I usually try and watch 4 whole games before I formulate an opinion. That said I don’t have access to the all-22 and CB is probably the most difficult position to scout without it.
However you can get a good idea of their work at the line, the flip of their hips, plus their ability at the catch point. And if there are any replays (and there usually are over the course of 4 games), you get a pretty good idea about how sticky they are, how fluid their change of direction, how grabby they can be.
Back when it was easier to get access to the all 22 I would feel pretty comfortable formulating an opinion after watching 2 games, though I always watched a 3rd to firm it up.
Well in my book if you don’t have size an speed they are not on my list an yes some turn out to be studs. But you can’t teach speed an size. That applies to other positions also.
I ask because CB is slow for me. Well, that may be because I only get into it once a year around this time. Its starting to pick up. Lots to evaluate and confirm, though.
WR formation
WR splits to determine CB aligment is right
Diagnose coverages
Make sure CB is using proper leverage technque
Evaluate footwork, jams, etc.
And sometimes coverage isnt exactly clear, and some teams have different “alignment lines” for the CB to follow, based on the spot of the ball and where the WR aligns (WR splits) and offensive formations.
Example: In its most basic forms, mostly zone coverages and cover 1, funnel the WR inside. Well, that can change according to 3 things:
Formation
WR splits
A specific teams alignment line, which can alter by ball placement. A few good articles about “alignment lines” to save me from typing and if anyone wants to read about it:
Now, that article does not mention ball placement. When the ball is on the hash mark, the wide side of the fields new “alignment line” is now bumped in towards the ball (usually about 5 yards from the top of the numbers, and the short side CB aligment line usually gets pushed to the top the numbers. When the ball is in between the hashes the CB "alignment line is the standard set by a team (usually top of the numbers). Likely condensed in the NFL.
And then things can change. Say a team is in trips and youre in cover 3. Well now, the CB must split between number 1 and 2 WR so that is his aligment and leverage play.
Ill never understand why CBs dont align with more favorable leverage to funnel the WR where the want to.
Makes little sense to me.
For Example: Its like basketball, if someone cant dribble and drive left, you leverage far enough to the right to force them left. Too often I see CBs trying to leverage and they just give up the inside or outside too easily.
I don’t think it’s a bad class there is no Carter type blue chips, but there alot of talent and all kinds, Newton Murphy , Sweat , McKinney , Dolrus , Orhorhoro, Robinson , Friske and Carter are all guys I think can be good players.
Yeah, as you say so much of that is hard to know with any certainty, I end up more or less throwing it out.
For instance, I don’t want to say “this was for sure his assignment” on the off chance I’m wrong. I might believe it’s true, but if it’s not then I’m punishing the prospect for being an idiot when in reality, he was simply following instructions.
We can also guess at alignment from experience/study, but without knowing for sure, I hate to punish them.
However this:
We should be able to get a decent idea of on tape (though with diagnosis we can really only ascertain what’s happening after the ball is snapped, not before).
I think it must be one of two reasons: 1) something else they’ve noticed is taking their attention away, or 2) they just aren’t very smart players. There could also be a very stubborn coach demanding they do things a certain way, but that is a good way to not be a coach for very long.
That level of analysis is way beyond my pay grade. But one thing I pay a ton of attention to, especially after the Okudah experience, is does he panic when he’s beat. I think that’s critical. The guys that just calmly think, “Okay, I’m out of phase just get laser focused on the catch point” and can execute that mindset are the ones I’m looking for. And of course the requisite juice to manifest that mindset into a drive saving play.
That’s where I think the arrogance comes in to play. The alphas at spot never believe they’re beat, or always believe there’s a way back into the play. They never give up, and it imparts a level of calmness to their play. Now you don’t have to be a big chirper for that to be true, you just have to be confident. Asomogha, Revis, Sauce, those guys weren’t/aren’t huge talkers, they just went about their business.
I think Okudah lacked that confidence. He was never an alpha.
I think it’s more about psychology and humanity than football.
I’ve worked with line cooks that when the pressure ratchets up you can literally watch time slow down for them. They get so damn precise and purposeful.
I want that in a corner but with 4.45 and 37 inch vertical athleticism and plus length.
I’m actually pretty effective under pressure but it’s emotional. It’s hyperactive. Pride kicks in. You give extra effort. I’d guess that most of us are that way.
I want the psychopaths that are gleeful when they’re staring potential public humiliation in that face. To them it’s merely opportunity.
I think CB is by far the toughest position to evaluate for the average fan. I just rewatched a game with Louisville vs Notre Dame. I only saw 1 target on Cam Hart. Thrash caught the ball and put a move on Cam. He bit on the fake and as he was falling down he reached to grab Thrash as he was about off to the races. He was able to snag the arm and the ball came out Cam recovered it. The only thing I could make from the play is that it is an asset to have some length.
This had to be the worst game Joe Alt played in his career. He got trucked by a cardinal LB for a sack. The other ND OT Blake Fisher had a lackluster performance as well. I have seen enough good tap on Alt and he is still a top 15 pick. Fisher I will have to see more of because he looked like a 5th or 6th rounder. I believe this was right after the Ohio St game for ND and they just didn’t look real inspired against the fired up Cardinal team. The C for Louisville looks like a draftable player. He is tough and moves people in the run game but he is a step slow to get at the 2nd level. He did win the best O lineman in the ACC award. He may not be a fit for us but I could see him making a roster as a interior swingman.
I mean, yes and no. I totally get your points and acknowledge that I believe they are accurate.
But most (not all) high end corners are the best athletes on the field at all times (if they could only catch the football). That part is easy to spot.
For me the toughest position is definitely QB. Then maybe IOL. lB is tricky for me too. TE as well.
The reason I have a hard time with CB like the example with Cam. If he is playing well he may not get a target the whole game. If I see enough I can form an opinion. Now QB is different… It is easy for me to form an opinion but it is usually wrong. I did like Leaf over Manning.
I totally understood your point. It’s just that I’m merely a fan. So Jamarcus Russell I’m like “did you see rhat f’cking throw?” as opposed to “did you here that immature interview?” or whatever.
Another QB I really liked was Kyle Boller who the Ravens drafted in the 1st rd. The thing is if Ryan Leaf or Kyle Boller came out again they would still be high first rd picks… They were both about 6:5" 230 pocket passers with cannons for arms. On the other hand I did not see Maholmes as a 1st rounder. I loved Josh Allen coming out.
and if anyone wants to read about it: