Also, is a bit stiff in the hips and struggles to turn and run down the field with receivers.Consistently loses a step because he struggles to stay low and compact with his footwork, takes too long to get up to speed and doesn't have the ability to quickly make up for a lost step. Lacks ideal awareness down the field, as well, loses track of his man easily, doesn't consistently take proper angles toward the ball and will struggle to regain balance in jump ball situations. However, has improved his overall feel for the game this season, does a much better job identifying routes, closing on the football and making more plays in the pass game when throws are in front of him.
Impression: A good-looking athlete who has improved his overall balance in his drop, will tackle on the football and can click and close on plays in front of him. Still allows himself to get upright when asked to turn and run, but looks like a draftable corner who can work his way onto the field."
In 2007, Patrick played in nine games, starting four, making 19 tackles and intercepting one pass as a true freshman. He started every game as a sophomore (50 tackles, four pass breakups), with the biggest moment coming when he intercepted South Florida QB Matt Grothe to seal an upset victory. Patrick's game took another step forward in 2009, as he made four tackles for loss, intercepted two passes, and deflected five others, whetting the appetite of scouts just a bit.
Before his senior season, Patrick was involved in a domestic incident that eventually was ruled by the courts to be an accident. He had also been charged with operating a vehicle with a suspended license at the time, however, so scouts are going to have some questions about his off-field conduct. Still, his NFL-caliber physical attributes and cover skills make him a potential starter who should go in the top-100 selections of the 2011 draft.
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Read & React: Heady corner with very good backfield and receiver awareness. Senses the block coming and attacks the play using his quickness. Will get overaggressive on ball fakes but generally recovers well.
Man Coverage: Lined up well off the line of scrimmage regularly to eliminate big plays, but can step up into press or press-bail coverage or even cover slot receivers. Only adequate hips to turn and run with receivers, but owns the thick upper body to battle down the sideline. Average backpedal; good foot quickness but needs to get a bit lower to transition more fluidly; occasionally takes an extra step to get moving forward.
Zone Coverage: Should excel in zone at the next level because of his closing speed and physicality. Knows his responsibilities, comes off initial receiver and stays alert for underneath routes. Reads the quarterback and receiver routes to find targets when his zone is clear.
Closing/Recovery: Good speed to close on receivers in front of him or downfield in coverage. Able to get back into the play if beaten early, also closes well if turned around by double-moves. Inconsistent finding the ball in the air. Fast off the edge as a blitzer but only truly effective when free, gets stone walled too easily by tackles and fails to beat running back blocks.
Run Support: Strong enough to push around smaller blocking receivers and able to shed with violent hands. Typically keeps outside position to funnel plays to the linebackers. Quick enough to get inside-out to take away the sideline.
Tackling: Has good strength for the position, capable of bringing down big backs in space and throwing receivers to the ground. Brings enough force when lining up a receiver to create turnovers. Chases down ballcarriers from behind, even taking deep angles across the field. Not a regular cut-tackler, but he rarely fails to bring down a ballcarrier when he does. Tries to make the big hit too often, lowering his shoulder and head instead of facing the target and bringing his hips. Misses tackles when closing at incorrect angle or leaving his feet.
Intangibles: Arrested for aggravated assault in June 2010; girlfriend reportedly suffered scrapes to knee and elbow after hitting a table as she fell to the ground as they wrestled over his cell phone. Eventually the charges were dropped. Suffered shoulder injury against Cincinnati in 2010, but did not miss a game."
Positive: Athletic defensive back who displayed great strides in his game last season. Easily runs downfield with opponents, shows an aggressive nature in his game, and will bump receivers throughout the route. Effectively reads opponents' eyes, gets his head back around, and correctly positions himself to defend the throw. Consistently gets a hand in to knock away the ball. Stays with receivers out of their breaks and remains engaged throughout the action. Quick up the field to defend the run.
Negative: Occasionally overmatched by larger receivers and loses out in battles. Not a reliable tackler.
Analysis: Patrick, who originally considered entering the 2010 draft, made the right decision returning to Louisville and performed well as a senior. He possesses the size and skills to eventually grow into starter on the NFL level and at the very least should be a productive nickel or dime player early in his career."
Negatives: Was arrested in July, 2010 for misdemeanor assault after allegedly throwing a woman to the ground, character issues may be present... Could stand to add five to ten pounds, appears to have a thin frame, will get out-muscled by bigger receivers at the next level... Can be beat by play-action and double moves when playing in press coverage, keeps eyes in backfield a little too long at times... Technique in backpedal can be a little sloppy, gets high at times and will display choppy footwork against quicker receivers... Can be overaggressive at times in press coverage, quicker receivers will be able to get inside position and take advantage of slants and skinny posts against him... May need a year or two in the NFL to really come into his own, was a receiver at the start of his career, and will likely need more time to develop at the cornerback position."
Weaknesses: Will gamble sometimes and pay a price. Not a great open field tackler, who sometimes bump tackles, and takes bad angles. Can be deked. Needs more discipline. Has an assault charge in his background, and may need close management.
Projection: 2-3rd round talent, who could slide because of his free lance personae."
As an upperclassman Patrick has made more of a mark on the program. In 2009 he increased his tackle total to 53 and picked off two passes. Through 11 games in 2010, Patrick already has 45 tackles and three interceptions. Just as importantly, Patrick has shut down most opposing receivers and has eight pass break-ups and 11 passes defended on the season.
Patrick is no Prince Amukamara or Patrick Peterson, but he can work his way into the mix for the fight to be the third best cornerback in this class. At 5-11 and 190 pounds, Patrick has enough size to be a great corner in the NFL. He can also run a 40 in about 4.45 seconds and once scouts get a good look at him after the season, Patrick should see his stock increase to the second or third round area."
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