Felger & Mazz Big Board 2020: Cornerbacks for the Patriots in the NFL Draft
The Felger & Mazz Big Board continues with an expanded edition for the 2020 NFL Draft. Listen below to hear whose name they hit with markers in a draft magazine, this time at the cornerback position.
Mike & Tony are expanding the Big Board for 2020, breaking down positions like they’ve never done before. The Patriots have 12 draft picks and the guys are taking more shots than ever at predicting future Patriots. Considering the Big Board’s track record, it would be unwise to bet that at least one of the picks doesn’t call himself a Patriot at the 2020 NFL Draft on April 23-25.
They’ve already dove into the defense with their picks at defensive end, defensive tackle, and both inside and outside linebacker. Now it’s time to look at the secondary, where the Patriots are stacked right now but may have some long-term uncertainty. Here’s who the Big Board hit.
A.J. Terrell, Clemson
![NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 13: A.J. Terrell #8 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates against the LSU Tigers in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)](https://985thesportshub.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/88/2020/04/AJ-Terrell-copy.jpg)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 13: A.J. Terrell #8 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates against the LSU Tigers in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
From NFL.com: “Long, press-man cornerback with thin lowers, but good overall size. Terrell has the foot agility and patience to pedal and mirror the release or jab and ride on it aggressively. He’s an above-average athlete with quick burst to close out space in tight quarters, but he’s not a classic click-and-close talent from off-man and issues with balance prevent sudden stops to shadow at the top of the route. The size and ability to hound 50/50 balls deserve recognition, but he lacks ballhawking traits, which could cap him as an average future starter.”
ANALYSIS
Felger: “I don’t know, I think I’d rather have a wild, rabid cat than a point guard. What do you need a ‘point guard’ at corner for?”
Mazz: “If they take a corner [in the first two rounds] I’m gonna be pissed.”
Amik Robertson, Louisiana Tech
![Sep 9, 2017; Ruston, LA, USA; Louisiana Tech Bulldogs cornerback Amik Robertson (21) celebrates after a interception during the first half against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Joe Aillet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports](https://985thesportshub.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/88/2020/04/Amik-Robertson-copy.jpg)
Sep 9, 2017; Ruston, LA, USA; Louisiana Tech Bulldogs cornerback Amik Robertson (21) celebrates after a interception during the first half against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Joe Aillet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
From NFL.com: “Smallish, outside corner with tremendous intensity, swagger and toughness. Needs to handle the athletic challenges as a slot corner in the NFL. He gives rough rides to receivers trying to get away from his press before following it with route recognition and footwork to continue hounding his man. Physicality overtakes technique at times and he could struggle to mirror the release of savvy NFL slot receivers. The instincts and ball skills are rare and should translate to this level of competition in zone and man as long as he can shadow routes. Teams may worry about his size, but run support will not be a concern and Robertson could become a starting nickel as a Day 3 selection.”
ANALYSIS
Felger: “First line [in the magazine]: ‘sawed-off frame’ … he’s just sawed in half.”
Mazz: “What’s he gonna do, cover [Bob] Socci?”
Lavert Hill, Michigan
![ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 13: Lavert Hill #24 of the Michigan Wolverines intercepts a second half pass and returns is for a touchdown while playing the Wisconsin Badgers on October 13, 2018 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)](https://985thesportshub.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/88/2020/04/Lavert-Hill-copy.jpg)
ANN ARBOR, MI – OCTOBER 13: Lavert Hill #24 of the Michigan Wolverines intercepts a second half pass and returns is for a touchdown while playing the Wisconsin Badgers on October 13, 2018 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
From NFL.com: “Undersized press corner with good instincts, ball skills and coverage strength, but a concerning lack of long speed. Hill’s body control and short area quickness put him in position to make plays on the football, but when forced to cover downfield, he begins to grab and pull to prevent big plays against him. He’s too small to stay outside but his strength could help balance out average suddenness against shifty slots. The discipline and awareness are present to play short zone, but run support might be an issue if teams come at him from 11 personnel. Projecting a successful move inside is challenging so he gets a backup “prove it” grade until the challenge is met.”
ANALYSIS
Felger: “Oh this is unfortunate: ‘He’s an uncomfortable mover.'”
Mazz: “We’re drafting the smallest, suckiest football team ever this year.”
LISTEN: Felger & Mazz Big Board 2020 – Cornerbacks in the NFL Draft
BIG BOARD 2020: Guard | Center | Tackle | Defensive Tackle | Defensive End | Inside Linebacker | Outside Linebacker
The Felger & Mazz Big Board continues Thursday, April 16.