Johnny Patrick of Louisville ~ 5.11/190
"A tall, well-put-together corner with a long set of arms and a good-looking frame. Exhibits above-average patience in his drop and does a good job sitting into his back-pedal and getting good depth off the line. Maintains his balance and is coordinated enough to keep his feet under him in coverage and showcases good click and close ability on routes in front of him. Locates the football quickly in the underneath run game, fights his way through traffic and has the power to wrap up on contact. Is a strong tackler and isn't afraid to quickly attack the line and tackle. Also, displays good physicality off the line in press coverage. Isn't real technically sound at this stage and will get a bit overextended at times, but overall can get into receivers and disrupt their timing in the pass game.
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."
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."
"Patrick was at least a part-time starter throughout his career at Louisville, lining up on the team's first play in each of the last three seasons. His All-Big East performance in 2010 (6.5 tackles for loss, five interceptions, 12 pass breakups) moved him up draft boards. Two of his five interceptions came in the regular-season finale, which the Cardinals needed to become bowl eligible. He then deflected a pass and blocked a field goal attempt in the team's 31-28 Beef O'Brady's Bowl win over Southern Miss.
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.
***
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."
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.
***
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."
"Bio: Three-year starter who finished his senior season with 49/5/12 and was awarded all-Conference honors. Junior totals included 53/2/3. Pled guilty to a charge of harassment with physical contact stemming from a June 27th incident with a female acquaintance.
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."
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."
"Positives: Had a very productive 2010 campaign (49 tackles, five interceptions, forced fumble, sack)... Decent speed and above-average height for the position (4.40-4.50-40)... Is very willing to come up in run support and stick his nose on the football, diagnoses run plays fairly quickly and breaks down well... Has good change-of-direction skills when coming out of the backpedal, has a quick plant step, explodes out of his backpedal under control and ready to make plays... Plays relatively physical football, is not afraid to put a body on receivers in press coverage, does a good job holding position against blockers in the secondary... Is a lengthy defender, uses long arms effectively when attempting to break up passes, generally uses good technique when forced to leave feet in coverage... Will be most effective as an off-man defender, reads and diagnoses very well, at his best when he can play five to ten yards off receiver and read the quarterback... Is a very sure tackler, especially when defending screens and short routes, wraps up well and does not miss a lot of tackles against his receiver... Has potential to be a productive sleeper in this draft class, is a solid all-around corner with a skill set that will translate well at the next level.
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."
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."
"Strengths: Fluid cover corner who is comfortable in bump & run, or off coverage. Can leave a cushion and get away with it. Smooth transitions. Fluid hips. Good anticipation, and hands for the pick. Got better every year, and really blossomed as a senior. Put together well enough. High points the ball, and can get up and take it away from most receivers. Can (and has been) move around. Could be a solid slot coverage option. Very good at the tip drill.
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."
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."
"Johnny Patrick has gone largely unnoticed during his collegiate career at Louisville. Outside of the Big East, most college football fans have never heard his name. However, he is one of the better cornerbacks in this class. As a true freshman in 2007, Patrick fought his way into a starting role and ended up totaling 19 tackles. In his first of four starts on the year, Patrick tallied his first career interception. Heading into 2008, Patrick was obviously going to be one of the starters at a corner spot and he has not given up that role since. He increased his tackle total to 50 as a sophomore -- ranking third on the team --, but failed to pick off any passes.
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."
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."
Fanatical FootBall Fiend on Johnny Patrick
A Scrapper who's managed to pull it together enough, in his Senior year, to make himself a solid prospect, albeit as preferably a reserve, mind you. Tragically, his blazing "40" speed will likely have at least ONE GM thinking he's found a Diamond in the Rough in Round 2 or 3, which will, in that likely eventuality, saddle the lad with the undeserved title of "Bust"...But as long as he doesn't buy into the hype, he's got enough skill to forge a solid career as a 4th or 5th Corner who occasionally dazzles, constantly teasing moronic TV types with his illusion of upside...
As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
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