Scouting Post: CB Cincinnati Mike Mickens

STATS: 8 Games, 48 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 8 pass breakups, 3 interceptions for 130 yards, 1 touchdown.

STRENGTHS: Mike Mickens shows exceptional ball skills. He is able to track down the ball in the air and make the interception. He also is able to run after the interception, as is evident in his above statistics. An NFL scout may see this and think about a contribution in the return game. He does do a good job of tackling, but needs to refine his technique. He does have very good speed, but his speed won't be the best in the draft, I expect he will run a 4.4 40 at the combine.

WEAKNESSES: From what I have seen of Mickens, he does a pretty good job of open field tackling; but his technique still needs work. If he doesn't continue to develop that portion of his game, I think that could develop into a weakness at the next level. Also, it seems like every time he makes a play he can't keep his mouth shut. I would love to see Mickens show some form of a humble personality. A lot of coaching staffs in the NFL will frown on his attitude.

ANALYSIS: Mickens is a top three cornerback this year and if he continues to show excellent production at Cincinnati and he has good offseason workouts, he will find himself in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He may be a late first round pick, but he should still be a first rounder. There are always going to be prospects that see their draft status soar because of excellent workouts, like Dominique-Rodgers Cromartie last year. If we see that same trend this year Mickens could get pushed a few picks back.