The 2011 NFL Combine wrapped up by sewing even more confusion into the first overall pick conversation thanks to LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson's amazing workout. Not only did it shut down any talk of him moving to safety, it also made him look he could be first corner drafted on top in long time. That doesn't really matter for the St. Louis Rams, picking 14th in the draft. In fact, a first round defensive back probably isn't a realistic option, but that doesn't mean they be looking for help in the secondary. Billy Devaney has stated as much.
A round up of some among the defensive backs yesterday.
CBS' Rob Rang puts S Robert Sands among his winners, saying he could easily be a top 75 pick. Rang also tosses out a small school name to keep an eye on: Appalachian State S Mark Legree. Here's what he said:
I've long been a fan of his instincts and ball-skills and love that he proved his athleticism against the so-called elite competition. I'm not going to say I expected him to turn in the second fastest time in the 40-yard dash of any safety at the Combine, but I have been very much of a fan of his for a while now
Texas CB Curtis Brown has been ticketed for the second round by most draft watchers. Doug Farrar at Yahoo Sports points to Brown's excellent outing at the Combine, notably his 39.5" vertical jump to match real playing agility, and says expect his stock to rise. A safety of note, according to Farrar, was Chris Culliver from South Carolina, who could be a late round pick, or move up into the middle rounds in a weak group of safeties.