I saw that this kid doesn't have a thread yet. I'll update the OP with stats and highlights and pictures and the such in a bit. Fast, lengthy, and physical he would fit right in on our defense. All reports I've read have said he is a high character guy that leads by example. Would love to have him with our first pick especially with the recent signing of Smith.
NFL.COM:
STRENGTHS Good length. Loves to compete in man-to-man and is mentally tough. Asked to play on an island and did so successfully. Allowed just two touchdowns over last two seasons. Bump-and-run specialist. Fastest cornerback at the NFL Scouting Combine with a 4.31 40-yard dash, showing off his recovery speed to make up for separation. Maintains feel for vertical threats and uses his frame to pin wideouts against sideline. Excels in deep, man coverage and can be smothering. Acceleration and length to contest any throw on the field. Well-coached and plays with proper leverage in coverage. Can be intimidating and disruptive against finesse receivers. Drives forward with burst and runs through targets, jarring balls loose. Wrap-up tackler who understands his responsibility against the run.
WEAKNESSES "Grab, grab, grab!" Transition to a less hands-on cover style will take time. Would grab opposing wide receivers at top of route at times rather than trusting length and ball skills. Penalized nine times over last two seasons. Tight through hips and tends to play upright. Struggles to mirror and match against quickness. Hips and feet get clumsy in transition. Allows brief separation window at the top of short and intermediate routes. Fails to sink hips to stop, causing balance issues. Sometimes plays with blinders on and anticipation is below average. Slow to process combinations.
CBS Sports:
STRENGTHS: Excellent size and length for the position. Experienced working on an island and plays with confidence. Does an excellent job using his body and length to gain inside leverage and keep outside receivers from getting comfortable vertically. Tough-minded competitor and plays with a physical, downhill demeanor, delivering a pop at contact in run support. Always keeps his eyes alert to quickly diagnose and break on break on the ball with natural ball skills to make plays.
WEAKNESSES: Thin-limbed and is all "arms and legs" with his lanky build, clearly lacking ideal bulk and muscle definition. He is too easily pushed around by wide receivers, too much of an ankle biter in run support and needs to develop his functional strength. Needs to stay balanced in his transition and his technique tends to run hot/cold due to his tendency to bite the apple and freelance. He will also play too hands-on and draw penalties in the NFL.
Compares To: Kyle Fuller, Bears -- Waynes plays like a young Fuller and if he can introduce more discipline to his game moving forward, he will have bright future in the NFL.
Pick him if he is there. He's an absolute steal at #15. We probably have to trade up to get him. But he would be one of the target players I would certainly be very happy with.
It's looking more and more like the Niners will be addressing the need for CB via the Draft, the question is how early. They've found some decent guys in the middle of the Draft so they may continue in the vein.
I'm hoping that we can pick up at least 1 starter and a quality backup. Not sure Waynes' the guy, but if he drops to 15 (doubtful) I wouldn't be too upset. The "grab" analysis along with having trouble bumping Receivers at the line cause concern though.
I wanted a WR really bad in the 1st round but shoot if we are about to lose both Culliver & Cox we DEFT have to address this issue in the 1st round & what better way to upgrade the position by drafting this kid. I dont trust Brock & its not because he doesnt have the skill set to start its just his durability & Johnson he did a pretty good job as a rookie but who knows if he will continue to grow or just take a major leap backwards. Having signed Smith helps ease this burden
Originally posted by FL9er:
He's awesome, but out of the 49ers reach unless they trade up. Depending on free agency, the Bears, Giants, Vikings, Dolphins, Jets could all use him.
Giants have a ton CBs, Vikings might get Culliver, Jets just broke the bank on DB, Bears need more than Cbs especially with Vic as the DC, and I see the dolphins going offense.
If he's there then the 49ers will 100% take this kid. We are guaranteed to lose at least one of our starting CBs and this kid can be a great replacement for either Cully or Cox.
If they let Cox walk, which it certainly looks like they will, the top CB in the draft makes sense at 15. WR might seem like a more glaring need but honestly if Cooper or White are gone, I say secondary seems like a good option.
