Quinten Rollins: 2015 NFL Draft Scouting Report
By Jonah Tuls
Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Miami (OH) defensive back Quinten Rollins speaks to the media at the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
I have been preaching since the Senior Bowl that of all the cornerbacks in the 2015 class, that Quinten Rollins could be the best of them all five years from now. However, his inexperience with football could make him a major bust. He is your typical boom/bust prospect with a team taking a chance on him. Nevertheless, you can decide after reading this mock with a poll.
Without further ado, here are his measurable from the 2015 NFL Combine, provided by our friends at Mockdraftable.com
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Measurables
Strengths
Of all the cornerbacks in the draft he might have one of the highest upsides in the draft due to him only playing just one year of college football. Gobs of untapped potential here for Rollins.
Feb 23, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Miami Ohio defensive back Quinten Rollins catches a pass in a workout drill during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Rollins’ ball skills are most definitely his best attribute to his game. He excels attacking the ball in the air with soft hands for the interception. His basketball background at Miami (OH) helps out with that too. Not to mention, but he does hold the all-time steals record at Miami (OH).
He also shows definite physicality at the line of scrimmage either in press coverage or helping out in run support by shedding the block.
Lastly, he is a quick-twitch athlete with the ability to mirror the best route runners in the game because of his lightning quick feet. His reaction skills are raw at this point, but that can be coached up because of his physical attributes.
Weaknesses
As I alluded to earlier, he has only played one year of college football, so he is extremely inexperienced with the game of football. He is a bit raw in a couple of areas, but he definitely has major upside in this department.
Although being a quick-twitch athlete, he does lack the long speed that most teams desire for a starting cornerback. This explains the lack of recovery speed I saw on tape. If he gets beat, he will grab the receiver’s jersey instead of recovering back.
His inexperience explains his below average football IQ and read/react skills. I think he can develop in this category exponentially with time.
Even though he is physical at the line of scrimmage in press coverage and in run support, he can get overpowered in press coverage by bigger, taller receivers. He also doesn’t always execute the tackle either. What matters to me, however, is that he has the toughness and willingness to do so.
Round Projection/Draft Stock
Projection: Anywhere in the 2nd Round
Draft Stock: Rising
NFL Comparison
Ceiling: Vontae Davis
Floor: Morris Claiborne
Ideal Scheme/NFL Team Fits
Sep 13, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Devin Gardner (98) is tackled by Miami (Oh) Redhawks linebacker Kent Kern (43) as defensive back Quinten Rollins (2) leaps over in the first quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Seattle Seahawks (#63): Rollins would be a solid addition to an already loaded defense that could take a chance on a guy like him because of the Seahawks talented roster. Nonetheless, he could compete for the starting job opposite Richard Sherman as a rookie and would fit into that Cover 3 Press coverage scheme smoothly.
NE Patriots (#64): If the Patriots take another route at pick 32, then cornerback could be a viable option at 64. In my opinion, Rollins would be the best cornerback available at 64 if he is still on the board. This could be a big payoff for the Patriots as Rollins has Pro Bowl potential.
Miami Dolphins (#46): This may be a bit rich for some people, but not me. I think that Rollins has great cover abilities and instincts for someone who has only played one year of collegiate football. The Dolphins are in major need of a cornerback to challenge Brady’s passing attack. If Rollins’ development goes as planned, he will be a top-flight cornerback in this league.
Next: Staff Notes & Overall Synopsis