wright USC (5-11, 185)
Johnny Patrick Louisville (5-11, 191)
Curtis Marsh Utah State (6-1, 197)
Scout's stance
"Is Jimmy Smith first-round talent? No question. We're not having this conversation unless there were serious character concerns about this kid."
* * *
49ers draft outlook
Under contract: *Nate Clements, *Shawntae Spencer, Tarell Brown, Phillip Adams, Tramaine Brock.
Summary
Clements is due a hefty salary and at this stage in his career he has trouble in man coverage against speedy widouts. But the 49ers might be forced to pay his scheduled salary of more than $7 million. That's because he is still the best cornerback on the team. Spencer had a poor season, as he appeared to slow down dramatically while exhibiting sub-par tackling. The 49ers could look to get a cornerback with their first-round pick. They brought in Peterson, Amukamara and Williams, who could be there in the second round, for visits. This is a spot that the 49ers address throughout the draft. --Matt Maiocco
*-2010 starters
Read more: 2011 NFL Draft preview: Defensive backs
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It is a great year to need a corner and Defensive line