Notes: Highly recruited safety-receiver out of Los Angeles who also starred in track, in addition to intercepting 23 passes over three varsity seasons. Chose the hometown Bruins over offers from Florida and Texas, among others, before starting all 12 games at free safety and recording 60 tackles, four pass breakups and three interceptions as a true freshman in 2008. Was the nation's top interceptor in '09 when he started all 13 games at free safety and totaled 49-7-10 with three tackles for loss. Sustained a concussion against Stanford. Started all 12 games at free safety in '10 and posted 77-4-1 with three tackles for loss. Team captain. Will be a 21-year-old rookie.
Positives: Outstanding interception production as a sophomore. Natural ball skills and soft hands - can elevate and highpoint the ball. Is light on his feet - has a fluid, patient pedal and is loose-hipped and agile to transition smoothly. Clocked 3.96 seconds in the 20-yard shuttle at the Combine. Good range - covers ground effortlessly off the hash. Runs the alley and closes fast. Is competitive and has a passion for the game.
Negatives: Average timed speed. Has a lean frame, lacks bulk and needs to get stronger - bench-pressed 225 pounds only 11 times at the Combine. Stays wired on blocks and catches too much contact. Questionable pursuit angles. Leaky, low tackler. Monotone mover - lacks twitch and does not play a violent brand. Gives up separation in man coverage. Eyes become average the closer he gets to the line of scrimmage. Registered 15 percent body fat at the Combine, second-highest among defensive backs and needs to commit to more conditioning.
Summary: Overhyped, finesse, ball-hawking free safety with a narrow, cornerback build. Does not intimidate physically and looks like a fish out of water near the line of scrimmage. Possesses the fluidity and ball skills to roam center field and figures to be overdrafted in a weak safety class.
NFL projection: Second- to third-round pick.
To purchase your copy of PFW's 2011 Draft Preview book, visit the PFW Store.
var CurrentYear = 2013;
Highlight Videos
