'', 'clear' => '', 'margin_top' => '3', 'margin_bottom' => '3', 'padding_top' => '', 'padding_bottom' => ''), array(), array()) -->
As is the case in most years, the premier defensive backs in the 2011 class are at the cornerback position, not at safety. Truly outstanding corners are very hard to find, likely a reason why many more are taken early in the draft. This year’s class has two players that look to be able to start immediately at the next level.
LSU’s Patrick Peterson has been considered one of the best prospects in this class for a long time. He is over six feet tall and ran an incredible 4.34 40 yard dash at the NFL combine. Teams were too afraid to throw in his direction and he is also a great kick returner. He will be the first cornerback selected in the draft.
'', 'clear' => '', 'margin_top' => '3', 'margin_bottom' => '3', 'padding_top' => '', 'padding_bottom' => ''), array(), array()) -->
Right behind Peterson is Prince Amukamara out of Nebraska. An All American, Amukamara is similar to his counterpart in that quarterbacks would also avoid throwing to his side of the field. He is also big and fast, a sure tackler and outstanding cover corner. He didn’t intercept too many passes in college,
Ray-Ban RB4149, likely because the ball was never thrown his way.
Colorado’s Jimmy Smith looks to be the consensus number three corner prospect in this year’s draft. At 6’2 and 211 pounds, Smith has good size to match up against tall receivers. He ran a solid 4.46 time in the 40 and managed 24 bench press reps. He has some off the field character issues though, which may drop him a bit.
Brandon Harris from the University of Miami is a solid cover corner that uses quickness to succeed. While not overly fast, he is able to lock onto receivers in man coverage and take them out of the play. He has not come up with a lot of game changing plays though, and he will have to work on his tackling to stop the run.
The likely top pick out of a lackluster group of safeties is free safety Rahim Moore out of UCLA. He underperformed at the combine, running a 4.62 40, but showed good footwork and ball skills at his pro day. The best strong safety in the draft is Clemson’s DeAndre McDaniel. While not possessing great speed, he has extremely large hands that helped him snag 14 career interceptions. Neither of these two will likely be first round picks.
NFL Draft Position Overview Defensive BacksNFL Fo
Linear Mode
