Aaron Colvin: 3 questions for 2015

Jun 16, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Kasey Closs (3) catches a pass over cornerback Aaron Colvin (22) during minicamp at the Florida Blue Health and Wellness Practice Fields. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

2) Can Aaron Colvin limit catches in his coverage?

As addressed in the previous question, Aaron Colvin has allowed a rather astounding 87% of passes thrown his way to be caught. To give you some perspective, among cornerbacks with at least 100 defensive snaps last season, Colvin allowed the second-highest percentage of balls thrown his way to be caught according to Pro Football Focus. If measured among cornerbacks with at least 200 snaps, he’d be number one.

Obviously, Colvin needs to improve in his coverage. How he gets there will matter a lot toward his future development and place with the Jaguars.

Working with the jugs machine is important, of course, and we may not really know what Colvin’s coverage turns out to be until we see him on the football field. Watching closely will be important during the preseason as those in-game moments may be what separates Colvin from the guys beneath him on the depth chart.

It’s clear that Colvin is there when the ball is being thrown and being caught, having one of the better tackling efficiency measurements by PFF and a moderately low yards after the catch allowed, but he has to keep the receiver from making those catches.

In fairness, some of the catches Colvin allowed, like in the first game against the Houston Texans in 2014 when he allowed both passes directed his way to be caught, the receiver was well behind the line of scrimmage and simply needed to be restricted from progressing the ball. Not every pass is like that, but it is worth noting that it can happen on occasion. His yards per cover snap are among the lowest for those performing in the slot.

I’m impressed by Colvin’s ability to get physical with receivers. I’m impressed by Colvin’s ability to make big plays. I’m not impressed by his inability to stop receivers from catching the ball. It’s certainly something to work on.

Next: Can Colvin play inside and out?