Leading up to the NFL Draft many teams will continue their evaluation process on prospects while altering their draft boards in preparation for Draft day. Couch Potato GM will provide you a breakdown of two prospects matched against each other with similar draft projections to get you prepped for the 2015 draft. Voting option below for your input on who you think the better prospect is.
The Similarities: Trae Waynes and Marcus Peters will enter the 2015 draft rated as the top 2 corners. But as far as similarities these guys are the polar opposites on and off the field. On tape you have to really dig deep to find any resemblance of similar traits these two prospects possess. Both guys challenge the opposing receivers with a physical style of play when playing press coverage. At times a little too aggressive grabbing and holding receivers downfield when the ball is in the air. Another area where these corners can improve is getting off receivers’ blocks to make plays in the running game. It is far too easy to block them downfield allowing running backs additional yardage in the run game. Both corners have good size, listed at 6’0 with great length and range, consistently use the sideline as an extra defender pinning opposing receivers to the boundary.
The Differences: Trae Waynes excels with his technique as he plays a lot of man-to-man coverage mirroring receivers down the field. Waynes has the ability to be left on an island on the outside. In contrast Peters is much better playing in zone as his anticipation and closing skills are top notch. Add this attribute to his ball skills and fluidity in his hips to get in and out of his breaks, you have a cornerback that quarterbacks will fear throwing his way as he can turn an errant pass into “6” the other way. Peters plays with a swagger you love to see your corners have, demonstrating extreme confidence each and every play. The biggest reason why Waynes will get picked earlier than Peters is due to the lingering character issues, lacking maturity on and off the field. Peters was kicked off the Huskies team in 2014 with multiple run-ins with the coaching staff. Waynes is more coachable making him a safer draft pick.
NFL Comparison: Trae Waynes – Joe Haden; Marcus Peters – Aqib Talib
The Verdict: Front Office likes Trae Waynes
