PSA: Gaulden is not a "CB converted to S"

[Matthias]

Ronnie Harrison was better. 

[tiger7_88]

So he was successful at his new/old position against the outstanding athletes of Single-A Podunk High School, you’re telling me?

I can’t explain in words how reassuring that is.

[gmonjimbo]

I was initially confused by this pick as Ronnie Harrison was still on the board. However, I have watched Gaulden's games against Florida, Georgia, and Alabama and came back impressed with his toughness and high Football IQ.

He is always in position to read or react to a play and communicates with his teammates. Also, seeks contact and does not back down to the opposition.

The one negative about him is that his hips are tight. I think Mel Kiper and Steve Smith on radio mentioned this as well. When he has to change direction laterally its not fluid like Donte Jackson. That's why the Panthers are right in seeing Gaulden as a Safety because with everything in front of him and his intelligence, he can make up for his lack of lateral quickness. I think he has the ability to be an above average starter.

On a side note about Ronnie Harrison. The Panthers must not have been impressed by him since they brought him in for one of their 30 visits and they passed on him twice at 85 and traded down at 88. 

[Jay Roosevelt]

Butch Jones... lol

[trucpfan]

15 hours ago, stbugs said:

What safety emerged? I don’t recall any good safeties coming out of Tennessee. It doesn’t say much for a third rounder who isn’t fast that he had to switch to CB because he got beat out by a better safety. That doesn’t scream NFL starter. 

Ok he was shuffled around let me say Not beat out because they wanted him on the field and a highly recruited Todd kelly jr highly ranked coming in like 5th rated safety nationally coming out of HS. They wanted both to contribute. Usually a new coach is going to play his recruits.

12 hours ago, top dawg said:

All I know is that some considered Gaulden to be their best player on defense last season. That says something. It's not like we're talking Polk High.

Now on to this Top, he was rated by far best player on their defense through PFF grades but more specifically by teammates and observers.    https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.knoxnews.com/amp/772806001

"Gaulden is exactly that, Warren believes, with the ability to hit like a linebacker, cover like a corner and know the defense like a safety."  "Gaulden has been a highlight in a dim season for Tennessee, ranking third on the team with 40 tackles and accounting for a third of the team’s forced turnovers. He’s done it across the secondary, playing multiple positions and excelling everywhere." 

One more article  https://www.google.com/amp/s/tenntruth.com/2018/01/03/tennessee-vols-losing-gaulden-hurts-losing-kelly/amp/

"Gaulden was expected to have the Minkah Fitzpatrick role in Tennessee’s defense under Pruitt. We’ve seen this year how incredibly important that position is to Alabama’s defense. The same importance will likely apply to the Vols in 2018.

Gaulden, like Fitzpatrick, is a versatile player that can be used in coverage, as a deep safety or at the line of scrimmage." On how big a loss he is to Tenn by entering the draft. 

It seems like we decided to go with the guy who Pops on tape stands out and is extremely smart football wise over the guys who Popped more in those little tights doing agility drills.

[Pejorative Miscreant]

17 hours ago, MHS831 said:

I agree that he will be a S hybrid, but I disagree saying that he is a  S because he played it for Polk High.  I think he is very smart and his skill set allows for many uses--that is how we will use him.  I support what you are saying..

Pie for Polk High School reference. 

[top dawg]

1 hour ago, trucpfan said:

Ok he was shuffled around let me say Not beat out because they wanted him on the field and a highly recruited Todd kelly jr highly ranked coming in like 5th rated safety nationally coming out of HS. They wanted both to contribute. Usually a new coach is going to play his recruits.

Now on to this Top, he was rated by far best player on their defense through PFF grades but more specifically by teammates and observers.    https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.knoxnews.com/amp/772806001

"Gaulden is exactly that, Warren believes, with the ability to hit like a linebacker, cover like a corner and know the defense like a safety."  "Gaulden has been a highlight in a dim season for Tennessee, ranking third on the team with 40 tackles and accounting for a third of the team’s forced turnovers. He’s done it across the secondary, playing multiple positions and excelling everywhere." 

One more article  https://www.google.com/amp/s/tenntruth.com/2018/01/03/tennessee-vols-losing-gaulden-hurts-losing-kelly/amp/

"Gaulden was expected to have the Minkah Fitzpatrick role in Tennessee’s defense under Pruitt. We’ve seen this year how incredibly important that position is to Alabama’s defense. The same importance will likely apply to the Vols in 2018.

Gaulden, like Fitzpatrick, is a versatile player that can be used in coverage, as a deep safety or at the line of scrimmage." On how big a loss he is to Tenn by entering the draft. 

It seems like we decided to go with the guy who Pops on tape stands out and is extremely smart football wise over the guys who Popped more in those little tights doing agility drills.

Thanks, man.

I would like to add that some said Gaulden was the best player on both sides of the ball.

After reading about Gaulden, I totally understand why Hurney picked him as opposed to a couple of others. He's a football player.

 

[Panthers8969]

Butch Jones being mentally handicapped does make me think gaulden is basically guaranteed to improve