49ers Paradise Top 5 At Every O&D Position - By Bryan Hersh April 27 2006

THIS CONTENT IS COPYWRITED, REDISTRIBUTION OF IT (including copy/pasting it to a message board, forum or bbs) IS PROHIBITED AND COULD RESULT IN LEGAL ACTIONS - feel free to quote up to 1 paragraph providing a source link to http://www.49ersparadise.com is included

The 2005 NFL Draft is just hours a way and the 49ers hold ten picks in this years draft, with two in the first round. All this adds up to what will undoubtedly be a very exciting weekend. Be sure to follow the entire draft live from 49ers Paradise! With just a few hours 200 000 seconds until draft day, I bring you this years 49ers Paradise Top 5 at every offensive and defensive position. The top pick in each section is regarded by me as the strongest, though unless otherwise noted the other picks are simply the top five in no particular order.

Evaluating on potential is never an easy thing to do. I’ve done my best, and hope you enjoy the read. Please however note, that all of these player profiles are written with the assumption that a player can continue to perform along the same lines as they were doing at the college level. We all know this never happens, and certainly there will be players on these lists who never realize their potential. Nevertheless, as it stands, no one can real prognosticate the future, so until someone proves they really can, we’ll have to do the best we can, evaluating on potential!

Quarterbacks:

Matt Leinart, 6’5”, 220lbs, 4.7/40, USC
Leinart won this year’s top quarterback position despite dropping in many rankings in the weeks heading into the draft. He is 49ers Paradise’s top pick at the position because of his consistent high level of play. Leinart is a winning quarterback with outstanding leadership skills. He uses his brains to know the offense inside and out, and makes sure that he can make good decisions with the ball. Leinart has a good arm, but can be over confident in its ability. A proven winner. In the pro’s Leinart will have to adjust to a faster game, tighter defense, and smaller gaps in talent between his team and opponents.

Jay Cutler, 6’3”, 226lbs, 4.77/40, Vanderbilt
Cutler has the type of arm most quarterbacks can dream of. He has the strength to put the ball anywhere on the field, and the guts to stand in the pocket to do so. Cutler has above average mechanics and is quite mobile. He is known to run when he has too, and is not afraid to make plays. Unfortunately, this will at times get him into trouble as he is not as accurate as he could be on his long throws. A strong leader, who will have to prove he can contend with the tighter coverage at the pro level.

Vince Young, 6’5”, 229lbs, Texas
Young could be the most mobile quarterback in the top five. His size and speed for the position will make him an asset to teams at the pr level. He is a multi-level threat that can give offensive coordinators headaches. There is some question about his intelligence, but at Texas he had no problem running the team’s offense. At the pro level he may have to work on his mechanics, and release to assure he can compete. He is also most comfortable in the shotgun which could be a concern for some teams.

Charlie Whitehurst, 6’5”, 223 lbs, 4.7/40, Clemson
Whitehurst has the look of a quarterback complete with frame and size. He was on his way up but struggled some this past season. The biggest critique over Whitehurst is his decision making. There is a definite drop off from the top three quarterbacks to him.

Omar Jacobs, 6’4”, 230lbs, 4.85/40, Bowling Green
Jacobs is a very accurate passer with the ability to scramble. He has good size and strength, and makes good decisions. He has put up good stats. Needs work on his long ball, and performance under pressure. Could be well suited for a hybrid West Coast Offense. At the pro level, Jacobs will have to learn to contend with more equally talented opponents and must learn to exploit the blitz.


Running Backs

Reggie Bush, 5’11”, 205lbs, USC
Reggie Bush is heads and shoulders above every other back in the draft, and could be the first player taken in the draft. Despite recent controversy overall possible payments for his performance in college, Bush remains the top prospect at the position. Bush can also act as a return man, but many teams will shy away from using a starting back in this role. Bush has split duty and benefited from a very strong USC team. Proving he can do it all in the pro’s will remain a challenge.

DeAngelo Williams, 5’9”, 214lbs, Memphis
Williams is highly regarded by the 49ers coaching staff. He works his behind off on the field and during practice. If Bush was not such a strong candidate, Williams would certainly be rated the top back. He has good vision, patience and is very quick – not just fast. He runs low and is strong. Williams durability is a bit of concern as he has suffered a few injuries to his knees and ankles – though nothing serious.

Laurence Maroney, 6’0”, 217lbs, Minnesota
There is a definite drop off from the top two backs to Maroney. Nevertheless he put up very impressive stats in college. He has the ability to run in between the tackles, and can cut it outside. Some question whether his phenomenal statistics were a result of the system he played in.

LenDale White, 6’1” 238 lbs, USC
White is the type of runner you want if you are an offense that likes running the ball inside. He is tough to bring down with one man, and runs north south. He has very good leverage and has the ability to catch out of the backfield. A very tough man to bring down in the open field. Benefited greatly from playing along side Reggie Bush. A good change of pace back with the explosion to advance to the top tier.

Joseph Addai, 5’11”, 215lbs, 4.4/40, LSU
Addai is one of those character players you so often hear about. He has a good head on his shoulders and goes all out every play. He has had some minor injury issues in the past. Addai has the potential to break the long run, and is also a threat in the open field. Good in pass protection and can also catch the ball out of the backfield.


Fullbacks:
Lawrence Vickers, 6’0”, 239lbs, 4.86/40, Colorado
Vickers is a powerful back with good size and weight. He can get the tough yardage and is very aggressive as a lead blocker. He contributes in many ways, including as a receiver out of the backfield and on special teams. A very experienced fullback who is a character player. Teams may shy away from Vickers who is a bit of a tweener.

Matt Bernstein, 6’1”, 260lbs, 4.9/40, Wisconsin
Excellent size for a fullback with average speed. He is powerful out of the backfield and can be a real asset in short yardage situations. Very capable of taking on blitzing linebackers. At the pro level his speed may hinder his potential. As well, he has not proven to be a consistent receiver out of the backfield.

JD Runnels, 5’11”, 238lbs, 4.54/40, Oklahoma
Runnels is on the small size for a fullback but has the speed to make up for it. He’s an above average receive rout of the backfield and will work very hard to succeed. Runnels gets the job done, but will have a harder time against bigger players in the pro’s.

Gilbert Harris, 6’2”, 235lbs, 4.85/40, Arizona
A natural athlete with good size, but a little light for a fullback. Specializes in short yardage situations, and is an excellent receiver out of the backfield. He is a very versatile player. Somewhat slow, so he is prevented from playing as a running back, struggles some blocking, and there are some injury concerns.

Rashon, Powers-Neal, 6’2”, 240lbs, Notre Dame
A good runner for a fullback. Has decent, but not great size. Rashon is good at handling the blitz and his natural athletic ability makes him a threat in the passing attack. Will have to add weight at the pro level, and needs refinement to be considered starting material.


Offensive Centres:

Nick Mangold, 6’4”, 300lb, 5.05/40, Ohio State
Not an overly large centre, but a man of great strength and agility. A very tough, hard nosed player than has the feet to pull if he needs to. Will have to work on his ability to get leverage that the pro level, but all around a good addition to an offensive line, particularly if he has a year to smooth the learning curve.

Greg Eslinger, 6’3”, 292lbs, 5.13/40, Minnesota
An experienced center who knows what it takes to win. Has good leverage and footwork, who uses his smarts to his his advantage. Eslinger is quite light for the position and will have to add some muscle to compete at the pro level. There is a significant drop off from Mangold to Eslinger.

Mike Dregory, 6’5”, 305lbs 5.39/40, Florida
Dregory is smart and will take his intelligence on to the field with him. He is very durable and a real leader. He doesn’t have much potential upside because he is so polished. A “what you see is what you get player”, who is a little less agile than other top centers.

Ryan Cook, 6’7”, 318lbs, 5.5/40, New Mexico
Cook excels in run blocking. He has good mechanics and is quick for a man his size. He played against lesser competition which will make his conversion to the pros significantly more difficult. Has had the advantage of playing on a good line with a good running back.

Will Montgomery, 6’3”, 312lbs, 5.09, Virginia Tech
Motgomery plays both guard and center and could be used in either capacity in the pros. He has good agility and can pull if needed. Good size for the position and he is quite durable. A better run blocker than pass blocker like most coming out of college.


Offensive Guards:

Charles Spencer, 6’5”, 352lbs, 5.28/40, Pittsburgh
Spencer is a versatile lineman with great size. He has played offensive and defensive line in his career and uses his agility to his advantage. Spencer’s wingspan can give him a good advantage in one on one matchups. Plenty of upside for Spencer, who will need to refine his play at the next level and continue to grow on the offensive side of the ball.

Davin Joseph, 6’3”, 311lbs, 5.09/40, Oklahoma
Joseph has played every position on the offensive line, but his size best suits him towards guard. He excels in run blocking, and has good footwork. At the pro level Joseph will have to add upper body strength to contend with bigger defensive lineman.

Taitusi Lutui, 6’4”, 334lbs, 5.37/40, USC
Lutui has good size and ability for an offensive guard. He benefited greatly from having two good backs but is an above average run blocker. Can contend with bigger defensive lineman. At the pro level Lutui will need to improve his agility to be a real consideration for a starting line position.

Fred Matua 6’3”, 306lb, USC
Matua is another offensive lineman who benefited from having a strong set of running backs. He is a very tough player, and knows how to get rough if he needs too. He has had some injury concerns in his legs which may drop his status in the draft.

Max Jean-Gilles, 6’4”, 355lbs, 5.47/40, Georgia
Max is the type of offensive lineman that deserve a John Madden style Thanksgiving dinner. He is a huge man, like Spencer, and will wear defensive lineman down with his size and strength. A good character guy, but will need to monitor his weight and conditioning at the pro level in order to contend with quicker defensive lineman.


Offensive Tackles:

D’ Brik Ferguson 6’5”, 312lbs, Virginia
What could be more fitting than an offensive lineman named D’Brick? Ferguson is the type of player that coaches get excited about. With decent size, and above average quickness, Fergusion is sure to go in the top ten. He is very smart and compensates well against the blitz. Excels against speed rushers but can hold his own when it comes to fighting with leverage and brute strength.

Winston Justice, 6’6”, 319lbs, USC
Justice has all the athletic ability a tackle needs to function in open space, and was dominant in pass protection in college. He is experienced and served on a very strong offensive line that paved way for two productive running backs. He will have to add weight, and strength though to compete at the pro level. There remain some character question marks on Justice that will force teams to think really hard about the risk.

Marcus McNeil, 6’8”, 336lbs, 5.07/40, Auburn
A very large tackle, who is best in the run game. He wears down opposing lineman with his size. He is strong, and will do anything not to give up a sack. Will need to improve his footwork and his competition against pure pass rushers at the pro level.

Eric Winston, 6’7”, 310lbs, 4.94/40, Miami Fld.
A converted tight end, Winston has good athletic ability and uses it to his advantage in pass blocking. He has average tackle size and could go as early as the first round, depending on the need for tackles. He has had an injured ACL in the past which will raise the red flag, and at times his performance has been inconsistent.

Daryn Colledge, 6’4”, 299lbs, 5.05/40, Boise State
Colledge is a very good and well rounded tackle. He is nearly equally strong in pass and run protection. He has good athleticism but is undersized for the position. Teams will look his way at the start of the second tier of tackles and likely won’t be disappointed with what they find.

Tight Ends:
Vernon Davis, 6’4”, 263lbs, 4.38/40, Maryland
Easily the top tight end in the draft, Davis is faster than most receivers, and has the size of a tight end. He has ability to catch the ball, and is an incredible athlete. Extremely dedicated and hard working, and goes after the ball. Davis is more of an asset as receiver than as a blocker, and could provide a quarterback with the safety net they need to succeed in the NFL. To compete at the pro level Davis should improve his blocking, and work to erase question marks about his on field production (he jumped up draft charts after a great workout). Davis has upside and is already a very talented player. He should make some team very happy. Davis leads this year’s group of very solid tight ends at the top of the draft. Although the entire group is strong, Davis is perceived to be head and shoulders above the rest.

Leonard Pope, 6’8”. 258lbs, 4.65/40, Georgia
Pope’s height makes him an instant threat in the receiving game. He knows how to use his body to shied defenders, and has massive hands. He is a consistent receiver, but like Davis needs work in his blocking skills, could get tougher, and stronger, based on his frame, but is not that fast and could jeopardize his advantage if he does so. Has the ability to do to the tight end position what Shaq did with his size in the NBA.

Marcedes Lewis, 6’6”, 261lbs, 4.8/40, UCLA
Lewis is not especially fast, and like the other top tight ends in this year’s draft, needs work as a blocker. However, he excels as a receiver and has good hands. Finds holes in the redzones and uses his body to shield away opponents. Lewis has the ability to excel at the NFL level and will certainly be a complimentary threat on offense.

Dominique Byrd, 6’4”, 255lbs, USC
Byrd is yet another highly rated player at the tight end position this year. He has good size and can be used to stretch the field. Extremely effective in the open field, Byrd brakes tackles, and is tough to bring down. Unlike those rated above him, Byrd is a good blocker who uses leverage well and can hold his own against blitzing linebackers. Durability has been the concern with Byrd, as he has suffered some injuries and there have been a few off the field issues that may cause him to fall in this draft.

Anthony Fasano, 6’4”, 259lbs, Notre Dame
Underrated due to the competition ahead of him, Fasano stand to make an impact in the NFL. He is valuable as a 6th lineman, and is a hard worker. A good all around tight end with the hands and the blocking ability to be productive at the next level. He does need to get stronger, but offers promising upside and is a very durable player.


Wide Receivers:

Sinorice Moss, 5’8”, 185lbs, Miami
Unlike the past few years the group of top receivers is lacking this year. Moss, the younger brother of Santana Moss, is hoping his size will not force teams to stay away. He has very good speed and has the ability for YAC yards. He runs great routes, has decent hands and can really stretch the field. At the pro level Moss will have to find a way to make sure his size is not a downsize for him, and improve his consistency a little bit.

Santonio Holmes, 5’11”, 188lbs, Ohio State
Holmes is somewhat small for a receiver but runs exceptional routes and uses his great speed and precise routes to get open. He also contributes in special teams. Consistent hands and has the ability to create YAC yards. Holmes size may be an issue at the pro level. He would really benefit from playing with a consistent quarterback.

Chad Jackson, 6’1”, 213lbs, 4.32/40, Florida
Jackson has average size for a receiver and great speed. He is sure handed and can do just about everything in the passing game. He stretches the field, can go over the middle, and can move the chains. He can be a safety net for a quarterback because of this ability. Needs to work on his ability to get open off the line of scrimmage at the pro level. If he can prove to get that separation he could manage to do what Brandon Lloyd showed promise of doing in San Francisco.

Maurice Stovall, 6’4”, 217lbs, 4.58/40, Notre Dame
Very good size and strength for a receiver. Stovall knows how to use his size to his advantage, and is not afraid to get involved as a blocker. Has good jumping ability and decent speed for a man his size. At the pro level he will need to watch his conditioning and improve his agility in order to compete for a starting position.

Derek Hagan 6’2”, 208lbs, 4.42/40, Arizona State
Hagan isn’t the biggest receiver, but he can leap over most defenders. Combined with a good 40 time, Hagan has moved up the draft boards since the combine. Has the agility to make the tough catch, and strong hands that make it hard to take the ball away from him. A reliable receiver that will have to learn to stretch the field, and not drop passes at the pro level.


Defensive Tackles:

Haloti Ngata, 6’4”, 338lbs, 5.12/40, Oregon
Ngata could very well go in the top ten. Although not particularly fast his ability to play nose tackle or defensive tackle makes him a very intriguing prospect. As does his size. He is very strong with a great lower body motor. He is a very good athlete and really has the potential to break into the offensive backfield. Has recovered from earlier ACL injury, but durability and conditioning are always a concern with a man of this size.

Brodrick Bunkley, 6’3” 306lbs, Flordia State
Bunkley is a solid pass rusher, and can get into the offensive backfield with the best of them. He is strong and knows how to muscle his way past an offensive lineman. Needs some work on his tackling technique particularly against shiftier backs. He is not quite big enough to play nose tackle, unless a team really had no other options. Better suited for a 4-3 system.

Gabe Watson, 6’4”, 339lbs, 5.25/40, Michigan
Watson is an all around player. He can take on the run or help collapse the pocket. He is strong and can get nasty. He is accustomed to fighting of the double team, and could excel at nose tackle. At the pro level Watson will have to prove he is dedicated to the game and work on his conditioning. Initially at least, would benefit from working in a rotation.

Claude Wroten, 6’2”, 305lbs, LSU
Wroten has good athletic ability, and would fit well into a 4-3 scheme at his current size. He is a little rough around the edges, and has little experience. Has certainly benefited by playing at defensive lineman factor LSU. Despite his little experience Wroten has good mechanics and has the ability to penetrate. He anticipates the snap well and can be a real asset in run protection.

Rodrique Wright, 6’5”, 300lbs, 5.06/40, Texas
Wright is a good sized tackle, but could add weight to play the nose. He is athletic and strong and has suffered a little because of the strength of the draft class at his position. Needs to work on his dedication at the pro level. He must also attack more, and learn to use his leverage better.


Defensive Ends:

Mario Williams, 6’7” 295lbs, 4.67/40, North Carolina State
Mario Williams will be a top five pick unless the 49ers are extremely lucky and he happens to drop to number 6. He has the size and the speed to be an awesome edge pass rusher. He can manhandle slower offensive tackles, and is excellent at getting to the quarterback. There is some speculation as to his effectiveness in a 3-4 system, but he has done his best to put that to rest. At the pro level will need to work on leverage particularly if he is to play in a 3-4 scheme. Could see an “elephant” type role in a defense.

Kamerion Wimbley, 6’4”, 248lbs, 4.61/40, Florida State
There is a large drop off from Williams to Wimbley, nevertheless Wimbley could go in the first round, particularly if there isn’t a run on cornerbacks. Wimbley had average speed and is a reliable player. He could switch to linebacker in a 3-4 system, but regardless of position will want to add some strength at the pro level.

Mark Anderson, 6’4” 254lbs, 4.61/40, Alabama
Anderson has the size to play end in either a 4-3 or 3-4 system. He is a durable player, and can get to the quarterback and wreak havoc in the offensive backfield. Anderson can really get after the quarterback and is a very good athlete. He anticipates the snap well and uses this to his advantage. Good drop to linebacker at the pro level, or bulk up to remain at defensive end. Anderson has a big upside and could make a team quite happy.

Tamba Hali, 6’3”, 265lbs, Penn State
Hali is a character player who gives his all on the field. He can get after the quarterback and has the strength to tear apart an offensive lineman. He plays whistle to whistle and is strong enough against the run. In a 4-3 system could muscle up a little more, in a 3-4 system he will have to prove his ability to make plays in the open field, and may even drop a bit of weight. Needs to work on his open field tackles to advance in the pro’s.

Ray Edwards, 6’5”, 273lbs, 4.79/40, Purdue
Edwards’ height is a real advantage that he has learned to use. As he continues to use his large wing-span to bat down balls and get by blockers he will be able to advance in the NFL. Given his size, he could add weight to become a real menace at the next level. This could help him become more dominant and improve his ability in run support. Lots of upside here, but Edwards is not as much of a sure thing as other defensive ends ranked above him.

Linebackers:
A.J. Hawk, 6’1”, 248lbs, 4.5/40, Ohio State
Hawk is a very exciting player, and could go in the top five of this years draft. He has good size and speed, and is very good at taking the right angle. Has a very good understanding of his outside linebacker position but the athleticism to move elsewhere if needed too. A very hard worker and character guy, Hawk has good technique and really knows how to “lay down the law”. Hawk will instantly improve a defense and should quickly become a player offensive coordinators have to scheme around.

Chad Greenway, 6’3” 242lbs, 4.75/40, Iowa
Greenway has good size for the linebacker position but is a little slow, especially to continue playing outside. Still his feel for the game allows him to be around the ball at all times, and allows him to make big defensive plays. He can make an impact on a team right away. Greenway really utilizes quickness more than speed in his game. He has dropped off due to a below average workout at the combine, but if he can add some strength at the pro level, he should be able to compete immediately.

Manny Lawson, 6’5”, 241lbs, 4.43/40, North Carolina State
Lawson is coming from a good defense where he played with Mario Williams. Lawson is almost big enough to play defensive end in the 4-3, and could make an excellent pass rushing linebacker in a 3-4 system. He has great athletic ability and is very quick and agile. He is fast too, and certainly a player that will catch earlier attention in the drat. Lawson does need to add some muscle to contend at the pro level, but overall has solid technique and fundamentals.


Ernie Sims, 5’11”, 234lbs, 4.5/40, Florida State
Sims is undersized at linebacker but is well built and very fast for the position. He can be an asset working out of the blitz, and so far has been limited in run defense. His mechanics are sound, and he’s not afraid to take on those that are bigger than him. At the pro level he will have to work on his run support to be a difference maker.

D’Qwell Jackson, 6’0”, 230lbs, 4.7/40, Maryland
Jackson has good mechanics that make him an above average tackler. He is a little undersized for the position, but is a play maker, and can hold his own in coverage. Plays faster than his 40-time suggests. Jackson was a star on a below average defense, this may turn teams away early in the draft. They will come back to him though, because at the end of the day he was a playmaker.

Safeties:

Michael Huff, 6’1”, 200lbs, 4.36/40, Texas
Huff has skyrocketed up draft boards since the combine. He can play both safety positions as well as corner and overall has a good attitude. He has a nose for the ball, and quite simply makes plays. There is a large drop off between Huff and the rest of the safeties in the draft. He can knock someone down with his hard hits, and has great speed. In the pros he’ll have to work on the angle he takes to pursuit and utilizing the most of his speed. His good change of direction ability will make him a popular choice, probably in the top ten to fifteen of the draft, though some believe he could go away earlier than this.

Donte Whitner, 5’10”, 205lbs, 4.42/40, Ohio State
Whitner is a smart football player and is very dedicated to the game. He’s not only a play maker, but he makes plays when the game is on the line – something the 49ers have sorely lacked the past few years. When he hits a defensive player he really leaves an impression. He is consistent, and you know what you get. Despite being small for the safety position, and quite young (21 years old), Whitner could be a solid depth player to groom into a future starter at safety. He may also be a real asset on special teams.

Jason Allen, 6’1”, 209lbs, 4.39/40, Tennessee
Allen has good speed and average size for a safety. He is a natural leader with good hands and eye for the ball. He finds ways to make plays and can do so as either a safety or a cornerback. Better suited for free safety than strong safety and show that he can bounce back from injury.

Ko Simpson, 6’1”, 209lbs, 4.45/40, South Carolina
Simpson is a versatile player that understands defenses well and can play cornerback as well as safety. He is better suited for free safety, and could add some size to his frame. He is a character guy with a strong upside, but performed mostly against weaker competition. To advance in the pro’s Simpson will have to prove he can get it done against stronger competition and improve his agility somewhat.


Daniel Bullocks, 6’1”, 212lbs, 4.38/40, Nebraska
Bulloks is one of the faster safeties at the top of this year’s draft, but could add some muscle to his frame. He is a hard working player that knows how to please a coach, and leave it all on the field. He works very hard at improving, but is still a little raw. A little inconsistent, Bullocks would really benefit from NFL training, and in particular on his ability to read and react to the offense.



Cornerbacks:

Jimmy Williams, 6’2”, 213lbs, 4.47/40, Virginia Tech
There could be a run on cornerbacks in the 20’s of the first round, and the 49ers are primed for such an occurrence after acquiring the 22nd pick in the draft. Williams, Hill, and Cromatie are all expected to go in a clump, and all bring similar potential to the pros. Williams probably leads this pack, and does so with adequate size ands peed. He is useful against the run, but still need to improve his mechanics at corner have switched from safety. There has been some drop off in his play which may cause him to fall a little in the draft.

Tye Hill, 5’10”lbs, 185lbs, 4.3/40, Clemson
Hill is a little small for a cornerback, but has above average speed. Past 49ers regimes have shied away from smaller cornerbacks as a result of getting burned in the past. He is a playmaker though and can stick with nearly any receiver and has the potential to take away a side of the field. He does a good job of keeping the receiver in front of him, and limits big gains. Wraps up tackles well. Most of what Hill has proven has been against inferior receivers. It’s unclear as to how he will be able to match his athletic ability against some of the bigger WR in the NFL.

Antonio Cromartie, 6’2”, 208lbs, 4.45/40, Florida State
Cromatie has good height and good speed for that height, and uses this athletic talent quite well. He helps out in run support, and has the potential to be a shut down corner. His size may allow him to bulk up a bit which he might be able to use to help prevent receivers from getting a clean break from the line of scrimmage in the NFL. A very well conditioned athlete, who has some injury history and is a little inexperienced.

Jonathan Jospeh, 5’11”, 193lbs, 4.31/40, South Carolina
An all around athlete with great speed, but only decent height. He is quick too, and uses his athletic ability to his advantage. He is not very experienced though, and this will hurt him in the draft. Initially he is more likely to serve a nickel or dime corner until he proves he can contend at the pro level. Joseph has the speed to stay with most any WR, but does have some injury history that could raise a red flag and cause him to fall slightly below the top tier CBs.

Richard Marshall, 5’11”, 189lbs, 4.41/40, Fresno State
Like Joseph, Marshall is a little undersized but a great athlete. Marshall is the more physical of the two, and is not afraid to show it. He’s more experienced but does not understand and react on defense quite as well. To compete in the pro’s this should be his main area of concentration. Like Joseph, Marshall would benefit from initially playing in a nickel or dime role.