Nickels and Dimers: Top DBs in draft
With NFL defenses being forced to match offensive personnel groupings that include multiple receivers and/or tight ends, the Sub(stitution) “Nickel Package” is played as much or more as a club’s Base 3-4 or 4-3.
Previously, we discussed the “Six-in-the-Box” defenders and the importance of having versatile prospects that can both rush the quarterback and drop off in coverage. Now, we will delve into the 5th defensive back (“Nickel” corner) and his responsibilities over the slot receiver.
NICKEL PACKAGE
This player must have excellent instincts, short area quickness, a willingness to support the run and the size/strength to hold up against different styles of inside receivers. The role combines outside linebacker assignments with corner cover skills and safety tackling ability.
In today’s NFL, without an accomplished “Nickel” corner, the defensive coordinator will have problems overcoming the weakness and getting his unit off the field on 3rd down.
Here are five college corners that should transition and contribute as rookies in the “Nickel Package” (listed alphabetically)"
Robert Alford/Southeastern Louisiana 5101/188
Robert has a feisty temperament, plays with a physical demeanor and has the explosiveness needed to compete in a confined area. He ran 4.39 and jumped 40” in the vertical and 11’ in the broad.
Jordan Poyer/Oregon State 5117/191
This accomplished inside corner has the size, instincts and ball skills to compete as a rookie. Not blessed with blazing speed, but uses his eyes well to read and anticipate route combinations.
Jamar Taylor/Boise State 5105/192
Jamar has a perfect blend of height, weight, strength and speed for the position. He benched 22 times and ran 4.39, while jumping 35” and 10’7 in the vertical and broad, respectively. Plus, he understands how to stay on top of people and maintain his leverage to break on the football.
Desmond Trufant/Washington 5115/190
During Senior Bowl week, no corner got his hands on the football more than Desmond. He has the quickness, strength and hand-eye coordination to make life difficult on the slotted receiver. Once he ran 4.38 at the Combine, he became an easy lock for the 1st round as a versatile inside/outside corner.
B.W. Webb/ College of William & Mary 5102/184
This small college gem has outstanding feet, quickness and knows how to defend down the field. He tested exceptionally well in the jumps and shuttles with leaps of 40 ½” and 11’0, and times of 3.84 in the 20-yard shuttle and 6.82 in the 3-Cone. He will have to “mirror” and “feather off” the bigger receivers on the inside, however, he has the re-direct skills to get the job done.
Honorable Mention: Tyrann Mathieu/LSU, Leon McFadden/San Diego State, Darius Slay/Miss State
DIME PACKAGE
And when clubs go to a “Dime Package” (six DB’s), here are five safeties that are capable of playing “down” to defend the run and cover a TE or RB, some teams call this the “Money” position:
Jonathan Cyprien/Florida International 6002/217
Jonathan collected over 300 total tackles during his FIU career. At the Senior Bowl, he showed range from the middle of the field and the skills needed to blanket underneath receivers from sideline-to-sideline.
Matt Elam/Florida 5097/208
This prospect has a boxer-like build and loves to hit. He has enough lateral quickness and body control stay with backs out of the backfield or tight ends running across the field.
Shamarko Thomas/Syracuse 5090/213
One of the most explosive prospects in the entire draft, he ran 4.42 and jumped 40 ½” and 11’1” in the vertical and broad jumps, respectively. He can be effective as a blitzer as well because of his extreme burst.
Kenny Vaccaro/Texas 6000/214
Spent much of his play-time for the Longhorns near the line-of-scrimmage, so he will be comfortable “in the box”. He has the initial and lateral quickness to accelerate to the football in either the run or pass as evidenced by his 4.06 20-yard and 6.78 3-cone shuttle times.
Earl Wolff/NC State 5112/209
Earl has the physical explosiveness to be an ideal candidate for the “Money” spot. With his 4.44 speed and jumps of 39” and 11’2”, he should be able to hang in coverage. In addition, by playing under Mike Archer (former long-time Steelers’ assistant), he will pick up on NFL terminology almost immediately.
Honorable Mention: Rontez Miles/California (PA), D.J. Swearinger/South Carolina, Duke Williams/Nevada