2010 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Joe Haden

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Strengths:
  • Ridiculous level of production
  • Terrific closing burst
  • Eliminates space quickly
  • Breaks on ball smoothly
  • Has long speed to play on island
  • Very fluid hips
  • Physical corner; gets nice jam at LOS
  • Takes on blocks
  • Really lays the wood for a corner
  • Terrific in run support
  • Nice ball skills
  • Locates the football well in air
  • Nice timing on jump balls
  • Has soft hands
  • Effective on corner/nickel blitz (3 sacks, 3 hurries in 2009)
  • Played a lot of press man coverage
  • Well coached
  • Intense football player
  • Wonderful skill set
  • Still has some upside



    Weaknesses:
  • Lacks some awareness and instincts
  • Could anticipate routes better
  • Sometimes loses focus
  • Vulnerable to inside moves
  • Some question listed height
  • Unimpressive in zone

    Summary: Joe Haden is a very talented cornerback with a very well-rounded game, but some teams might be scared off by his lacking instincts, which is critical at the NFL level where pro receivers are great route runners. Haden's level of production and consistency will get him drafted in the top 15 picks. He is one of the better cornerback prospects in the last couple years. He shut down Alabama receiver Julio Jones in the 2009 SEC Championship.

    Player Comparison: Leon Hall. Similar size, speed and skill set. Hall is also a great player against the run.



    RELATED LINKS:


    2010 NFL Mock Draft: Matt's | Walt's


    2010 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings


    2010 NFL Draft Scouting Reports