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Editor's note: Our own Joe Goodberry has been kind enough to write his own scouting reports on some of the players that the Bengals may be interested in, players he likes in the positions the team needs and players that have been selected by them in mock drafts. We will be posting these periodically through the next few weeks. Enjoy.
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CB - S |
Alabama |
Height: 6'2" |
Weight: 186 lbs. |
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40-yard: 4.43 |
10-yard: 1.53 |
Vertical: 35" |
Broad Jump: 10'0" |
Arm Length: 30 5/8" |
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Strengths
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Weaknesses
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Great height for the CB position. Very physical player by nature; loves to lay the big hit and fights for every tackle. Very confident player; seems to amp himself up as the game goes on, especially if he's playing well. He's at his best when he can move forward and attack; Kirkpatrick looks very natural in zone where he can read the QB or watch the routes progress and make a big hit or defend a pass. Recognizes runs or screen passes extremely quick, very instinctive. Sound tackler; the best tackling DB I've seen in a long time. Very decisive player; if he sees it, he diagnoses quickly and is already moving towards the ball or player. |
Average athleticism mainly due to his height; can get leggy and doesn't move laterally as well, change of direction and quick explosion aren't his strengths, arms are short for his size, very thin frame, will let WRs get their hands on him and control him. Needs some technique refinement; gets off-balance at times and doesn't look comfortable in off-man, seems to lose the ball at times when running down-field and starts to grab for the WR. Questionable ball skills; doesn't posses great hands or ball tracking ability. Durability could be a concern due to his frame and physical style. |
|
Year |
Tackles |
TFL |
Sacks |
INT |
PD |
FF |
FR |
|
2009 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2010 |
53 |
4 |
0 |
3 |
10 |
1 |
0 |
|
2011 |
30 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
2 |
0 |
Final Analysis
Dre Kirkpatrick may be that new breed of defender that can not only cover the bigger receivers but cover the new-aged tight ends. He instantly brings a physical mentality and swagger to the defense. He's a player that I want on my team but I don't think he'll ever be a true shutdown - number one type. I think his best position in the NFL may be at safety where he can read and diagnose the play, then react and lay a hit. Maybe Kirkpatrick is that CB/S hybrid that NFL teams are looking for to play free safety. If he is an NFL safety, I think he shows every skill to be a Pro Bowl safety in a few years.
Player Comparison: Malcolm Jenkins (more for the position switch)
Draft Projection: 10-20
Video Analysis
The first two plays in this video show Kirkpatrick's ability in zone-coverage. He reads the QB and watches the play develop, then he flies up to make the hit/tackle. The 2nd play really shows what he'd look like as a safety.
The 3rd play (0:44) is another zone play but this time the WR knows he has to take Kirkpatrick out of the play. The Arkansas receiver pretty much does his job by taking Dre down and leaving the flats wide open for his RB. Kirkpatrick's thin frame didn't help him here.
1:12 - This is the first run play of the video. Watch how Kirkpatrick recognizes it very quickly and breaks off of an attempted block before making the tackle. He even kept contain and didn't allow the RB to get outside. Very sound play. At 1:17, you'll see almost the same thing again. Do not run, pitch or throw screens to Kirkpatrick's side. You'll see a few more zone plays coming up where Kirkpatrick makes a few nice hits/tackles.
2:32 - Here you can see Kirkpatrick doesn't look very comfortable in off-coverage and ends up giving up a TD. He never really locates the football and couldn't knock it away. The play was well-contested but an elite CB would've defended that pass.
Skills Breakdown (1-5)
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Size |
2 |
Great height - shorter arms - thin frame |
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Speed |
2 |
Ran well at the combine - faster than expected |
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Athleticism |
3 |
Not very agile or flexible - at best moving forward |
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Man Coverage |
3 |
Press man is solid - Off man is shaky |
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Zone Coverage |
1 |
If he can see it, he can defend it |
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Vs Run |
1 |
Tremendous tackler - diagnoses and reacts quickly |
|
Ball Skills |
4 |
Inconsistent hands - below average ball-awareness |
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Experience |
2 |
Only started 2 seasons - Played top competition in SEC |