Well after a bit of a break from our BCC scouting reports, I have a new one for all of you. Alterraun Verner just might be the perfect fit for the Jaguars and due to his lack of top-end speed, he might be attainable at a good value.
Verner lacks the top gear speed necessary to catch up to a receiver after the player has gotten behind him and he'll likely need a safety over the top to help him. But that's where the weaknesses stop. He's a very instinctive leader who knows how to make all the plays he needs to make. Alterraun has smooth hips that allow him to change direction quickly and effeciently. He has a good burst of acceleration that allows him to make jumps on balls a la Rashean Mathis and keep up with receivers quickly off the line. However, this has gotten him in trouble on double moves, also a la Rashean Mathis, so again, needs a safety over the top.
The ideal situation for Verner would be in a zone defense. The Jaguars love to run a cover two system and Alterraun Verner would be a perfect fit for this type of defense. In run support, Verner is good at shedding blocks and isn't afraid to stick his head in there to make a tackle. He has solid form that allows him to take down even the bigger backs.
Verner's draft position is probably going to be largely dependent upon his performance in the 40 yard dash. A good performance could erase the worries of NFL GMs about his elite tier speed, while a poor performance could validate such beliefs.
Video Killed the Scouting Report
Alterraun Verner: By the Numbers
| Alterraun Verner | |||||
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Position 1: Cornerback |
Height: 5'10 | ||||
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Position 2: Kick Returner |
Weight: 181 | ||||
| Class: Senior | Age: 21 | ||||
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Projected Round: 3rd-4th |
40time: 4.4-4.6 |
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3rd Team All-American 2009
1st Team All-Pac 10 2009
2nd Team All-Pac 10 2008
Ronnie Lott Award Semifinalist 2009
Stats Overview
Tackles
Misc
Ints
YEAR
TOT
SOLO
AST
FF
INT
YDS
AVG
LNG
TD
2006
56
39
17
1
2
123
61.5
89
2
2007
75
53
22
1
4
76
19.0
76
1
2008
73
52
21
1
2
0
0.0
0
0
2009
69
49
20
0
5
158
31.6
68
1
According to the Experts
CBS Sports - In depth analysis of all aspects of Verner's play.
Pros
Good cover and run corner. Has the ability to stay with WRs and has improved his ability to stick with the double move and not bite as quickly. Good hands and will make the interception when he gets the chance. Willing run defender.
Cons
Lacks elite speed. Still can be had on double moves by crafty WRs. Needs to work on being more physical against the bigger WRs.
Pros
Strengths: Speed, quickness, height, anticipation, versatility, and intelligence
Cons
Weaknesses: Bulk and strength