Carucci's top 5 CB's

[Randall]

(March 23, 2006) -- One man's ranking of the top five cornerbacks in the NFL draft:

1. TYE HILL, CLEMSON

 

Positives: Tremendous speed. … Good instincts. … Excels in bump-and-run coverage. … Handles himself well in man-to-man and zone coverage. … Tough, physical player who is aggressive against the run. … Outstanding leaping ability.

 

Negatives: At 5-foot-9 and 185 pounds, he lacks ideal size and doesn't have much bulk. … Must work on improving his ability to read the eyes of the quarterback and overall technique.

 

2. ANTONIO CROMARTIE, FLORIDA STATE (UNDERCLASSMAN)

 

Antonio Cromartie's versatility to play multiple positions makes him a hot prospect.

 

Antonio Cromartie's versatility to play multiple positions makes him a hot prospect.

Positives: Great size (6-2 and 203 pounds). … Outstanding speed, athleticism, and leaping ability. … Superb instincts. … Long arms and strong hands. … Provides strong run support. … Versatility with background as a receiver and kick-return skills.

 

Negatives: Missed the 2005 season after undergoing major knee surgery, although he ran well in his individual workout for scouts. … Needs to work on anticipation of pass routes.

 

3. JIMMY WILLIAMS, VIRGINIA TECH

 

Positives: Excellent size (6-2 and 216 pounds). … Outstanding speed and change-of-direction skills. … Physical player with considerable strength. … Good hands and a threat to go the distance with every interception. … Could excel at safety, as well as at cornerback.

 

Negatives: Poor individual workout for scouts leaves lingering negative impression given that he opted not to work out at the Scouting Combine. … Must become more focused on receiver he covers rather than devoting too much attention to the quarterback.

 

4. ASHTON YOUBOTY, OHIO STATE (UNDERCLASSMAN)

 

Ohio State has produced solid defensive backs and Ashton Youboty should add to that list.

Ohio State has produced solid defensive backs and Ashton Youboty should add to that list.

Positives: Good size (5-11 and 189 pounds). … Natural playmaker. … Excellent speed and athleticism. … Good intelligence and instincts. … Change-of-direction ability. … Solid in run support.

 

Negatives: Lacks bulk and strength. … Needs to develop better play-recognition skills, which should happen as he gains experience and coaching.

5. ANWAR PHILLIPS, PENN STATE

 

Positives: Good size (5-11 and 190 pounds) and long arms. … Excellent leaping ability and ball skills. … Strength and aggressiveness allow him to hold up well against larger receivers. … Solid in run support.

 

Negatives: Must work on play-recognition skills and get out of the habit of focusing too much on the quarterback. … Needs to develop better tackling skills in the open field.

 

 

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Edited March 25, 2006 by Randall