Future of our cornerback position

[GreatDanish]

Kareem is having a solid year. It seems that he will have an opportunity to test the NFL draft waters a year early. For a second, assume that he makes the jump.
Our only returning cornerbacks on our 2010 team would be Dre Kirkpatrick and BJ Scott.
So who else plays CB next year?
The only two options I can see are:

1. Position change
We will have a solid 4-5 safeties capable of playing. Robby Green started his career as a corner - maybe he'll return there. Maybe a young WR or RB such as Kenny Bell or Demetrius Goode (since he's already tried CB once).

2. Incoming Freshmen
Demarcus Milliner is the obvious choice (for you recruiting gurus). We have some other options as well in the incoming class.

Any thoughts on what we will do next year at cornerback?

And, just in case someone calls me out... I'm not "fretting" or "finding something to worry about". Just curious what some of you think we might do to fill in a possible gaping hole.

 

[Sierra65]

DRE and PHELON

 

[BamaBeta]

DRE and PHELON

Bingo!

 

[deltatider]

I keep forgetting about Phelon. He could very well end up being a very nice pick up for our team.

 

[buzzincuzzin]

Green has the skill-set to play the #2 and#3 corner slots as well.

 

[bonehouse81]

Kareem is having a solid year. It seems that he will have an opportunity to test the NFL draft waters a year early. For a second, assume that he makes the jump.

Anyone hearing any draft chatter about Kareem? I haven't seen a lot of him this year, which means he's doing pretty well. I know his size is plenty good enough for the NFL. He looks faster than Javy, but I don't know that he'd crack 4.5 at the combine.

 

[cbi1972]

Anyone hearing any draft chatter about Kareem? I haven't seen a lot of him this year, which means he's doing pretty well. I know his size is plenty good enough for the NFL. He looks faster than Javy, but I don't know that he'd crack 4.5 at the combine.

Brandon Bolden ran him down on the INT.

 

[dayhiker]

Brandon Bolden ran him down on the INT.

So did Snead. Snead has some wheels.

 

[bamabryan]

Anyone hearing any draft chatter about Kareem? QUOTE]

It appears he will test the waters.

 

[ElephanTideis]

I suspect any open corner spot to be Phelon Jones's to lose.

 

[tide37]

I think we are looking at JC cornerback DeQuan Minzie. My son plays with him in JC. He is looking fantastic. No one dares throw his way. He is also very explosive with ball in hand. Scored on punt returns and fake punt this year.

 

[TheCrimsonLiver]

So did Snead. Snead has some wheels.

I think Bolden wouldn't have been in on the play if Javy hadn't pushed him in Kareem's direction. Snead surpised me though. I think he was running with the fear of God in him.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

As I've posted before, KJ sees his situation as similar to Coffee's last year. The corner position is about to get crowded. Green will probably be going back to corner. KJ has been practicing some at safety, which he doesn't see as his future (nor do I). I think it makes good sense for him to evaluate his draft forecast, at least...

 

[imraged]

Kareem's having an outstanding year and I'm surprised he hasn't gotten more credit amongst the fans and the media. His name is rarely called during the game and when it is it's because he had or almost had an interception or came up to make a play in run support. QBs barely throw in his direction and when they do there's very little room for error on the throw.

Depending on how he does at the combine, I think he goes no lower than round 3, and if he blows everyone away, I could see him going as high as late first.

 

[Bamafan P.T.]

As I've posted before, KJ sees his situation as similar to Coffee's last year. The corner position is about to get crowded. Green will probably be going back to corner. KJ has been practicing some at safety, which he doesn't see as his future (nor do I). I think it makes good sense for him to evaluate his draft forecast, at least...

Help me understand that one.... we would be looking at Kareem moving from CB to safety and Green moving from safety to CB?

 

[buzzincuzzin]

When Green is on the field we don't know if he's playing corner or safety until the play develops. I've seen him end up with what usually is a LB assignment. If I thought I was a real deal DB, this is the scheme I'd want to play.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

Help me understand that one.... we would be looking at Kareem moving from CB to safety and Green moving from safety to CB?

I don´t understand it either. However, KJ has been practicing some at safety, and I understand he thinks corner will get crowded. I don´t really think either Green or KJ make true safeties. It´ll all develop in time...

 

[GrandBayTider]

A backfield of Dre and Phelon at CB would present a physical presence on the edge. I think Green and Scott also are excellent options with plenty of athleticism. Baron would appear to have one of the Safety positions locked down. Who fills the other one? Lester, Woodson? A lot of different options and pieces but however they are put togather it seems like it should be a heck of a defensive backfield! :BigA:

 

[JD Bulloch]

I know this thread is about the future of our cb's, but I would like to comment on how impressed I am with KJ this year. Several have been unimpressed with KJ's play especially in the SECCG last year. But I think CB is the most difficult position to learn and play in football. Every mistake you make is magnified beyond any other position other than qb. I believe that KJ is a corner along the lines of Fernando Bryant or even Deshea Townsend. You really don't notice him, but at that position it is a good thing. After all he started for CNS as a freshman, something Alonzo Lawerence or Dre Kirkpatrick hasn't been able to do. I have always thought KJ was an excellent CB.

 

[bonehouse81]

Help me understand that one.... we would be looking at Kareem moving from CB to safety and Green moving from safety to CB?

I don´t understand it either. However, KJ has been practicing some at safety, and I understand he thinks corner will get crowded. I don´t really think either Green or KJ make true safeties. It´ll all develop in time...

That *is* kind of puzzling. Like I said, I've hardly noticed Kareem at all this year. He's not even being thrown at very much.

I could see how he sees his situation as similar to Coffee's, but I wouldn't think he's got as much to worry about.

With Coffee, he was splitting a lot of carries with a freshman who was obviously more talented than him, with a signee on the way who also is more talented (Trent) at a position that's relatively easy for freshmen to play.

With Kareem, he's a three-year starter, playing at a high level at a position that's very difficult for freshmen to play. Dre and B.J. are better athletes than Kareem, but with Javy and Marquis Johnson leaving after this year, I find it hard to believe he'd be so nervous about others stealing his playing time.