Jaguar Scout – Combine Notes / CB

Jaguar Scout – Combine Notes / CB – highest rated CB Justin Gilbert. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

What is Jaguar Scout – Combine Notes / LB, you are asking? I digested the entire 2014 NFL combine. I mean every minute. My poor DVR almost gave out! After watching all of the coverage, I’m getting antsy for May. I sat with a notepad & took shorthand notes. I had the benefit of replay. I was also watching exclusively with the Jaguars’ needs in mind. There will be some evaluations of established players. Ones I liked and some that disappointed. I also project those who moved up my board, those who got on my board because they impressed me, and players I’m projecting as potential undrafted free agents (UFA) that the Jags should invite if available. I have already let you know about the offensive players (QBs, RBs, WR, TE, & OL). On defense, I’ve talked of DE, DT, & LB.  It’s time to talk CBs. All projections come from CBSSportsline…Thank you!!!

• Justin Gilbert (6-0, 202 lbs) – Wow…What an athlete! Fastest CB at the combine. Caught just about everything thrown in his zone. Fluid hips and quick when needed bursts. If CB was a pressing issue for the Jags, I would at least have to consider him at number three. At his height and weight, he is a prototype of what Coach Bradley covets at the CB position. He’s also one of the best kick returners.
• Jason Verrett (5-10, 189 lbs) – Wow…Another one! 2nd fastest 40 time. Also caught all the throws. Made it look easy. A little small for the system, but makes up for it with natural athletic ability. Coaches at TCU have contended he is a great team player and very coachable. He appeared to be the player who turned the most heads.
• Louchiez Purifoy (6-0, 190 lbs) – One of those players who got hurt by the combine. Seemed to turtle when the spotlight was on him. Ran slower than expected. Dropped a lot of passes he should have caught easily. He doesn’t look ready to me.
• Pierre Desir (6-1, 198 lbs) – This was a player I was paying particular attention to. One of the taller CBs in the draft, I wanted to see if he was a real CB or someone who will be converted to safety because of his size. He won’t be the best CB coming in but he is far from the worst. At 4.59, he clocked one of the slower 40 times, which is concerning. But he showed good foot skills, great hands, and is said to be a sure tackler.

Potential undrafted free agent LBs the Jags should consider:

• Walt Aikens (6-1, 203 lbs) – Another good CB from a small college. Great height & weight. Didn’t come to the combine, but clocked a 4.49 at his personal workout. That would put him in the top 20 speedwise. I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about him so he may be taken in the 6th or 7th.
• Lavelle Westbrooks (6-0, 186 lbs) – A 4yr starter at Georgia Southern. Has 7 INTs in his career. Nice height but could afford to put on a few pounds. Nice project that could pay dividends down the road.
• Travis Carrie  (6-0, 206 lbs) – Good athlete. Good CB but an even better punt returner. Carried the best punt return yardage average in the MAC conference, but still managed to post 4 INTs including 2 returned for TDs.

There is a lot of speed in this year’s class and many more of the 6ft plus CBs that are becoming more and more popular. There will be a few very good players that come from this class. Just hope that you find the right one. See you next time when we finish up with Safeties.

Looking for the next Rashean Mathis…Michael McDonald

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