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Forum nameOkay Sports
Topic subjectXavier Rhodes, Florida State (6'2, 217)
Topic URLhttp://board.okayplayer.com/okp.php?az=show_topic&forum=8&topic_id=2096311&mesg_id=2123219
2123219, Xavier Rhodes, Florida State (6'2, 217)
Posted by will_5198, Thu Jan-31-13 02:08 PM
Probably the best press corner in this class. He loves to do it, and strikes quickly into receivers' shoulders to redirect. Super long arms and his hands stun even the biggest wideouts he faces. I've seen him kill so many fade routes by using inside leverage, jamming the outside shoulder and forcing the receiver to the sideline -- where there's not enough room for the pass.

He does need to adjust to NFL rules, as he's currently an illegal contact nominee. While dominant in the five-yard allowance, he makes that one extra push downfield which won't be permitted. He also needs to work on using his position to play the ball. He'll often hand-grab and end up in trail, where his closing burst isn't elite. If he simply turns earlier and plays receiver, his reach will make the break-up (he did get a lot better at this than in 2011).

Best at the line of scrimmage, but agile enough to play off or deep zone. Really flexible for his size and keeps his pads low to drive on passes. Willing, tough run defender who wrap tackles consistently.

A do-everything asset with fantastic length and physical technique. He'd be a perfect Chicago or Seattle corner, although he can play for anybody. Late first round.