STRENGTHS
Damon has the size, strength, athletic talent and tackling skills to play more than one position in your defensive backfield. He is smart and can be used in both single man coverage or any zone scheme. Damon is a physical defensive back who thrives in the red zone against those big receivers. He has the athletic talent and high football IQ to play up, near the line of scrimmage or in the slot or as a deep safety. He does a good job reading receivers and using the sidelines to outmaneuver receivers to that ball. He has good enough hands to intercept the ball and the vision on run it back all the way, eluding tacklers on the way. This kid is a secrete weapon for your defense and the smart team that selects him and uses all of his talents correctly will benefit greatly.
CONCERNS
Damon may not be the best “pure” corner in this draft but he will be one of the most valuable Defensive Backs. He lacks the makeup speed when he gets beat but, he very rarely allows himself to get beat. Right now, he is more of a “union” Cornerback. He just wants to do his job, mind his own business and be left alone, at least that’s how he plays on the field. Damon acts like the child who never gets the credit he deserves and although it has not affected his play it has affected his leadership ability and stunted his growth to be efficient at other positions.
BOTTOM LINE 1.47
Now let’s get it straight, Damon has more talent than he is showing and that is purely an opinion, based on conjecture and film study and nothing else. I think Damon has the skills and talent to play more than one position and is not showing it because he feels slighted by the attention of others on the team. Again, this is all conjecture, based on film study and body language and nothing else. I could be wrong but, I think Damon is the best Defensive Back on this team because he can play more than one position. He may not be the best pure corner or the best athlete, but he is better overall because he is smart and understands HOW to play the cornerback position. He may not have the upside that others have on this team but he does have the skills for longevity because he has the size, tackling skills and high football IQ along with solid athletic talent. Remember what I always say, it takes more than talent to play in the NFL. In most cases, I will rate players who can play multiple positions higher than most others because I know that when a coach is fired a new system comes in and if your talent, doesn’t measure up to that new system than you will be cut or traded. If you can play more than one position than in most cases you can play in more than one style or system and that means you are more valuable. Remember, Value trumps Talent when it comes to the draft. We are not drafting Olympic Athletes and track stars, we are selecting football players and Damon is a football player and should be a dam good one.
