STRENGTHS
Derek has the size, length, and outstanding athleticism, to be a franchise shut-down cornerback for the team that selects him. He is a quick-twitch athlete, who shows excellent hands to make the interception. He has a smooth gate and stride and that along with his excellent hands makes him the type of player who could be used on both sides of the ball on offense as a receiver, and on defense as a Defensive Back. Derek can be used on special teams to return punts because of his sure hands and ability to make players miss in the open field. He does an excellent job reading the receiver and knowing when to turn to make the interception or to strip the ball at the last moment. He might be one of the best corners coming out at the college level at reading receivers. As I stated before, Derek has the potential to be a franchise shut-down cover corner.
CONCERNS
Derek has all the potential in the world but he hasn’t played that much at the college level because of injuries and will have to prove in workouts that he is healthy. Derek will also have to answer questions and convince teams that he has the mental toughness needed to play a 17-game schedule. Dereck will also have to become a more consistent tackler and use better form to secure his tackles or players will gain a lot of yards after the catch against him.
BOTTOM LINE 1.41
When I first saw Derek play for LSU he made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. I had never seen a smoother, more athletic player at the cornerback position since Deon Sanders. Derek has the potential to be better than Deon but can you trust him to be better…that is the million-dollar question. It’s reported that he had foot surgery and then re-injured that foot the next year and that’s why he did not get back on the field after the injury. So, medicals will have to show that this foot injury will not be a chronic problem if a team wants to select Derek in the top 10 as has been projected. In his first year Derek recorded 38 tackles, 21 passes defended, and 6 interceptions. That is impressive no doubt. If Derek in his workouts, and medicals, can convince teams that he is healthy and has the mental toughness needed to be that productive at the next level, then there is no doubt in my mind that he can become one of the first picks in this draft. Nevertheless, be aware of the politics of the draft and how teams will try to deceive other teams into not selecting Derek early in this draft. It happens every year. My advice Derek, show up at the Senior Bowl just for the interviews and to network with all the teams. It will do you good.
