BCSP Notes . . .
"DRC" moving up NFL Draft BoardsIt now appears Tennessee State cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie may be the first black college player to be taken in the first round of the NFL Draft since 2000. The NFL Draft is April 26 and 27 in New York
"DRC", as he is called, followed up an outstanding all-Ohio Valley Conference senior season by proving his mettle against top Div. I wide receiver talent at Senior Bowl practices. He furthered his rise up the draft charts getting an interception and several tackles while being named Defensive MVP at the Senior Bowl game.
He perhaps topped it off and separated himself from other cornerback prospects by running a blazing time of 4.33 second time in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Already taller than most cornerbacks at 6-foot-2, he also finished with the top position marks in four of seven individual drills. His 38.5-inch vertical jump and quickness in cone drills, which translates well to closing speed in coverage, were particularly impressive.
The scouts are also impressed by his bloodlines. Cromartie's cousin, San Diego defensive back Antonio Cromartie, led the NFL in interceptions last season and was particularly noted for a 109-yard return of an interception that made all the highlight reels. Many feel DRC has similar ball-hawking skills. Many are also comparing him to Deion Sanders.
The latest projections have him going early in the first round, perhaps as high as in the first ten picks. If so, he'd be the first black college player to go in the first round since Jackson State teammates Sylvester Morris (WR) and Rashard Anderson (DB) were taken in the first round of the 2000 Draft.
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