2013 Senior Bowl – Cornerbacks Jaguars Fans Should Watch

The 2013 Senior Bowl is a mini-holiday in the down period following the conference championship games and the Super Bowl.  NFL teams send their representatives and roll out the red carpet to those players they anticipate making a successful jump into the NFL.  For some on the Senior Bowl rosters playing well will mean a jump up on teams’ big boards.  Others look to continue showing off after their college careers are over.

The Jacksonville Jaguars need fresh bodies at a number of positions and the Senior Bowl offers an opportunity to look at players who could immediately contribute.  A big need for the Jaguars is at cornerback.  With Rashean Mathis, Aaron Ross, and William Middleton underperforming during the 2012 season, the Jaguars will look for fresh faces in 2013.  Some of those faces could be in the 2013 Senior Bowl.  Here are some guys you should keep an eye on.

Alford should get more attention than he could ever dream of while at the Senior Bowl this week.  Source: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Robert Alford, CB, Southeast Louisiana 

• Alford won’t get much attention coming out of Southeast Louisiana, and that contributes to his projected third round selection.  Only the second Southeast Louisiana player ever invited to the Senior Bowl, Alford has potential that is getting noticed around league circles.  Alford is a quick player who doubles as a kick returner.  Alford had four interceptions in 2012 to go along with 39 tackles, five tackles for a loss, and 12 passes defended.  Alford could fit in immediately at special teams and could add to young talent like Mike Harris at the cornerback position for the Jags.

Leon McFadden, CB, San Diego State

• McFadden has won first team all conference accolades in the past three seasons.  He isn’t a big frame cornerback like most of his Senior Bowl counterparts (5’10”) but plays faster and bigger.  Despite posting 46 passes defensed and seven interceptions over the past three seasons, McFadden is a mid-round projection.  Two of his interceptions this season were returned for touchdowns.  I like McFadden’s ability compared to some other bigger name corners and could be good value in the mid rounds.

Will Davis, CB, Utah State

• Of the cornerbacks at the Senior Bowl, Davis stands out as the best at being able to play on an island.  His abilities to play outside without needing support really frees up safety play in the middle and for the other side of the field.  Davis led the NCAA in passes defended during his senior season with an impressive 22.  He had five interceptions to go along with his 22 defenses.  Davis also contributed on 64 tackles this season.  Projected to go in the second or third round, Davis would not be a shocking reach pick for the Jaguars early in the second round.  Davis’ ability to matchup one-on-one on the outside could be invaluable for the Jaguars if his game can translate to the NFL.

Would any of these guys fit into the holes in the defensive backfield?  Anybody who would fit better?

– Luke N. Sims

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