If the New York Giants still played the consistent 'press coverage' type scheme they utilized under Steve Spagnuolo -- or if someone can convince Perry Fewell that press is what his corners do best -- then the subject of today's 2011 NFL Draft prospect profile would be a terrific fit for the Giants.
Utah's Brandon Burton is a player who can reportedly play in multiple schemes, but plays best when allowed to press. Whether that is Fewell's favorite scheme or not, and I still do not understand why it would not be with press guys like Terrell Thomas and Aaron Ross joining Corey Webster, the Giants might be looking to upgrade the cornerback depth at some point. Thus, Burton is a player who could be on Jerry Reese's radar screen.
Scouting reports after the jump.
Brandon Burton
CB, Utah
6-foot-1, 185 pounds
Projection: Round 2
Scouting Reports
From National Football Post:
A tall, lean cornerback who possesses good overall length for the position. Is at his best when asked to play up near the line in press coverage. However, can be inconsistent with his hands. Has a tendency to play press bail and doesn't do a real consistent job extending his arms and getting a good bump on receivers. Nevertheless, he's comfortable in his drop, stays patient with his turn, is fluid when asked to turn and run and possesses the speed to quickly get down the field. Runs very well for his size and is very difficult to get behind. Looks comfortable when asked to play on an island, does a nice job getting his head around, locating the football and going up in jump ball situations. Is a gifted leaper who maximizes his length with good timing and balance, and is tough to complete passes on in fade situations. Is also very effective in zone. Showcases good footwork and balance when asked to click and close on passes underneath. Is a willing tackler who will stick his head in, wraps well on the play and also does a nice job tackling after the catch, showcasing good initial burst out of his breaks.
Impression: A tall, lanky corner with good ball skills, fluidity and closing speed underneath. Needs to tighten up his drop and footwork in off coverage, but is the kind of guy who can come in and play early in his NFL career and mature into a very solid NFL starter in a predominantly press man scheme.
From Sideline Scouting:
Positives: Very good mix of height and speed, has a long frame and long arms... Uses above-average agility and athleticism very well, utilizes quick footwork to get off blocks and in position to make tackles along the outside... Has good, quick feet, keeps feet underneath him well in the backpedal... Is a good wrap-up tackler, plays with much more physicality than size would indicate, generally wraps up and holds on with consistency... Has good vertical leap and ball skills when leaving his feet, goes up and gets the ball consistently at its highest point... Shows flexibility and fluid hips, turns well when playing bump-and-run coverage... Is an above-average man defender and adequate zone defender, will have little problem fitting into several systems in the NFL... Good special teams performer, blocked a potentially game-winning field goal against BYU in 2010.
Negatives: Needs to do a better job of getting off blocks against larger receivers, has a somewhat thin frame and will get out-muscled at times... Despite wrap-up abilities, will miss tackles in the open field by over-pursuing and getting out of position to defend the run... Stats have been somewhat pedestrian in last two full seasons (98 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, three interceptions).
From NFL.com:
Burton could become a great starting corner for a team with a press-heavy scheme. Very adept at disrupting receivers releasing off the line and can flip his hips but may struggle to recover when beaten by top NFL deep threats. Does a good job reading the passer in off-man coverage and closes quickly after the catch but could do a better job of recognizing run. Has the mentality and physical tools to eventually improve in run support but takes too long to shed and is only adequate at breaking down in space.