What's a little thing like a torn ACL when it comes to finding quality cover cornerbacks? The New York Giants have held a pre-NFL Draft visit with Arizona State cornerback Omar Bolden, according to Pro Football Talk. Bolden missed all of 2011 after suffering a torn ACL, and the Giants are apparently among the teams who want a closer look at exactly how healthy Bolden is.
Let's use today's 2012 NFL Draft Prospect Profile to take a closer look of our own.
SB Nation's Arizona State website, House of Sparky, was impressed by Bolden's effort at ASU's recent Pro Day.
Omar Bolden looks like his old All Pac-10 First Team self. In perhaps the most anticipated event of the day, Bolden was timed as low as a 4.45 in the 40-yard dash. He looked quick and agile in the shuttle drills, and his fluidity of movement and breaks on the ball during defensive back drills also looked good. The only negative on the day were a few dropped passes, but he also made a great diving grab along the sidelines. All told, he should be a mid-round pick at worst.
Let's see what the rest of the scouting reports have to say.
Wes Bunting of the National Football Post ranks Bolden as a potential starter down the line and says:
The skill set is there for this guy to be a starter in the NFL. Needs to play a little stronger and has to clean up his footwork in order to stick, but gives you some versatility to play inside and out on a defense.
CBS Sports gives Bolden a fourth-round grade. CBS says:
One of the top corners in the country, Bolden was looking forward to a big senior year--until he tore his left ACL at an April practice. NFL teams, however, have shown in recent years that will gladly use high picks on players (QB Sam Bradford, TE Kyle Rudolph, TE Rob Gronkowski) who missed most or all of their final year of college. Bolden's cover skills and return ability could earn him good grades as long as he can prove himself healthy ... Even with missing part of two seasons with knee injuries and lacking great size on the outside, his talent may be too much for teams to pass up in the top 100 picks.
Pro Football Weekly says:
Athletic, competitive, mature cover man with a pro makeup who flashes playmaking ability when healthy, but has been injury-prone. Was highly regarded prior to ACL tear, and spring workouts will determine standing. Has solid character and offers value as kickoff returner.
Omar Bolden Profile
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 195
School: Arizona State
40 time: 4.48
2011 Stats: Did Not Play (knee injury)