Steelers Gab 2014 NFL Draft Scouting Report: CB Jason Verrett

The Pittsburgh Steelers continued hosting college defensive backs on Monday, showing that they are getting serious about their need to bolster a defensive backfield that is very thin in depth.  After bringing in Darqueze Dennard earlier this month, a cornerback whose draft stock has slid a bit recently, the Steelers examined Texas Christian’s (TCU) Jason Verrett.

Verrett has been ranked by several NFL sources as being a top-five cornerback in the upcoming 2014 NFL Draft, including NFL.com.  Verrett has been considered a bit small for an NFL defensive back at 5 foot 10 inches, but he’s banking on his credentials as the Co-Big 12 Defensive Player of the year honors.  That being said, Verrett is coveted by several teams.  Whether the Steelers are just another stop on his pre-draft visit list or not remains to be seen.

At the 2014 NFL Combine, Verrett was the second-quickest corner in the 40-yard dash and tied with Phillip Gaines of Rice overall at 4.38 seconds.  CBS Sports noted that Verrett had quick feet, allowing him to redirect in order to mirror receivers on the field and that he had short-burst ability.  Verrett is considered to be above average in heads-up football instincts as well.

One question is whether Verrett’s surgically repaired shoulder (torn Labrum in 2012) will hinder him moving forward.  During his Pro Day, Verrett completed 19 reps on a 225-pound bench press.  How that injury may translate during training camps and a following NFL season is an unknown.

Verrett has also visited with the Arizona Cardinals and is rumored to being sought-out by the San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Falcons, Cincinnati Bengals and New Orleans Saints.  Verrett openly admitted that he intends on being the 2014 NFL Rookie of the Year.

Verrett decided to remain at TCU for his senior season, something that many scouts and insiders thought may have hurt his placement near the top of the 2014 NFL Draft.  It certainly hasn’t kept teams from seeking him out.

The biggest intangible for Verrett isn’t just his height and whether he can compete with tall, lanky receivers at the next level.  Verrett has shown the ability to support the run defense, an ability to make plays and cause turnovers.  His tackling skills are apparent.  Unfortunately, the former TCU cornerback has had an issue with penalties, namely interfering with receivers, that may become an issue as he struggles to compete at the next level with rangy receivers and tight ends.
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