Jason Verrett NFL Draft 2014: Scouting Report Breakdown for Chargers CB

Jason Verrett, CB, TCU (HT: 5’9¼”; WT: 189 lbs) 

San Diego Chargers

First Round: 25th Pick

NFL Comparison: Alterraun Verner, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Highlights

Height	Weight	Arm	Hand
5092	189	30 5/8"	9 1/4"

40 yard-dash	10 yd-split	Vert	Broad	3-Cone	Shuttle
4.38	1.47	39"	10' 8''	6.69	4.00

Overall Strengths

+ Elite blend of speed, quickness and overall athleticism + Tough-nosed, aggressive player who has to be accounted for on every play + Excellent route recognition and spatial awareness + Experienced playing as boundary and slot cornerback + Technically sound during backpedal + Great form tackler + Learning curve should be minor entering the NFL

Overall Weaknesses

- Ranks in the 2nd percentile for height - Struggled in matchups against bigger, stronger receivers; needs to add strength - Could be limited to a slot cornerback - Watches and reacts to the receiver more than the ball

Tools


Jason Verrett possesses elite athletic traits. His overall speed, quickness and fluidity allow him to cover even the fastest and shiftiest receivers without losing ground. He has an above-average vertical leap that helps compensate for his height. His height, weight and strength are concerns since they are lower than most NFL starters.

Ian Wharton

Intangibles/Character

Verrett has had no suspensions, arrests or other known incidents. Although he wasn’t a team captain, Verrett was a leader on the field with his stellar play.

System

At TCU, Verrett lined up at boundary and slot cornerback. He primarily played man coverage and occasionally pressed at the line of scrimmage. He rarely played in zone coverage but played well in every scheme.

Ian Wharton

Ball Skills

Verrett has good ball skills overall due to his ability to cover receivers and make aggressive plays on the ball. When defending underneath routes, Verrett is effective at reading and reacting to passes and is able to intercept poorly thrown balls. When downfield, he struggles to locate the ball, relying on playing the arms of the receiver.

Against the Run/Tackling 

Verrett brings great intensity and toughness against the run. He is a great tackler who wraps up and delivers impact hits. He can improve his gap integrity, but he reads the direction of the play and keeps the ball-carrier in front of him. If he adds strength he will also improve at shedding blocks.

Ian Wharton

Man Coverage 

Verrett played a majority of his snaps in man coverage and was a shutdown cornerback in 2013. He’s able to win at the line of scrimmage with good press technique and a solid backpedal. He has quick feet and great balance that keep him bouncy throughout the route.

While playing catch-man or off-man coverage, Verrett reads the route incredibly well and is able to run the route with the receiver, often dissuading the quarterback from making such a dangerous throw.

Ian Wharton

Zone Coverage

Verrett did not play in zone coverage often but did flash the ability to be an effective zone player. His ability to read routes and anticipate throws translates to his zone play. With his quickness and closing burst, he should have no problems fitting into zone schemes.

Ian Wharton

Technique 

Verrett blends his athleticism with solid technique. He has great balance throughout his backpedal and trigger down. He doesn’t waste steps or movement thanks to his smoothness and foot energy. He doesn’t have an issue engaging receivers at the line of scrimmage, showing a good punch that can improve with more strength. Verrett throttles in and out of breaks cleanly, allowing him to beat receivers to the point of contest.

The one area Verrett needs to improve is locating the ball downfield, where he often won’t look back to find the ball and will make contact with the receiver too early.

Future Role/Scheme Versatility 

Jason Verrett has a natural size disadvantage and skill set that should help him excel as a slot cornerback. He is a blend of speed and toughness and a physical mindset that fits any scheme. He should be able to play outside cornerback on occasion, but his lack of strength could hinder his chances against the bigger NFL receivers.