Versatile CB/S Alan Ball Helps Fill Jags’ Secondary Holes
By Luke Sims
November 18, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Laurent Robinson (81) attempts to make a reception during overtime as Houston Texans defensive back Alan Ball (22) defends at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed cornerback Alan Ball on Friday. Ball looks to be a depth signing but is a versatile secondary player who has starting experience at free safety as well as cornerback.
Ball allowed just 44.4% of passes thrown his way to be caught in the 2012 season. He did allow two touchdowns off 18 total targets, however. His most important aspect of his play may be his special teams play where he had 16 tackles in just 10 games.
Ball is a six year veteran originally drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round of the 2007 draft. He has good size (6’1″) and could fit well in Bradley’s scheme. He is a sure tackler and won’t let the player he is defending get past him easily. He has just 22 starts of 71 games played. He started all 16 games for the Cowboys in 2010 at free safety, resulting in two interceptions, four passes defended, allowed 63% of balls thrown his way to be caught, and two touchdowns got past him.
I don’t think he’ll be able to fight his way to starting immediately, but I would love to be proven wrong. I like the signing, especially with just Antwaun Molden and Kevin Rutland as the other guys who would be starting opposite Mike Harris at this point. I’m not expecting him to be a difference maker, but I do like Dave Caldwell filling holes on the roster.
– Luke N. Sims
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