Erasers: Defensive Backs Built To Eliminate Space

<p>Defensive back has become one of the more difficult positions to play on the gridiron. With unfavorable rule changes, dynamic athletes across from them, and an emphasis on the pass game DBS have to be technicians and athletes to survive. While some simply cover- these corners look to dominate reps with athleticism, instinct, and versatility to be succesful on an island.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Hill's instinctual brand of the more complete defensive backs in this group. As an opportunistic playmaker routinely converting opportunities into takeaways with plus ball skills and hand-eye coordination. </p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Athletically his closing speed allow him to impact plays all over the field. However he's still physical at the point of attack and as an open-field tackler. Hill also flashes solid change of direction skills when flipping his hips and running - giving him the flexibility to play multiple spots in the secondary. The overall athletic profile projects extremely well at the next level.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/carmellohill/status/2048483343050678333?s=46 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Caudle's blend of size, speed, and skill gives him one of the higher ceilings in his class. This overall profile makes him one of the better corners in his area and a defensive back that hold his own on an island. </p>   <p class="text-gray-700">His plus wing span allows him to tighten air space, be physical at the line of scrimmage, and contest at the catch point. Caudle's athleticism furthers his profile with his confirmed top end speed to stay connected vertically, quickness to match releases, and the explosiveness to challenge receivers at the apex. </p>   <p class="text-gray-700">At the catch point Caudle shows advanced level confidence and ball skills to convert on turnover opportunities- making him one of the better pure cover guys in the state. </p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TrevorCaudle/status/1972809542833766432?s=20 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Prince's ball production is a product of a high skill and dog mentality. His competivness at the catch point is undeniable and allows him to be constantly make plays on the rock. The desire to win a given rep is supported by a physical brand of play where he plays through the hands or body to effect the throw. This also speaks to his recovery speed, instinct, and confidence while in phase. These traits also shine when he's helping out asgaisnt the run- giving him versatility and three down value. </p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/jocprince2x/status/2055369172360528077?s=46 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Smith is a smooth operator and the defintion of the saying "hips don't lie" The fluidity when changing directions keeps him attached at seemingly every phase of the route. This ability to stay in the hip pocket suffocates air space and shut downs plays before the develop </p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Alignment wise Smith shows comfort on the outside or in the slot - speaking to his refined movement and coverage skills. When the ball arrives he embraces physicality and looks to finish a rep with the desired result. Smith shows solid timing, hand placement, and strength when challenging the catch point. As one of the more underrated defensive backs in his class - look for the film to justify a second look and offers as the season progress. </p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/showem_ty/status/1990983500531478750?s=20 </div></figure>   <p></p>    <p>Westry's upside flashed throughout the season despite operating in a limited role. His dynamic closing speed paired with his linebacker-like instinct stand out. Rather he's triggering downhill, disrupting perimeter/ screen plays, or filling alleys- he plays with an aggression that isn't common for corners.</p>   <p>This short-area explosiveness paired with his long speed makes Westry a certified playmaker on the boundary. His hidden value as slot defender is worth noting. He can blitz, disrupt timing, and create splash plays around the football with his burst and tenacity. The athleticism, playmaking, and decisiveness in Westry's game makes him a sure fire candidate for a break out season when his opportunity arrives. </p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ZionWestry1/status/2066941509853712777?s=20 </div></figure>

Defensive back has become one of the more difficult positions to play on the gridiron. With unfavorable rule changes, dynamic athletes across from them, and an emphasis on the pass game DBS have to be technicians and athletes to survive. While some simply cover- these corners look to dominate reps with athleticism, instinct, and versatility to be succesful on an island.