We have talked in the past about how the NFL is increasingly dominated by the pass. Which, for better or worse, is just how it is in the NFL these days. For defenses, that obviously places a premium on guys who can cover -- and tackle -- in the secondary.
The New York Giants already have Corey Webster, Terrell Thomas and Aaron Ross at cornerback. All good players, probably none a great player. Ross in particular did not have a great season in 2010. Behind those three in 2010, though, was a revolving door of corners and special teams guys. So, an upgrade here is, in my eyes, desirable. I can easily see Jerry Reese snagging a corner or two at some point in the draft. I honestly doubt it would be in the first round, but if a corner is the best player available then I suppose it's possible.
Let's use today's 2011 NFL Draft prospect profile to discuss a corner who might be available to the Giants. That would be Brandon Harris of Miami.
Scouting reports after the jump.
Brandon Harris
CB, Miami
5-foot-11, 195 pounds
Scouting Reports
From CBS Sports:
Read & React: Quick to recognize run and does a nice job of coming up in support. Reads the body language of the receiver and is typically in good position to a make a play on the ball due to his instincts and standout athleticism. Rarely out of position.
Man Coverage: Better in man to man coverage than zone due to his pure athleticism.
Closing/Recovery: Possesses outstanding game speed, including a late burst to recover if beaten initially.
Run Support: Recognizes run quickly and isn't afraid to come up in support. Good agility and flashes physicality to break free from receiver blocks. Maintains his containment responsibility and will force the back inside. Isn't a physical tackler, too often resorting to duck and swipe techniques, but gets the man on the ground.
From Sideline Scouting:
Positives: Has average build and good speed for the position... Is a very solid man-to-man defender, has good athleticism with quick hips and fluid footwork... Plays the ball well in the air and uses good instincts to go get it, plays the ball at the highest point... Has a quick closing burst in run support and when tackling after the catch, possesses good change-of-direction ability and explosiveness... Is a hard worker with a good motor and passion for the game, shows willingness to learn and improve... Has pretty good body control, keeps feet under him when changing directions or turning around in coverage... Plays with more physicality than his size would suggest, not afraid to get a body on bigger receivers or come up and attack the ball carrier... Durability does not seem to be an issue, has not missed time do to injury.
Negatives: Marginal production in three years at Miami (132 tackles, four interceptions, four forced fumbles)... Not the surest tackler, flows well the to ball, but will miss tackles or give a lot of extra yardage to bigger backs... Needs to work on zone coverage skills, is not especially quick to read and react, much better at mirroring receivers in man coverage... Will miss tackles in the open field, needs to do a better job of breaking down in space.
From NE Patriots Draft:
Strengths: Elite intangibles – Loves the game and is very coachable – Understands coverages – Good hands – Breaks well on the ball – Willing tackler – Rarely lets receivers gain separation.
Weaknesses: Lacks elite instincts – Hips should flip easier than they do – Footwork needs [to be] cleaned up.
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