Justin Blackmon
Analysis:
Release: Physical player able to get off press coverage to release up the sideline or position himself inside the cornerback on slants and crossing routes. Does not have elite speed to separate after his release but uses strength to get a half-step on defensive backs.
Hands: Has strong hands any NFL receivers coach and quarterback would covet for their team. Tracks the deep ball over either shoulder and brings in passes fluidly without breaking stride down the field. Fights for the ball in the air, has good vertical explosiveness and strong hands to bring it down in traffic. Does not always use his hands to secure deep throws, allowing the ball into his pads and chest. Had a few drops in 2010, losing concentration when trying to make a move or feeling a hit coming.
Route running: Typically lines up outside, but will be in the slot at times to use his physicality to move the chains. Best when using his size to get inside position for slants and post patterns. Often used on deep routes, getting separation down the sideline or over the middle on crossing routes by extending his arms rather than pure speed. Flashes the feet and balance to excel on comeback routes, but only occasionally runs that route in OSU's offense. Will come back to help his quarterback when coverage breaks down.
After the catch: Strong runner with the ball with enough agility to make defenders miss in the open field. Used on quick screens despite his size because he can head-fake linebackers and stiff-arm smaller defenders. Aware of the sideline, gets two feet inbounds and can quickly turn upfield to get additional yardage. Does not have exceptional straight-line speed but takes advantage of open seams when his quarterback is on target. Combines his strength and fair acceleration to turn short passes into long gains when defenders are in his midst.
Blocking: Has enough upper-body strength and tenacity to be very effective as a downfield blocker. Is not shy about taking on his man, provides some pop and will open a running lane for his back at the next level. Inconsistent hitting his target or sustaining, however, allowing his man to get into the play.
Intangibles: Scouts have character concerns about Blackmon. Arrested for misdemeanor DUI in October 2010 and suspended for one game. Suffered a high left ankle sprain in 2010 against Kansas. Young player who was a full-time starter for only one season.
Zach Brown
Analysis:
Read & React: Still a work in progress in this area, though he showed improvement as the 2010 season wore on. Takes a false-step on occasion, but is an alert player whose rare speed puts him in position to make the play. Reacts quickly in pass coverage once the ball is thrown. Hustles to the ball.
Run defense: Not an overly physical defender. Relies on his speed and elusiveness to evade blockers, rather than taking them on. Too often is stale-mated at the point of attack when blockers are able to get their hands on him. Doesn't use his hands well to shed blocks, at this time. Possesses excellent speed to beat backs to the edge, however, and has the burst to slip through gaps to create tackle-for-loss opportunities.
Pass defense: Often fooled by good play-action, but has the flexibility and straight-line speed to recover. Gains good depth on his drops when in obvious passing situations. Keeps his head on a swivel and shows some feel for zone coverage. Reads the quarterback's eyes and can plant and break on the ball. At least average ball-skills for the position and has the athleticism to be a threat with the ball in his hands on a return (see INT return against Tennessee in the Music City Bowl). Has the physical skills to eventually excel in this area.
Tackling: Doesn't possess a great deal of explosiveness as a hitter. Demonstrates good, but not great lateral agility to break down and make the tackle in the open field. Will overpursue and leave himself vulnerable to the cut-back, on occasion. Uses his long arms to "rassle" down the ball-carrier, rather than striking him and making the secure stop.
Pass Rush/Blitz: Very raw in this area. Possesses the explosive athleticism you can't coach, but relies almost exclusively on his speed and agility to elude blockers, including running backs. Doesn't show much in terms of pass rush technique.
Intangibles: Two-sport athlete who also participates in track for North Carolina. Set the school record in the indoor 60-meter dash with a 6.72 time in 2009. Unofficially clocked at 4.28 seconds by UNC coaches during off-season conditioning in 2009. Was named a special teams captain in 2010 for earning the most points in Carolina's scoring system.
--Rob Rang
Chase Minnifield
Analysis
Man Coverage: Well versed in press and off-man coverage. Generally gets an effective punch on the receiver at the line of scrimmage, staying square and riding him throughout the first few yards to throw off the timing with the quarterback. Resorts to a bail technique quickly, as he doesn't have elite top-end speed, making him susceptible to big plays over the top when he misses with his jam (USC). A bit high in his back pedal. Appears to have the loose hips to turn and change directions.
Zone Coverage: Alert defender for zone concepts. Understands the holes in the zone and keeps his head on a swivel. Is quick to jump from his responsibility towards the football once it is thrown, putting him in position to make plays. Strong, secure open field tackler.
Ball Skills: Competitive corner who times his leaps well in jump-ball situations. Long arms and good hand-eye coordination to slap away the ball just as it arrives. Possesses good hands for the interception, typically turning passes in which he has a reasonable chance at making a play into turnovers. Saw time as Virginia's punt returner. Possesses lateral agility to elude and quick acceleration when on the return, though his straight-line speed is questionable.
Run Support: Quality run-support cornerback whose physicality and instincts might cause some teams to view him as a potential safety convert. Quickly reads run, slipping past receivers and attacking the line of scrimmage. Not afraid to mix it up with the big boys at the point of attack. Good effort laterally and in pursuit downfield.
Tackling: One of his better traits. Breaks down well when in the open field against elusive athletes. Closes on the ball-carrier in a hurry, making a clean, sure tackle. Technically sound tackler who lowers his shoulder into the ball-carrier with good hit-lift-drive form.
Intangibles: Good bloodlines. Father is a former Pro Bowl cornerback Frank Minnifield, who played for the Cleveland Browns from 1984-1992. Versatile player who played a variety of roles at Henry Clay HS. Served as a wide receiver, running back, cornerback, quarterback, kickoff returner, kicker, and punter.
--Rob Rang
