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by Mark Bullock

S D.J. Swearinger Scouting Report

April 25, 2013 in Scouting Reports

By Redskins Blogger Mark Bullock

We all know that the Redskins simply have to improve their secondary in this draft. Cornerback, slot corner, free safety and strong safety could all be upgraded with various degrees of importance. Thankfully for the Redskins, this is one of the deeper secondary draft classes in a while. Guys in the fourth or even fifth round could make contributions in their rookie seasons.

One of my favorite players in this entire draft class is South Carolina safety DJ Swearinger. At 5'10", 208 pounds, Swearinger isn't going to blow anyone away with measurables, but he packs one hell of a punch and makes big plays that make up for his size. One of the things I like most about him is his versatility. During his time at South Carolina, he played just about every position you can play in the secondary; free safety, strong safety, cornerback and nickel back. He didn't complain and did what was best for the team, never looking out of place at any position. But aside from his versatility, lets look at some other aspects of his game.

Coverage

Obviously this is the biggest part of any defensive backs game. Swearingers' versatility enabled him to get significant playing time all over the secondary which helped him improve both his zone and man coverage skills. In man coverage, he does a good job opening his hips and running with a receiver. Against Tennessee he went man to man against Justin Hunter, one of the better receivers in this draft, on a deep route down the sideline. Swearinger did a fantastic job staying on the inside hip of Hunter and gradually directing him to the sideline to close the throwing window. The ball ended up falling incomplete after an overthrown pass, but Swearingers coverage would have made it hard for quarterback Tyler Bray to fit the ball in a tight window.

Swearinger has experience playing underneath and deep zone coverage, which can be very different looks. When playing underneath, he does a good job recognizing route combinations and working the seam, down to the curl and then to the flat. He has good awareness for what's going on around him that allows him to keep an eye on the quarterback and break on the ball as soon as its released. In deep zone looks, he gets to his landmark and reads the quarterback well. He laid out some massive hits on receivers up the sidelines from a two-deep look.

Range

One of the biggest questions when it comes to Swearinger is his range. He ran a 4.67 40 yard dash at the combine, which immediately rang alarm bells for a lot of people. But range is more than just pure speed. Range is having the ability to know where you are meant to be, being able to drop back to your landmark and then react and break on the football as the quarterback throws it. There are doubts (myself included) that Swearinger can cover sideline to sideline as a single-high deep safety, but he has the instincts and ability to do all of those things. He did them during his time at South Carolina, but we wont really know if he can translate that to the NFL level until week one.

Run Support

This is probably Swearingers' biggest strength. He loves to come downhill and land big hits on running backs. He hits as hard as any safety in this draft and causes plenty of runners to think twice before cutting back in his direction. He reads plays well and isn't fooled by misdirection. He has a nose for the football and when he comes hunting for it, he'll find it more often than not. He's not afraid to take on a lead blocker in his gap to allow another defender to come in and make the tackle. He does a good job gaining leverage on fullbacks and pulling guards by using his size to get underneath the blocker and holding him up, giving the runner nowhere to go. Swearinger is effective as a backside 'clean up' defender, constantly in pursuit of the ball and playing to the whistle on every play.

Blitzing

Swearinger is an effective blitzer. Despite his lack of size, he has thick legs and give him power to drive back protecting backs into the quarterback. He isn't afraid to get caught up with bigger lineman, enabling him to blitz off the edge or stunt inside just as effectively.

Overall, I think Swearinger is probably at his best as a strong safety. His ability to rotate over and cover receivers in the slot is particularly useful in the Redskins defense that loves to send slot corners on blitzes. This isn't to say he couldn't play free safety, I think he can, but his most value is at strong. He also fits the 'Shanahan model' of being a senior and a team captain, which certainly wont hurt his value. Swearinger should come off the board in that second to third round range, making him a prime candidate for the Redskins pick at 51 overall.

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by Steve Shoup

Larry Warford NFL Draft Scouting Report

April 12, 2013 in Scouting Reports

Larry Warford Scouting Report

Measureables:

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 332

Arm length: 33 3/8”

Hand: 9 1/2”

40 time: 5.58

Pros:

  • Very good guard prospect, capable of being a Day one starter
  • Very physical guard who can engulf defenders and take them out of the play
  • Exceptional run blocker, dominates the line of scrimmage
  • Despite his size can still get down the field when needed
  • Good pass blocker with quick feet
  • Strong leader, high character guy
  • Good blitz recognition, doesn’t get fooled too often 

Cons:

  • Doesn’t fit as well into a zone scheme with a lot of movement.
  • Not as fast off the ball as you’d like, quicker defensive tackles could be an issue.
  • Needs to improve his consistency

Overall:

Larry Warford gets overlooked at times in this draft class with Warmack and Cooper, but is nearly every bit as good of a prospect. He should offer immediate high level impact on an offensive line, and projects to be a Pro Bowl caliber guard. He’s best in a power run scheme, but is a hard worker and would still find a way to be effective in more of a zone blocking scheme. He won’t go as high as his fellow top tier guards, but should still hear his named called in the first two rounds.

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by Steve Shoup

Jonathan Cooper NFL Draft Scouting Report

April 12, 2013 in Scouting Reports

Jonathan Cooper Scouting Report

Measureables:

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 311

Arm length: 33”

Hand: 10 1/4”

40 time: 5.07

Pros:

  • Elite guard prospect, just a shade behind Chance Warmack
  • Very physical, gets into defenders and it’s over
  • Has good movement skills, capable of getting downfield to the 2nd level
  • Great in pass protection, has a good strong anchor and quick feet to mirror the defender
  • Good run blocker, shows a good ability to pull
  • Technically very sound across the board

 

Cons:

  • Doesn’t have elite natural power, can struggle some against more physical tackles at winning at the point of attack.
  • Would have brief stretches where he’d be ineffective at times.

Overall:

Cooper is an extremely talented guard prospect, and offers big impact as a day one starter. He’s even worked some at center during the offseason, and some teams could value that greater. Whatever position he lines up at, he gives you an extremely talented interior blocker, who excels in pass protection, and can be very effective against the run, particularly when on the move and he can utilize his athletic ability. Like Warmack, Cooper’s position could bump him slightly down draft boards, but it is still very likely he goes in the to 15 picks and would go in the top 20 at the latest.

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Picture of Steve Shoup

by Steve Shoup

Chance Warmack NFL Draft Scouting Report

April 12, 2013 in Scouting Reports

Chance Warmack Scouting Report

Measureables:

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 317

Arm length: 34 3/4”

Hand: 9 5/8”

40 time: 5.49

Pros:

  • Elite guard prospect, one of the best 5 in the last 10-15 years
  • Extremely physical, completely dominates opposition
  • Exceptional run blocker, strong at the point of attack
  • Though lacks great speed, he can still effectively get to the 2nd level
  • Very good pass blocker
  • Very strong technique, has a near perfect hand punch 

Cons:

  • Doesn’t fit as well into a zone scheme with a lot of movement, and would lose a little impact in a high passing offense.
  • At times will get lazy with his leverage, won’t be able to compensate by being so much more physically dominant.

Overall:

Warmack is the best guard in this draft class and arguably the best all-around prospect. He offers instant impact at a high level for whomever drafts him. His strength though is his run blocking, so he offers the most value for a team that heavily utilizes the run. Though still very good in space and in pass blocking, the wrong system would slightly diminish his value. Overall Warmack is an elite talent and about as safe as a pick as you could ask for in the draft. Though teams typically wait on guards, Warmack should hear his name called in the first 10 selections.

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by Steve Shoup

Matt Barkley NFL Draft Scouting Report

April 12, 2013 in Scouting Reports

Matt Barkley Scouting Report:

Measureables:

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 227

Arm length: 30 5/8”

Hand: 10 1/8”

40 time: N/A

Pros:

  • Good four year starter at USC
  • Comes from a Pro Style college offense
  • Very efficient and effective when he has time in the pocket.
  • Throws pretty well on the move.
  • Cut down on his interceptions, and didn’t force the ball as much these last two seasons
  • High character and a hard working quarterback, 3 year team captain
  • Good at getting the ball out quickly when he is ready to throw
  • Had an advanced understanding of the offense and would at times change the play

Cons:

  • Has an arm that is a touch below average, will struggle to make all the throws. And is going to be very scheme dependent.
  • Accuracy is not as strong as his completion percentage would suggest. Threw a lot of errant throws that his receivers made nice plays on.
  • Struggles when the pocket breaks down
  • Is on the shorter/smaller side of NFL quarterbacks
  • Will need some developmental time, and may never be a good NFL Starter

Overall:

Matt Barkley came into the year expected to challenge for the top overall pick, but each week he saw those chances and his stock fall further and further. Despite it not being a strong quarterback class, Barkley continues to fall as more and more inconsistencies in his game begin to get exposed. He visibly regressed this past season, which led in part to USC’s struggles. His arm strength is probably the worst or 2nd worst among the top 10 quarterback prospects, which really begins to limit him as to what kind of system he can play in. Though Barkley’s numbers are fairly strong, so much of his production is due to playing with one of the most talented group of pass catchers in recent memory (in college football). In film study, it was apparent that quite a few of his throws were off target, but still counted as receptions due to fantastic plays by his receivers to bail him out. Barkley also struggled when the pocket broke down around him and he was under more pressure. To make it at the next level, he needs to work on both his ball placement accuracy and how he handles pressure if he is to compensate for his lack of arm strength. Barkley does have a lot of positives working for him though. He’s very much a team leader, and is a smart guy with a strong character. That is key for him, if he’s to develop into a quality starter. Barkley also shows a lot of poise (due in part to his extensive preparation), reading the defense, a trait that could be something to build on. Barkley lacks much of a chance in developing into an elite quarterback, and his chances of succeeding are a bit more murky than some of the other top quarterbacks, leaving his draft stock in question. Barkley could still possibly go in the 2nd round, but may slide to the 3rd round.

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Picture of Steve Shoup

by Steve Shoup

Dion Jordan NFL Draft Scouting Report

April 12, 2013 in Scouting Reports

OLB Dion Jordan, Oregon Scouting Report

Measurables:

Height: 6’6”

Weight: 249

Arm Length: 33 7/8”

Hand: 10”

40 Time: 4.6

Pros:

  • Top notch pass rusher who is capable of getting lots of penetration off the edge
  • Explosive first step
  • Long, athletic rusher with a great frame
  • Really good tackler, with nice pursuit angles
  • A true athletic freak, would routinely cover tight ends and even wide receivers in college
  • Displays good counter moves to disengage from blockers

Cons:

  • Not the strongest player, may be more easily blocked by NFL caliber linemen/tight ends
  • Needs to work on his consistency
  • Will really need the right system to succeed

Overall:

Jordan is one of the more impressive prospects in this draft. He doesn’t have too many major concerns, and has elite upside. He’s incredibly athletically gifted and is a going to cause a match-up nightmare for a number of opposing offenses. He does need to be used in a certain way, and is really a better fit as a stand-up rusher in a 3-4, which should allow him to have more additional freedom to wreck havoc on opposing offenses.

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by Steve Shoup

S Jonathan Cyprien NFL Draft Scouting Report

April 11, 2013 in Scouting Reports

Jonathan Cyprien, Florida International

Measureables:

Height: 6’0”

Weight: 217

Arm length: 31 3/4”

Hand: 10 1/4”

40 Time: N/A

Pros:

  • Good in coverage, capable of matching up with slot receivers
  • Versatile safety, though at his best in the box
  • Very good blitzer, will make a lot of plays in opponents backfields
  • Has really good instincts and natural cover ability
  • Takes great angles after the ball carrier and closes the gap quickly
  • Punishing hitter
  • Has the ability to be a very good safety at the next level

Cons:

  • Will bite at times on play action leaving a hole in the defense
  • Needs more work in zone situations
  • Needs more work against top competition

Overall:

Cyprien is a rising safety with a lot of natural ability and instincts. He showcased well at the Senior Bowl and has moved himself into the top tier of safety prospects. Cyprien does have versatility to play both safety spots, but does seem more natural in the strong safety role, and will likely fare better there as a rookie. The only real knock on him is the fact that he hasn’t been as tested as many of the other more well known names. He is likely an early second round pick and could even end up as a late first rounder.

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by Steve Shoup

CB Dee Milliner NFL Draft Scouting Report

April 11, 2013 in Scouting Reports

CB Dee Milliner Scouting Report

Measureables:

Height: 6’0”

Weight: 201

Arm length: 32 ”

Hand: 8 3/4”

40 Time: 4.37

Pros:

  • Really Good in coverage, capable of matching up with both outside and slot receivers one-on-one.
  • Physical corner, who likes to jam receivers and reroute them
  • Very strong in run support
  • Displays natural coverage ability, and rarely bites on fakes
  • Coached by Nick Saban and played against a high level of SEC competition
  • Has solid ball skills
  • Has the ability to be a very good corner at the next level

Cons:

  • Isn’t as natural in his back pedal as you’d like to see
  • Needs more reps in zone coverage
  • Doesn’t highpoint the ball well, not as good against jump balls
  • Will likely never be an interception machine.
  • Gets lazy at times when trying to tackle

Overall:

Milliner is the best corner in this draft class, and could very well go in the top 10 picks. SEC corners have been the first of their position selected in each of the last three drafts in the top 10, and all three (Joe Haden, Patrick Peterson, and Morris Claiborne) have performed well early. Milliner might not be as good as those three, but he’s at least in the discussion. He needs to expand his game some, and might not be the best fit early on in every system, but he has the talent to succeed.

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by Steve Shoup

CB Xavier Rhodes NFL Draft Scouting Report

April 11, 2013 in Scouting Reports

Xavier Rhodes Scouting Report

Measureables:

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 210

Arm length: 33 3/4”

Hand: 9”

40 Time: 4.43

Pros:

  • Good in press coverage, capable of locking down outside receivers.
  • Flashes quickness to cover down in the slot
  • Very strong blitzer capable of making plays in the backfield
  • Has big play ability that will make opposing QB’s pay for their mistakes
  • Impressive size and length, as well as long speed
  • Has solid ball skills
  • Takes good angles and is strong against the run.
  • Has the ability to be a good safety at the next level

Cons:

  • Is usually too physical with receivers, was the culprit of a number of penalties or close calls
  • Technique is poor, got away to often by facing lesser competition
  • Hasn’t played much zone or off man coverages and doesn’t appear as natural there
  • Will give up too many easy catches
  • Doesn't wrap up enough and will try to deliver a big hit, won’t always be able to rely on that at the next level

Overall:

Rhodes is one higher touted corners in the country and considered by many to be a top 20 pick (if not higher). While he definitely has the potential to be worthy of that draft slot, he also comes with a good bit of risk. His technique is fairly lazy, and could limit his effectiveness at the next level (particularly early on). Rhodes also has to play with more control, because if he plays like he did in college he will be the most penalized corner in the league (by quite a bit) every year. Rhodes is also pretty scheme specific as he needs to go to a defense that will allow him to play a lot of press man coverage. If Rhodes does get into the right system and cleans up his technique and play, he has the natural ability and instincts to become a very good corner, but there are quite a few risks. Though he will still likely go in the 1st round, he profiles more for me as a second rounder.

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by Steve Shoup

Giovanni Bernard Scouting Report

April 8, 2013 in Scouting Reports

Giovani Bernard Scouting Report

Measurables:

Height: 5’8”

Weight: 202

Arm length: 28”

Hand: 9 3/8”

40 time: 4.53

Pros:

  • Extremely good production as a two year starter at UNC
  • Great receiving weapon out of the backfield
  • Was an effective punt returner this past year scoring 2 TD’s
  • Very fast and quick running back, changes direction really well and is dangerous in the open field.
  • Really good vision, finds a hole quickly and sees the defenders around him
  • Dangerous open field runner
  • More advanced in pass blocking than most rookies

Cons:

  • Already has had one ACL injury, and sat out two games to knee discomfort this year
  • A bit on the smaller side, can he take the feature back workload at the next level
  • Worked out of a spread no huddle attack, will he fare as well in a pro style system
  • Can he run between the tackles as effectively in the NFL

Overall:

Bernard looks to be a complete all-around back, who can be a big time playmaker. Questions will remain about can he hold up at his size playing in the NFL. He is such a dynamic playmaker though that even if he’s not a feature back, he will offer positive impact to an NFL team. He can at least be a very effective third down back given his blocking and receiving skills and is a guy that NFL teams will want to get the ball to in space. If you believe that Bernard can be a fulltime back, then he’s worth a top 40 pick, if not then you might slide him down your board some. Even if you don’t believe he can be that, at worst though he’s a top 75 guy, given his versatility and big time upside. Expect Bernard to be drafted somewhere in the mid-2nd round, and start early in his career.

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