Gilmore is getting old, J.C. Jackson could be gone before the season starts and both could be gone by the 2022 preseason. The most elite secondary could be bare in short order and thus, taking a corner makes sense. Here's two potential prospects.
Asante Samuel Jr Florida St.5'10" 185lbs
NFL.COM draft score: 6.24
Versatile, can play a multitude of defensive back positions. Doesn’t back down from bigger opponents but undersized frame, height creates mismatch problems for him. Can be bullied by bigger pass catchers. Needs to bulk up, has quickness to get off blocks but gets stuck on blocks due to size and strength. Small arms will struggle with jump balls and contested catches.
Beats breaks by anticipating passes but bad ball tracking, trouble locating the ball with his back turned. Disrupts the catch, good at breakups but not at interceptions.
Former team captain. Has good awareness and play recognition ability, understands assignments, and processes reads. Has understanding and vision of how the play is breaking down. Gets offensive concepts. Baits quarterbacks, drawing looks and jumping passes. Handwork needs improvement lacks mental discipline, will draw defensive holding or interference penalties. Can get hot headed, will get sloppy and lose focus.
Outside corner man coverage on either side is great. Stays on the receiver’s hip out of breaks. Can open hips too soon, giving edge to receiver. Breaks up passes. Mirrors his assignment. Closes and hugs the pass catcher. Quick to attempt the tackle.
Enough speed for deep zones. Operates quickly in his zone. Shows good awareness and discipline but with room to grow is in his zone coverage, needs to pay more attention to the quarterback.
Above average lower body strength. Average lateral burst but quick enough feet to stick to his guy. Good balance and skill for sudden change of direction. Has enough burst to stays with assignments downfield. Runs a 4.45 forty. Has shown closing speed. Shows good footwork technique. Uses leverage to influence receiver.
Willing but below average tackler, who can make open field tackles. Inconsistent tackling, lunges and needs to learn to wrap up. Angles aren't always the best. May struggle in block seperation/shredding. Slow getting off blocks due to size.
Ambry Thomas Michigan 6' 190lbs
Nfl.com draft score: 6.00
Another michigan guy that should fit well into a nickle system. Decent size, with terrific ball skills. Able to finish interceptions. A physical versatile defensive back not limited to just outside corner. Plays gunner and is a return specialist. Plays all three phases of the game. Hasn't peaked. Game experience could be better. Opted out before the start of the 2020 season.
Great speed, fast pursuit, with adequate burst for closing speed, Speed doesn't always show up on tape. Good aggressive bump and run coverage, disrupts routes and timing. Pays attention to the ball in coverage and tracks it well in thr air. Can mirror target, with only average acceleration. Sticks to assignment well. Solid footwork, but could always improve.
Good play recognition, aware of play breakdown and gets good positioning. Good reaction against to route changes. Only average burst and change of direction. Monitors his zone well. Grabs when beat, will draw defensive holding interference calls. Hesitant at times. Mental discipline needs work. Worker, doesn't quit until the whistle. Although good instincts, needs more recognition development.
Keeps quick hips squared and waist on assignment. Hips are fluid but with periods of tightness, needs to lower his stance Below-average jump ball and contested 50/50 balls at times. Pursues ball carriers and does a good job wrapping up opponents. Needs to improve footwork when tackling.
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