Scouting Report:: The more I watch Haden the more I love his game. He's got great size. Keep in mind I have never been a big fan of corners over 6' tall so for Haden at 5'10" that's just right. He's got a strong physical build and long arms. In terms of a skill set Haden is the top CB in this draft, and no.2 whoever you want to plug in, is a distant 2nd. Haden excels in Man coverage. he can maintain his backpedal, hips stay low, and has great instincts. And like most Florida players, he's a superb athlete with impressive closing speed and fantastic ball skills. But perhaps the most impressive thing about Haden is just how physical he is. He's physical in coverage, he's nasty in the run game, he's an excellent blitzer and a rock solid tackler. If he has a shortcoming, it's his ability to play zone. He has a tendency to get pulled off in zone, losing his assignment. But really this is nitpicking. Haden is a great player and seems to get better week after week.
Draft Status: Great cover corners, especially ones who can defend the run, tackle and with great ball skills are rare in every draft, but especially so in this one. I suspect if he declares(and why wouldn't he?) he's the first CB off the board, and when you consider the drop in talent after him, he'll end up in the top 15, and the next corner not until the end of the round.
Final Analysis: I entered the season with a list of 4 corners I expected to have as first round grades. Haden wasn't one of them, and that's my bad. Haden is a superb athlete, and a great football player. There's very little he needs to improve in his game, other than possibly play recognition and his assignments in a zone defense. Of course his physical style of coverage will probably cost him a flag or two early but the number of big plays he will make will far outnumber those.
Reminds me of: Terrance McGee, CB Buffalo Bills-Both with short stout frames, and are super physical in coverage and in run support.and is an even better blitzer. Haden has a chance to be a special player in this league, just like McGee is.
Red Flags:
Scouting Report written by Curt popejoy |
