Fixing CB

[Untouchable]

Current Starters: Rasul Douglas, Donte Jackson, Corn Elder (NCB) - Douglas has played decent as a press zone corner, Jackson has the speed and splash plays but consistency and tackling have been issues (injuries this season too) and Elder playing in the nickel might be our best CB this season. Overall this position needs an overhaul.

Depth: Troy Pride, Stanley Thomas-Oliver - Lots of youth and speed here to develop. Will take time to know if they have anything here.

Projected 2021 Starters: Donte Jackson, Stanley Thomas-Oliver, Troy Pride (NCB) - Douglas is an UFA and Elder is a RFA so something will have to be done at the position this offseason.  Jackson even makes sense as a trade candidate so this team could be looking at a complete new starting lineup next season.

 

Free Agent Options

Patrick Peterson - Best available.  Excellent press man corner that would fit well in our defense if you can afford him.

Xavier Rhodes - Having a nice bounce back season in Indy.  Cheaper vet option

Shaquill Griffen - Youngest and likely another expensive FA option.  Plenty athletic enough to fit in here.

William Jackson III - Bengals top CB expressed interest in leaving during trade deadline.  He's playing good ball and could come on a cheaper contract.

Jimmy Smith - Cheaper vet option with press man ability that has had a good career.

Chidobe Awuzie - Inconsistent youth you can take a chance on.

Rasul Douglas - He'd probably make a good CB2.  Has shown strong leadership this season.

Mackenzie Alexander - He's probably a nickel to look into if you move on from Elder and don't like what you have.

Logan Ryan - Has been one of the best nickel corners out there

Nickell Roby-Coleman - Another good nickel corner during his career

Corn Elder - He's played well in the nickel this year and would be easy to bring back on a cheap/easy to get out of deal.

 

Trade Options

Stephon Gilmore - You know he's good and that he'll likely remain available in the offseason

Rock Ya-Sin - Colts still have him on a cheap contract so they might not be willing to part with their CB2 unless they upgrade.

Desmond Trufant - A staff changeover could make him available.  You can hope he recaptures his form away from the Lions.

 

Draft (Top 75 Prospects, Draft Network)

Patrick Surtain II, Alabama - He's the top prospect.  Has everything you're looking for.  Has the great measurements, tape, techniques, man ability.

Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech - Haven't looked at him this season be he came in as a top corner who VT regularly put on an island.  New to the position but doesn't look like it.  Has all the tools and is viewed as an ascending prospect

Jaycee Horn, South Carolina - He just opted out be he's put up plenty of good tape to show he belongs firmly in Round 1.  Press man corner (sense the theme) that is knocked for being "too grabby".

Eric Stokes, Georgia - He's a favorite of mine for here as a press man corner on the outside.  He's been playing exceptional this season and taking over as Georgia's top corner

Shaun Wade, Ohio State - Struggling this year, particularly in jump ball situations.  Great coverage ability and athleticism though and still would be considered the top nickel prospect.

Derion Kendrick, Clemson - Very raw former WR but he's got tools and ball skills.

Asante Samuel Jr., Florida State - Probably a nickel prospect but his man coverage ability is damn good.  Off-man corner who FSU put on an island.

Tyson Campbell, Georgia - Came into the season as Georgia's CB1 but has been inconsistent but we're talking about Round 2 talk now instead of Round 1.  Still a very good prospect with length, fluidity and agility. Soft press corner

Paulson Adebo, Stanford -  Another soft press corner who's scouting report reads like a jack-of-all, master of none type.  Sufficient is everything. Needs to develop his body more (lower in particular) and would likely be valued higher by us because of our scheme.

 

How do you guys see the team addressing this position?  What other prospects should be mentioned here?

[ncfan]

I think we go CB in rd 1 if we dont go QB.

 

I really love the Bama kid.

 

 

Ideally of it were me, go get your QB rd 1.  Grab a CB who falls out of rd 1 into rd 2 (seems it will be a deep crop up top), then try for a FA.  

This makes it tough, this May mean let Samuel walk

[Untouchable]

Just got a good look at Jason Verrett (San Fran) and he is legit. I know health is a big risk with him but he's another great target for rebuilding the secondary.

[Varking]

I’d like to bring Douglas back.