Xavier Rhodes enters the picture for Buccaneers

[michael89156]

 Xavier Rhodes enters the picture for Buccaneers




By Sander Philipse on Feb 11, 10:30a





Mike Ehrmann




Xavier Rhodes has steadily risen over the past few weeks, and he now appears to be in play as a mid first-round pick. Yes, you read that right: not Dee Milliner or Johnthan Banks, but Xavier Rhodes could be the front-runner for the Buccaneers' first-round draft pick this April. The FSU cornerback has apparently jumped ahead of Banks in most draft rankings.
 
It's not as weird as you may think. Rhodes is a big cornerback at 6'2", 217 lbs. He's physical, which is exactly what the Buccaneers want, and he doesn't shy away from tackling -- although his technique needs some work. He has the speed to hang with receivers down the field in man coverage, and looks good in zone coverage as well. He's an all-around, versatile cornerback who perhaps isn't elite, but who should be an instant, quality starter and has the potential to grow into a special player. Which is why Dan Kadar has him going to the Bucs in his latest mock draft.



After trading Aqib Talib, the Buccaneers' secondary was in shambles. Xavier Rhodes may seem like a reach here, but the gap between him and Milliner is not as big as some think. He's a rangy cornerback who would step in and upgrade this secondary immediately.



http://www.bucsnation.com/2013/2/11/3976236/nfl-mock-draft-2013-xavier-rhodes-buccaneers-cornerbacks

[Boid Fink]

Is he Sean Smith 2.0?

[Benchwarmer#1]

I would like to see this kids 40 time before I would consider him a mid first round pick.

[The Anti-Java]

I would like to see this kids 40 time before I would consider him a mid first round pick.

40-Yard Dash:  4.47

Over the next three months, he'll look to show/improve…

The one thing that Rhodes has never shown in his career is top-end speed. Teams will want to see that explosive burst expected of defensive backs at Pro Day. Rhodes also will need to have a good showing in agility drills. He will win team's over with his knowledge of the game and physical play. While he hardly gave up big plays, he could do a lot to improve his draft stock if he's able to post a sub-4.5 40-yard dash time.

NFLdraftscout.com

[spurzo]

His hips look abit stiff, I'm curious to see him in the db drills.  It's very rare to see a db over 210lbs able to turn and run smoothly.  But of course you make money with your 40

[YReceiver14]

His hips look abit stiff, I'm curious to see him in the db drills.  It's very rare to see a db over 210lbs able to turn and run smoothly.  But of course you make money with your 40

I won't be too happy if we end up with Rhodes in the 1st.  He's a stiff athlete and lacks short-area quickness.  Types like him who look good on paper always rise after the games end.

The second round is where he belongs.

[CaptainStagger]

I aggre, he is a 2nd rounder. But I don't like Millner or Banks that hi either.

Jones Please.

[JDouble]

People are just now realizing Rhodes is a top 15 pick?

[BucNY]

I would like to see this kids 40 time before I would consider him a mid first round pick.

The kid already showed us his game speed and how well he can cover a deep route. What does it matter how fast he runs straight ahead in spandex and a T-shirt, without pads on, not trying to cover a WR?

[GameTime]

everyone is moving up the draft boards.  so who's moving down?

[dexmonkey]

I would like to see this kids 40 time before I would consider him a mid first round pick.

this. i dont know if rhodes is a early teen pick. hes more of a mid 20s guy assuming he runs a decent 40

@YReceiver14

rhodes shows up in every game. not sure what you are watching. most draft pundits disagree with you. hes a late 1st rounder. hes in the 2nd round in a bunch of mocks because of how many guys grade out in the same region and dont get picked because mocks are done on team need, not BPA. i can think of 10 guys off the top of my head who will probly end up in the 2nd because of the numbers crunch and not because of lack of talent

[acacius]

everyone is moving up the draft boards.  so who's moving down?

Hah, you've noticed that too?  I swear I've seen about 20 different prospects that various people doubt will be available at 13.

[lyronmewis]

Is he Sean Smith 2.0?

I think he's closer to Nnamdi Asomugha in his prime than Sean Smith.

[Ms Elam]

Is he Sean Smith 2.0?

I think he's closer to Nnamdi Asomugha in his prime than Sean Smith.

More like a Antonio Cromartie 2.0 a big physical corner who can run and cover deep routes well but can be broken down with double moves and quick shifty WR. That's bad but its not a turn off. Most big physical corners can't stick with Wes Welker, but they match up better with a guy like Andre Johnson or Fitzgerald or in our case specifically Roddy white or Julio Jones or Marcus Colston.

[Bucko40]

If the Bucs grade him out as a first round selection then I'd be fine with it. At this point it's pure speculation until we see what the Bucs do with/in- 1) Eric Wright and 2) Free Agency.

There has been a lot of talk that this CB class is weak in comparison to last years. So does that necessitate elevating this years CB class to a high draft position than they should. I don't think that is a good thing. IMO the Bucs could take the PBA at 13 or trade back and still get either Rhodes or Banks.