STRENGTHS
Lonnie has all the traits teams are looking for in Defensive Backs. He has the size and length and good overall speed to be an outstanding defensive back who could play more than one position on defense. He is listed at 6’2” at 213lbs and has the athletic talent to play safety or corner back. He was timed at the combine 4.52 in the forty and his skill drills were all excellent and worthy of playing either position. Looking at his film I see his potential athletically to be considered one of the top Defensive Backs in this draft and worthy just on a size/speed ratio to be considered as a 1st round selection. Nevertheless, I believe it takes more than the near perfect athletic talent to play in the NFL.
CONCERNS
There are a lot of little things Lonnie is lacking in his overall play that add up to some big question marks. The biggest is his lack of consistent tackling. He lays the wood, big time on “unsuspecting” players in front of him catching the ball but struggles to tackle running backs in the open field, running right at him. His ability in single coverages is all based on his athletic talent and not using consistent techniques and this allows him to get beat deep, struggle changing directions when he tries to mirror his opponent. Good receivers blow right by him and set him up because he lacks the football IQ to understand the big picture. This sends a signal to me that his mental work ethic does not match his physical work ethic.
TALENT BOARD ROUND 4.00
It comes down to this, just because you look the part and try out for the part doesn’t mean you get the part. Does Lonnie want to learn to be better or, because of his athletic talent and his workout numbers does he think he’s good enough right now? Does he accept coaching and does he take what he learns in practice on to the field. Where are his leadership skills? When I profile a player, I try to relate to you how his play on the field will show me the talent and character traits that will make him successful at the next level. I believe that in most cases HOW a player plays will show his talent AND character. In a lot of cases I think it shows better a player’s character on film then in interviews, and interviews should just confirm the character of a player that you see on the film. It’s that old proverb…actions speak louder than words. I’m not suggesting this is fool proof method, by any means. I’m just saying for me, not being on the inside, that’s how I do what I do. Lonnie’s style of play does not match his talent but it does suggest his character. For purposes of this draft and with the information I have, I would struggle selecting him as early as his workout numbers and overall athletic talents suggest he should be drafted. I will admit this about my process in profiling, I don’t miss often, but when I do I miss “big time” and who knows maybe this is one of those big times but I don’t think so.
