Lacks physicality when asked to press, displays poor technique often shooting the wrong hand and wide outs easily are able to shrug off his bump and get into their route. Is much more effective sitting into his stance, mirroring off the line and playing press bail.
Possesses natural fluidity when asked to turn and run and slightly above-average straight-line speed. Demonstrates a good feel playing receivers down the field. Does a nice job leaning into their frame and cutting down on the passing angle, but needs to do a better job looking back for the football.
Seems most comfortable in zone, deciphers information quickly, is clean with his footwork when asked to re-direct and displays plus ball skills when asked to make a play on the throw. Keeps his feet under him for the most part and besides being a bit fidgety initially in his drop, feels routes around him and can break off his man and go get the throw.
In off man coverage displays a good feel as well, however, doesn't do a great job sitting into his backpedal. Will get doubled over at the waist and will pop upright when asked to turn and run. Gives up initial separation vertically down the field and doesn't have the straight-line speed to make up for a false step.
Is willing to stick his head in and tackle in the run game. More of a cut guy only. He will breakdown on contact, but gets too high into ball carriers and can be shrugged off easily. Lacks the strength to anchor on the outside consistently and set the edge, is easy to seal because of size.
However, has been very productive, led the Big Ten in passes defended in 2010.
Impression: An undersized zone corner who plays the ball well and has some natural cover skills. Is limited in what he can offer an NFL defense, as he'll need to play inside in order to be effective. But if he runs well he should give himself a shot to compete for a reserve type role."
Tends to get overmatched physically in man coverage and lacks prototype recovery speed; better in zone where he reads the play well and has a decent break on the ball, but footwork can be inconsistent."