Both players are ready for the NFL
2012 NFL DRAFT
Round 1: Thur., April 26, 8 ET
Rounds 2-3: Fri., April 27, 7 ET
Rounds 4-7: Sat., April 28, 12 ET
Radio City Music Hall, New York City
Yes, both cornerback Stephon Gilmore and safety Mark Barron would be great additions to the team. Would they be filling positions that are a crucial need right now for the Seahawks?
Probably not.
At 6-1, Stephon Gilmore has the ideal height to be a great NFL cornerback. Along with his quickness and natural playing ability, he would be a great addition to basically any team.
He’s physical and athletic, allowing him to make open field tackles. He is also the rare breed of cornerback who will get to the opposing quarterback on a regular basis.
During his college experience at South Carolina, Gilmore was required to play in many different kinds of coverages and excelled twice as much in man coverage, for he tends to give receivers too much room when he is playing off the line in a zone.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper says the Bengals will probably go after Gilmore at 21.
The Bengals need to add depth at corner, and Gilmore is a natural fit. A starter since the day he stepped on campus at South Carolina, Gilmore is a smart, mature player who has good instincts, can be effective in press and will pick up concepts quickly.
He tested well across the board, with no glaring weaknesses in his game.
Safety Mark Barron was a superstar during his college career at Alabama, manning the defense that led them to the National Championship in 2009. His next season was not as consistent, but he bounced back strong in 2011 with 68 tackles (five for a loss) and two interceptions.
With Browner, Sherman, Chancellor, and Thomas on the roster do the Seahawks need a Barron or Gilmore?
He has incredible coverage skills that allow him to always be in the right spot in pass coverage. He is a big playmaker who is all over the field.
He shines in run support and his coverage instincts, due in part to his ability to read offenses effectively.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper says the Cowboys will probably go after Barron at 14.
Dallas was aggressive in getting a solid corner in free agency with the addition of Brandon Carr, but the Cowboys still need help at safety to shore up the pass defense. I don’t think another corner is out of the question at this spot, but Barron is the best safety in the draft, and the Cowboys can’t go wrong if he’s available.
I can also see Dallas going offensive line here, as that unit could use some help, but Barron makes sense.
The Seahawks already have young sensations Brandon Browner and Richard Sherman at the cornerback position, so head coach Pete Carroll and GM John Schneider are not what we would call desperate at the moment.
At safety, Kam Chancellor had a terrific season last year and made it to the Pro Bowl alongside Earl Thomas.
Seattle should still focus on defense in the early rounds of the draft though.
Expect the Seahawks to focus on the pass rush and linebacker spots this upcoming draft.
Defense helps win games, and the Seattle unit is already on its way to being one of the best in the league.
Mark Barron, Alabama
Height: 6-1 Weight: 213
Position: SS
Class/Draft Year: Sr/2012
40 Time: 4.56
Managing editor “Q” contributed to this report.
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