Chimdi Chekwa of Ohio State ~ 5.11/190
"Possesses good overall size and athletic ability for the position and has the type of second gear to make up for a high transition vertically. Gets a bit upright and leggy out of his turn and will lose a step, but displays above-average fluidity when asked to turn and run.
Does a decent job initially sitting into his stance and keeping his feet under him when asked to sit into his back-pedal. However, isn't real comfortable or balanced in his drop, seems to almost be moving too fast for his own good, doesn't trust himself completely and has a tendency to open up his hips prematurely.
Gets too high out of his breaks and allows receivers to generate significant separation as he is slow to regain his footing and close on the football. Looks a lot more natural in the trail technique, where he can use his natural athleticism to simply try to mirror underneath.
Can be physical off the line when asked to press, but is inconsistent Will get overextended at times and lose balance into contact, but when he gets his hands on you he can consistently re-route.
Improved his overall ball awareness down the field as a senior and did a much better job making plays on the football in all areas of the game. Doesn't tackle as well as his frame would indicate either and isn't overly willing to play the run game.
Impression: Will get overdrafted because of his size/speed numbers. Improved his overall feel for the game as a senior and can certainly run and make up for a false step, but is still raw in most areas of the game."
Does a decent job initially sitting into his stance and keeping his feet under him when asked to sit into his back-pedal. However, isn't real comfortable or balanced in his drop, seems to almost be moving too fast for his own good, doesn't trust himself completely and has a tendency to open up his hips prematurely.
Gets too high out of his breaks and allows receivers to generate significant separation as he is slow to regain his footing and close on the football. Looks a lot more natural in the trail technique, where he can use his natural athleticism to simply try to mirror underneath.
Can be physical off the line when asked to press, but is inconsistent Will get overextended at times and lose balance into contact, but when he gets his hands on you he can consistently re-route.
Improved his overall ball awareness down the field as a senior and did a much better job making plays on the football in all areas of the game. Doesn't tackle as well as his frame would indicate either and isn't overly willing to play the run game.
Impression: Will get overdrafted because of his size/speed numbers. Improved his overall feel for the game as a senior and can certainly run and make up for a false step, but is still raw in most areas of the game."
"Read & React: Reads the quarterback's eyes and reacts quickly to the ball in the air. Often involved in plays after coming off his man because he's looking into the backfield, but will also get beat when falling for pump fakes and double moves because of his aggressiveness.
Man Coverage: Has quick feet and fluid hips to stay with most receiver throughout most routes. Smooth, quick pedal when not in press-bail, patient waiting for his man to make the first move off the line before committing. Maintains contact down the sideline, but needs to find the ball in the air more consistently. Needs to know where his help comes from, gets in trouble playing inside position and getting beat outside. Will give up strength to many NFL receivers, who will shield him with their bodies on slant patterns and go through him on jump balls (though his vertical gives him a chance to break up those passes). Plays well off the line and in press-bail. Will mix it up just inside the five yard mark, but does not usually get his hands on his man at the line of scrimmage, backpedaling or bailing per the team's scheme.
Zone Coverage: Could excel as a zone corner because of his toughness, change of direction ability and quickness to the ball. Reads routes and the eyes of the quarterback very well, comes off his man to pick up underneath out route and makes a play on the ball. Able to bring back receivers quickly after the catch. Transitions well from his low, quick pedal to plant and drive. Able to knock away passes in front of the receiver or as the ball is being caught because of his length and closing speed. He must prove discipline to stay in his zone until the ball is away, or else quarterbacks and receivers will take advantage of the vacated area.
Closing/Recovery: Excellent closing speed to make tackles or get to the receiver while the ball is in the air. Plants and drives quickly after recognizing stop or slant routes when playing off the receiver. Adept at reaching in front of receivers to knock away passes without interfering-though he will commit that penalty when not looking around for the ball fast enough. Recovers well if receiver gets inside position down the field, using his speed to get back to the play, but is at times a step late to get back to deep balls if biting on double move. Must work on his hands for the interception.
Run Support: Should be capable of chopping down running backs at the next level, but won't be a superstar in this part of his game. Gives good effort to release himself from receiver blocks but is more effective using his speed and instincts to beat them. Comes on run blitzes off the edge; forces plays inside but needs to work on defeating fullback blocks with his hands to be a factor in the tackle.
Tackling: Is not a physically imposing cornerback, but has the length and tenacity to wrap and drag down most receivers after the catch. Effective cut tackler against the run when he keeps his head up; will escort backs out of bounds as well. Lays a shoulder into receivers after the catch if playing off. Can be easily eluded in space after trying to break down, however, looks a bit clumsy at times approaching ballcarriers in the open field. Lack of strength and bulk may cause him issues bringing down larger NFL receivers on the outside.
Intangibles: Tough, durable player. Has the confidence to come back and make a good play after giving up a touchdown. Missed start with a left shoulder injury in October 2008, still played in the game."
Man Coverage: Has quick feet and fluid hips to stay with most receiver throughout most routes. Smooth, quick pedal when not in press-bail, patient waiting for his man to make the first move off the line before committing. Maintains contact down the sideline, but needs to find the ball in the air more consistently. Needs to know where his help comes from, gets in trouble playing inside position and getting beat outside. Will give up strength to many NFL receivers, who will shield him with their bodies on slant patterns and go through him on jump balls (though his vertical gives him a chance to break up those passes). Plays well off the line and in press-bail. Will mix it up just inside the five yard mark, but does not usually get his hands on his man at the line of scrimmage, backpedaling or bailing per the team's scheme.
Zone Coverage: Could excel as a zone corner because of his toughness, change of direction ability and quickness to the ball. Reads routes and the eyes of the quarterback very well, comes off his man to pick up underneath out route and makes a play on the ball. Able to bring back receivers quickly after the catch. Transitions well from his low, quick pedal to plant and drive. Able to knock away passes in front of the receiver or as the ball is being caught because of his length and closing speed. He must prove discipline to stay in his zone until the ball is away, or else quarterbacks and receivers will take advantage of the vacated area.
Closing/Recovery: Excellent closing speed to make tackles or get to the receiver while the ball is in the air. Plants and drives quickly after recognizing stop or slant routes when playing off the receiver. Adept at reaching in front of receivers to knock away passes without interfering-though he will commit that penalty when not looking around for the ball fast enough. Recovers well if receiver gets inside position down the field, using his speed to get back to the play, but is at times a step late to get back to deep balls if biting on double move. Must work on his hands for the interception.
Run Support: Should be capable of chopping down running backs at the next level, but won't be a superstar in this part of his game. Gives good effort to release himself from receiver blocks but is more effective using his speed and instincts to beat them. Comes on run blitzes off the edge; forces plays inside but needs to work on defeating fullback blocks with his hands to be a factor in the tackle.
Tackling: Is not a physically imposing cornerback, but has the length and tenacity to wrap and drag down most receivers after the catch. Effective cut tackler against the run when he keeps his head up; will escort backs out of bounds as well. Lays a shoulder into receivers after the catch if playing off. Can be easily eluded in space after trying to break down, however, looks a bit clumsy at times approaching ballcarriers in the open field. Lack of strength and bulk may cause him issues bringing down larger NFL receivers on the outside.
Intangibles: Tough, durable player. Has the confidence to come back and make a good play after giving up a touchdown. Missed start with a left shoulder injury in October 2008, still played in the game."
"Bio: Three-year starter awarded all-Conference honors as a senior when he put up 42/3/9. Junior numbers included 43 tackles with seven pass breakups. Part of the 2009 Big Ten championship 4x100 meter relay team.
Positive: Athletic college cornerback with the physical skills necessary to start in the NFL. Quick flipping his hips off the line, mixes it up with receivers throughout routes, and displays a burst of speed bearing down on the play. Easily runs with opponents anywhere on the field, works hard to break up throws, and is a solid open-field tackler. Voluntarily comes up the field to defend running plays and screens and throws his body around the action.
Negative: Bites on play-action passes, gets caught out of position, and is late reacting to the action. Does not do a good job positioning himself against opponents to make a play on the ball. Looks confused at times and misses assignments.
Analysis: Chekwa has shown flashes of shutdown ability since his sophomore campaign yet never really put together a complete game. To this point he still remains a better athlete than football player, but his athleticism coupled with a flashes of talent shown in the past make him enticing prospect."
Positive: Athletic college cornerback with the physical skills necessary to start in the NFL. Quick flipping his hips off the line, mixes it up with receivers throughout routes, and displays a burst of speed bearing down on the play. Easily runs with opponents anywhere on the field, works hard to break up throws, and is a solid open-field tackler. Voluntarily comes up the field to defend running plays and screens and throws his body around the action.
Negative: Bites on play-action passes, gets caught out of position, and is late reacting to the action. Does not do a good job positioning himself against opponents to make a play on the ball. Looks confused at times and misses assignments.
Analysis: Chekwa has shown flashes of shutdown ability since his sophomore campaign yet never really put together a complete game. To this point he still remains a better athlete than football player, but his athleticism coupled with a flashes of talent shown in the past make him enticing prospect."
"Positives: Has a good frame for the position, height is a little above average... Has good physicality and is a solid tackler with good wrapping abilities... Has adequate speed to play the position... Has solid leaping ability, can content with taller receivers in jump-ball situations... Plays above-average zone coverage, does a good job reading quarterbacks and jumping short routes, best at making plays on receivers on underneath routes... Is pretty quick to locate the ball in the air and make a play on it, does not drop a lot of sure picks... Has a good amount of physicality, is not afraid to take on blockers or help in the running game.
Negatives: Keeps his eyes in the backfield a little too long at times to key in on plays, can get beaten on the first step... Instincts are below average, takes too long to recognize routes... Inconsistency may drive some teams crazy, can disappear at times... Hips are a little quicker than feet, can be a little slow to change directions... Not really a big playmaker, is more likely to be recognized breaking up passes with his body than for making big interceptions... Gets a little too high in the backpedal, is best suited playing away from defenders at the snap... Battled some minor injuries throughout his career, durability may be a slight concern. "
Negatives: Keeps his eyes in the backfield a little too long at times to key in on plays, can get beaten on the first step... Instincts are below average, takes too long to recognize routes... Inconsistency may drive some teams crazy, can disappear at times... Hips are a little quicker than feet, can be a little slow to change directions... Not really a big playmaker, is more likely to be recognized breaking up passes with his body than for making big interceptions... Gets a little too high in the backpedal, is best suited playing away from defenders at the snap... Battled some minor injuries throughout his career, durability may be a slight concern. "
Tool Box's Matt De Lima on Chimdi Chekwa:
"Chekwa enters his senior season as the veteran presence in the defensive secondary on a very talented Ohio State team. 2010 marks his third year as a starting cornerback. A quick, speedy player who plays with his eyes in the backfield and a great ability to read the quarterback's eyes. Can make plays on his half of the field. Is at his best in off-man coverage or in a zone where he can use his ability.
A little undersized, but plays physical. Lacking strength and will have trouble playing press man coverage against larger, taller receivers. Very good at diagnosing plays, but will struggle if he gets turned around with his back to the quarterback. Average ability to locate and deflect throws. Plays with fluid motion and loose hips and is a very natural runner.
The key for Chekwa from now until the draft is to add as much weight to his frame as he can while maintaining his speed. Ohio State always has cornerbacks who are held in high regard and they are known for being intelligent football players. Must prove to NFL scouts that he is not just a track guy. Will slip down draft boards because he does not play physical and lacks quality tackling prowess.
Chekwa projects as a 4th to 5th round pick."
A little undersized, but plays physical. Lacking strength and will have trouble playing press man coverage against larger, taller receivers. Very good at diagnosing plays, but will struggle if he gets turned around with his back to the quarterback. Average ability to locate and deflect throws. Plays with fluid motion and loose hips and is a very natural runner.
The key for Chekwa from now until the draft is to add as much weight to his frame as he can while maintaining his speed. Ohio State always has cornerbacks who are held in high regard and they are known for being intelligent football players. Must prove to NFL scouts that he is not just a track guy. Will slip down draft boards because he does not play physical and lacks quality tackling prowess.
Chekwa projects as a 4th to 5th round pick."
Fanatical FootBall Fiend on Chimdi Chekwa
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SELL.
As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
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