WKU Cornerback Derrius Brooks Headed To The Cincinnati Bengals

According to Jeremy Brown on ESPN radio 1450 at Western Kentucky University, the Cincinnati Bengals signed WKU cornerback Derrius Brooks. During his final season as a Hilltopper, Brooks, who earned a spot on the All-Sun Belt Second-Team, generated four interceptions and nine passes defensed. He ran a 4.29 and 4.35 during during two attempts during his Pro Day on March 8, 2012. Brooks was listed as the 57th-best cornerback prospect heading into the 2012 NFL draft.

The scouting report on Brooks, via National Football Post, writes:

He's a shade under 5-10, but showcases natural quickness, fluidity and feel when asked to play in both off man and press concepts. The biggest knock on him is that he isn't the biggest of kids. Nevertheless, he has some natural balance to his game when asked to turn and run, and certainly warrants a spot in a training camp as a potential nickel/dime guy. However, he needs to do a better job as a tackler and get a bit more physical if he hopes to make an NFL roster because he's going to need to be a presence on special teams.

Impression: Displays some natural coverage ability and if he runs as fast as many think at his pro day (sub 4.4) he's going to give himself a chance at getting drafted.

Pro Football Weekly write:

Positives:

Very long arms. Intriguing workout numbers — 40-yard dash, vertical leap (38 inches), broad jump (10 feet, 5 inches) and short shuttle (6.61 seconds) all would have placed in the top five among cornerbacks at the Combine. Has ball skills and good hands to intercept (former receiver) — seven interceptions in just 12 career starts. Nice balance and short-area quickness. Can flip his hips and run vertical. Shows recovery speed. Has special-teams experience, including as a "gunner" and jammer.

Negatives:

Lacks ideal height. Needs to get significantly stronger. Inexperienced and unpolished — needs to be coached up. Poor jam technique and struggles to reroute. Positional instincts are raw — eyes get stuck in the backfield and does not have a feel for receiver body language or route combinations. Soft in run support — gets sealed on the edge and blocked clear off the field at times. Underpowered, grab-and-drag tackler.

Summary:

Short, long-armed, raw, converted receiver and finesse man-cover corner with outstanding timed speed and moldable physical tools to contribute in sub-packages and on special teams. Developmental project and practice-squad candidate with upside.