Scouting The Draft: Terrence Brooks, FS, Florida State

Introduction

Last time I wrote a piece on a safety I really liked, well continuing that trend, here is another safety prospect that I have a lot of time for. Terrence Brooks played on both sides of the football in high school, mainly seeing time as a running back and cornerback. Having played his senior season as a cornerback and being rated as a 3 star prospect by both rivals and scout.com, he signed on with the Seminoles to play CB. Unfortunately for Brooks, he found it difficult to gain a starting spot as a cornerback during his freshman or sophomore seasons, mainly seeing action as a special teams player and as a reserve defensive back in the dime coverage formation. Fortunately for Brooks, his talent enabled the coaches to find a spot for him on the defensive side of the football. During his Junior and Senior seasons, Brooks started nearly every single game at free safety, finishing his career with a BCS National Championship in January 2014.

Measurables

Height: 5"11

Weight: 200 lb's

Projected 40: 4.5-4.6

Class: Senior

Statistics

Positives

Passes the eye test immediately, strong upper body, plenty of muscle and good weight distribution. Years as a cornerback enable him to possess some key qualities you look for in a modern day free safety. He is fluid changing direction, has an excellent burst to the ball and exceptional balance. Uses his hands well and has a very good vertical which makes up for less than ideal size. Has good speed and great football IQ. Was considered a leader on the 2013 NCAA champions and was credited in bringing a lot of maturity to the defense. Very good fluidity and used to covering quick slot receivers thanks to his time playing in dime packages over the first two years. Knows how to lay a hit on someone. Has long arms to play the ball, and his play recognition is among the elite level.

Negatives

Numbers are not eye-popping and he left more than a couple of interceptions on the field, and he only has two years of experience starting at safety. Needs to do a better job wrapping up in the tackle, too often goes for the big hit and can sign-post it sometimes, for quicker more agile backs in the NFL, a missed tackle can mean a touchdown. Doesn't have the ideal height for a safety who will no doubt he lined up against very big, fast tight ends like Gronk and Graham.

Conclusion

A converted cornerback to safety has a lot of desirable characteristics. I like his intelligence, I like reading about his leadership and I liked what I saw from him during the BCS National Championship game. He's not complete, he'll need to work on his tackling and his hands if he wants to become the complete free safety, but he has a lot of great attributes that are tough to teach.

Would I draft him for the Jets?

Yes absolutely. right now he is probably looking at the 4th round as the round he'll be drafted. However after the combine and pre-draft workouts and interviews, I fully expect a team to really fall for him. To the point that I think he'll go in the middle of the second round. I wouldn't be against using a 3rd on him if he lasts into that round.