2018 NFL Supplemental Draft: Best landing spots for top two prospects
Adonis Alexander
It was reported by USA Today that 26 teams attended Adonis Alexander’s Pro Day. While his 4.6-second 40-yard dash is a bit of a deterrent, Alexander impressed with a 35.5-inch vertical jump and with on field drills.
For teams who play zone coverage, especially press-zone, the 6-3, 207-pound corner can find a home. Read NFL Mocks’ Shawn Spence’s article for a full breakdown of Alexander. Here are some teams that should use a pick on Alexander.
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals secondary could really use some depth at corner. Steve Wilks is the new head coach and will look to bring his aggressive cornerback play to the defense. Currently on the roster, the only name that strikes fear in teams at the position is Patrick Peterson. On the other side, there’s a lot to be desired.
Brandon Williams was a project and may not fit Wilks’ style. Veterans Jamar Taylor and Bene Benwikere haven’t proven to be anything more than depth players. Alexander has the tools to come in right away and grow into a quality starter in Wilks’ scheme.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills spent two of their Day 3 picks on corners. Both players were from small schools — Taron Johnson from Weber State and Siran Neal from Jacksonville State. The former is more of nickel while Neal’s physicality at the line makes him intriguing. Sean McDermott runs an aggressive defense that features every type of zone coverage.
Veteran Vontae Davis is expected to start opposite second-year pro Tre’Davious White. However, Davis only played in five games for the Colts last season and has had issues with injuries throughout his career. Since McDermott relies on his front seven, having a corner like Alexander who excels at press coverage would do wonders.
Carolina Panthers
Youth isn’t the issue with the Panthers, since they’ve drafted a number of corners over the years. However, there isn’t a guy on their roster with the raw skills Alexander possesses. Head coach Ron Rivera loves for his defensive backs to be aggressive at the line before dropping into the zone. It’s why Josh Norman was so successful before being financially rewarded by the Washington Redskins.
Simply put, the Panthers ran a variety of zone coverage defense coordinators Sean McDermott and Steve Wilks. New defensive coordinator Eric Washington will undoubtedly do the same and Alexander’s length ball-skills and press ability makes him an excellent fit.
Chicago Bears
The Bears have a lot of bodies at the cornerback spot and their two stars are Prince Amukamara and Kyle Fuller. The former is a savvy vet, but hasn’t done anything noteworthy. The Bears opted not to address the position in the draft, but now is the time. Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fandgio runs an aggressive version of the Cover 2 relying on press coverage and physicality — Alexander is an ideal fit.
Seattle Seahawks
This makes the most sense as a long-term replacement for Richard Sherman. Sherman was sent packing, eventually signing with divisions rivals, the San Francisco 49ers. Shaquill Griffin did a great job filling in, but he’ll need some help. Neiko Thorpe is an NFL vet, but he doesn’t possess the raw tools like Alexander.
Similarly to Sherman, Alexander has the ability to press and play run defense with great ball skills. Since the Seahawks didn’t address the position in the draft, they can and should make up for it. For Alexander, he’d have big shoes to fill, but he’s more than capable in this defense.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It’s going to be difficult to watch the Bucs secondary if Brent Grimes shows his age and Vernon Hargreaves doesn’t step up. The Bucs don’t always employ press coverage, which is where Alexander excels, but he also is at his best in zone. Nevertheless, with guys like Julio Jones, Michael Thomas and Devin Funchess in their division, Alexander is the type of corner they need.