2015 NFL Scouting Combine: DBs Moving

Feb 23, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Ronald Darby runs the 40 yard dash during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Ronald Darby Opens Eyes

I always wondered why Ronald Darby was left out while P.J. Williams got all the hype at Florida State. Williams was looked upon as a sure-fire 1st-round pick while Darby was projected into the fourth round by many. I always thought he was a great cover corner so I once mocked him to my Oakland Raiders in the fourth since that’s where he was projected to go.

The NFL personnel world liked him for his coverage ability because it was that obvious but had other concerns. They feared that he would be a liability against the run as they don’t view him as a guy that’s physical enough. However, Darby did improve against the run and generally made his open field tackles but remained a middle rounds projection.

If you’re not going to be at least solid against the run, you better be a special athlete in coverage. And at the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine, the NFL personnel world found out Darby was just that. Darby ran a 4.38 40, jumped 41.5 inches in the vertical leap and was smooth, flipping his hip easily in position drills.

I look for Darby to go in the top of the second to bottom of the first round now.

Next: Trae Waynes Elevates