Scouting The Draft: Phillip Gaines, CB, Rice

Introduction

Gaines was one of the best performers at the combine and as a 3rd round prospect he is definitely intriguing for any team in need of corner help. He leaves rice with the all-time record for pass defences with 42 and ran the 2nd fastest 40 time at the combine for the cornerback class.

He was a 2 star recruit who chose rice over the likes of Mississippi State. Although he was an immediate starter, he did lose some time at the end of his rookie season (2009) and almost the entirety of his 2011 season (medical redshirt). However he has been healthy for two years now and the left foot injury he sustained in 2011 obviously hasn't affected his speed all that much.

Measurables (* Top performer)

Height: 6'0

Weight: 193lb's

Arms: 31 7/8"

Hands: 9 5/8"

40 Yards: 4.38*

Bench: 11 reps

Vertical: 36.5"

Broad: 122"

3 Cone: 6.62*

20 yard: 4.04*

Statistics

Positives

• Excellent speed, can run with anyone and has an extra gear when chasing.
• Good length to his frame
• Gets his hands into most plays, shows up with pass defences.
• Very tough, physical defender in run and pass.
• Excellent ball skills, should have had more interceptions.
• Good read-and-react defender with a strong plant foot.
• Patient, controlled and balanced in coverage.
• Two-year captain, hard working and well respected
• Very physical in press-coverage, although will work better in zone rather than man-to-man.