NFL Draft Scouting Report: Aaron Colvin
Jan 2, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Aaron Colvin (14) on the field against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second half of the Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Aaron Colvin, Cornerback
Career Stats: 236 tackles, five interceptions, 21 passes defended, 3.5 sacks
Aaron Colvin was the undisputed leader of the Sooner’s secondary. Even though the 2012 defense had its failing moments, there was one bright star that shined through the dark times. Aaron Colvin.
He could have very well left Oklahoma after his junior year to enter the draft, but he returned for his senior year in hopes of competing for a national title one last time.
The Sooners did not make it to the national title game. However, they dethroned the two-time defending National Champs in a defensive performance that will live in Sooners lore for all of time. Five turnovers and seven sacks on the Crimson Tide. Alabama barely attempted to attack Colvin’s side of the field, and focused on attacking the less experienced Zack Sanchez.
He was invited to participate in the Under Armor Senior Bowl. Unfortunately, during practices prior to the game, Colvin suffered an ACL injury. An injury that prevented him from showcasing his talents at the combine, or in the Senior Bowl game.
His strengths: Colvin not only was a good pass defender, but he is fully capable of stopping the run, utilizing good technique with tackles. Even against running backs and receivers who are larger than himself. He has a great deal of experience defending against the pass, which is a staple in the Big 12 Conference.
As the NFL continues its march towards the air attack, and going away from the running game, corners such as Colvin become more and more of a must need item. He is able to read routes of opposing receivers and is excellent about being in position to break up the pass.
The drawbacks: As good as he is about anticipating receiver routes, he also at times gets drawn in to double moves. When that happens, he doesn’t have the speed to get back into position. It also gets him into trouble with holding calls, or the dreaded pass interference call, which does more damage in the NFL as it is a spot foul versus being of the 15 yard variety.
Players like Calvin Johnson, or Megatron, are masters of the double move. Did I mention, Megatron is also fast? Colvin will have to be able to recognize and diagnosis those plays. He doesn’t have the size other corners have, being 10-15 pounds under the league average. He does do fairly well getting larger collegiate players, but larger NFL players will provide a whole new set of challenges. Durability once again rears its ugly head to a Sooners player looking to go pro. Fellow Sooner Trey Millard also had an ACL injury, but is much further along with the healing process than Colvin is. ACL repairs are long, extensive recoveries. Though it has been reported Colvin is recovering exceptionally well. None the less, this will be a big question mark.
Colvin is projected at this time as a 7th round pick according to CBSsports.com, though could end being an undrafted free agent. He is rated as the seventh overall cornerback in this years class. Unless teams are willing to take a chance on him earlier in the draft and hold on to him to see what he can do once his injury is healed. He originally was projected to be a 5th to 6th round draft pick. It will depend on the need of the teams in the later rounds, and if they want to take the chance on a recovering Colvin. Once he sees the field, the team who picks him up, will see why he was worth the wait.