UFA Sighting

Darnell Terrell, CB MO: Scouts disagreed a lot on this guy, except that he is a size/speed physical specimen. With an intelligent agent, who had him sign with a team lacking depth at cornerback. Too bad more agents don't have brains.

Anyway, Marino was pretty down on him, describing stiff hips. Some people don't really understand that: DB's in coverage often start in a backpedal, and then need to change directions or rotate into a foreward sprint. Between the lower-trunk and hips, if you're not flexible, you have a balance issue, and have to take extra steps to complete this maneuver. "Good hips" are critical for man coverage--this is why many bigger cornerbacks become safeties in the NFL.

But this guy: Other scouts described good hips and fluid change-of-direction, indicating man ability. So what do we make of it?

Well, regardless of who is right, Savage knows how to dig up free rookie cornerbacks.

Then:

1: This defense, like Pitt's, used mostly zone coverage. It's still predominantly two-deep zone. This often goes with a 3-4, as it has much to do with zone-blitzing. That effects coverage, and the zone scheme is important for protecting against underneath passes and runs. While now that we have Wright and safeties who can man-up on some of the bigger recievers and most tight ends, some man coverage can be mixed in, so long as the QB and recievers don't read it pre-snap. (Or they can read it and be WRONG, which is also cool).

2: The worst-case scenario with Terrell is that he indeed becomes a safety. He's more a free-safety than strong, but does have the size to be effective as a twin safety in a two-deep.

3: Forget about Marino or anyone else who ever predicts "He'll need at least two years to develop" about any DB ever. Nickel and dime packages vary widely depending on what personnel an opposing offense deploys on passing downs. For example, if the slot guy is an Eric Metcalf type, you need a jitterbug speedster. If he's Jurevicious, you need...Terrell. See how it works? The cornerback need not be all refined and polished to be used situationally. You start him out in one specific role, and any player can become proficient in a matter of weeks, or even days, provided he has the physical tools.

Terrell should make the team based on his potential and special teams ability. He has a shot to become the fourth safety or fifth cornerback--or even the fourth.

Marino is pretty good, though (in my opinion Steuber and Mayock are better). I just hope he's wrong, and that Terrell is a big-time sleeper at cornerback. Even of he can't do man, though--he could still become a starting zone cornerback.

Chase Ortiz is a defensive end who here would try to be an OLB. This guy is a LOCK to remain in the NFL regardless of where he plays, because he gets sacks and tackles for loss out the yinyang. Immediately here, he could be a situational pass-rusher/big-time special teamer.

There's a question about his ability to play outside linebacker. Marino says his hips are too stiff, but Steuber says he has great lateral movement and smooth change-of-direction, indicating that Marino is wrong.

As an intelligent analyst, I note this repetition of Marino's comment, and seem to recall a pre-existing pattern about Marino and hips. He also has a thing about "ball skills", which means that if a defensive back doesn't intercept everything he touches, he sucks.

This guy should make the team, and might MIGHT MIGHT be an OLB sleeper. One thing he does is make plays in the backfield, and on obvious passing downs, he could be used immediately.

Tough to say, with mediocre clock-times. I mean, the guy could gain 20 lbs. and be an outside 4-3 DE. Playing speed might be a lot faster--sure seems that way with his stats. Shows great insticts, which is a big part of it.

McMillan hasn't worked out, but maybe this guy will. He's under 6'3" as well, and could be tried at inside linebacker.

Why doesn't anybody else think about this stuff? Used to shedding, instinctive, tackles-for-losses, 6'2 1/2 255? Huh?