Steelers Gab 2011 NFL Draft Prospect Scouting Report – S Robert Sands

By Jeremy Fuchs

ROBERT SANDS, S, WEST VIRGINIA

Triangle Numbers: 6-4, 217, 4.57

Sideline Scouting:

Positives: Tremendous size for a defensive back, has long arms and big hands, will have no problem winning jump-ball battles against most receivers… Possesses pretty good speed, mix of size and speed a big positive for the position… Recorded five interceptions in 2009, has the ability to go get the football in the air… Durability is not a concern, has not missed a game due to injury… Has experience playing cornerback, is a versatile player who matches up well against tall receivers… Changes direction pretty well, takes a good plant step and explodes out of it, shows pretty quick footwork… Has the ability to make big hits, is a fairly sure tackler with good pop at contact… Is pretty quick to read and react at the snap, does not take many false steps… Can cover a lot of ground in zone coverage, is a long strider with the ability to fly all over the field… Very high motor, gets involved in every play, does not give up on plays… Size will intrigue some NFL teams and perhaps entice an early-round flyer due to physicality, attitude and upside… May get some looks at linebacker due to unique skillset, would make a very good nickel linebacker on passing downs.

Negatives: Could stand to take better angles when coming up in run support, plays fast, but a little out of control at times… Man coverage skills need improvement, will have trouble sticking with quicker receivers on crisp routes… Hips look a little stiff, has good footwork, but does not turn and run well enough to be reliable in man coverage on slot receivers… Will get out of position at times when anticipating plays, can be fooled by play action.

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