Okay let's talk about Dee. He makes it in at #4 on our list. “Why is he #4 Q? You love Dee Milliner!! You have a man crush on Dee Milliner...Why #4?”.
Great question. He was #1 probably as recently as yesterday but then this Twitter machine blew up and all of this news came out that he’s had four surgeries, and that's a tad scary to me and why he's slipping a little bit.
I wouldn't mind if Cleveland snagged him. Joe Haden was hurt too remember? Joe Haden ran a terrible 40 at the combine remember? Browns need a Haden partner.
I don’t buy all this nonsense that I see in some of these “experts” that make mock drafts claim that smart teams don't draft corners in the Top 10. All I have ask you is knowing what you know now about Darrell Revis would you have drafted him in the Top 10? Rhetorical...of course you would.
Milliner is probably the best CB I've seen in a few years and will come in right away and be an impact player with pro bowler potential. He shows incredible anticipation, incredible physical ability, and the kid is not scared to light you up.
I don't like damaged goods but I've never made it a secret that I love guys that play for Alabama. Most come into the NFL as T-Rich did last year and seemed to have less adjustments from the college level. Millner looks the part and I’d love to see this kid I would lin a Browns uniform.
Let’s check out the scouting report:
Overview
Milliner’s accomplishments during the Tide’s march to the 2011 BCS Championship weren’t well-known across the country because of the star power surrounding him on defense. With Dre Kirkpatrick earning national honors at one cornerback spot and fellow All-Americans linebacker Dont’a Hightower and safety Mark Barron also getting selected in the first round of the 2012 draft, it’s easy to see why Milliner wasn’t a household name. Now that Kirkpatrick, Menzie, and Barron are off to the NFL, Milliner was forced to be a lynchpin as the veteran in Alabama’s secondary.
Those following recruiting on a regular basis know Milliner well, as he was everyone’s All-American coming out of high school and ranked among the best cornerbacks and top 20 overall prospects in the country because of his elite combination of size and athleticism. Alabama head coach Nick Saban kept his word on any promise he might have made to Milliner on playing time in his true freshman season, as DeMarcus (nicknamed “Dee”) got into every game and started 11 on a loaded defense while also contributing on special teams. He was named to the Freshman All-SEC squad for his efforts (55 tackles, one interception, seven pass breakups). Though he only started six games in 2011, he played consistently as the outside cornerback against pass-happy teams as senior DeQuan Menzie moved inside to the slot. When he got onto the field, Milliner made the most of his opportunities, intercepting three passes (one which he took in for a touchdown against rival Auburn) and breaking up nine others.
During his outstanding junior season, Milliner recorded 54 tackles, two interceptions, and a stunning 22 passes defensed on his way to a unanimous selection to the first-team All-American and All-SEC teams. He helped anchor the secondary for another National Championship season for the Tide, recording two passes defensed as he covered standout Notre Dame tight end Tyler Eifert in the BCS Championship game.
Analysis
Strengths
Owns sufficient height, length, and upper-body strength to fight with pro receivers over the middle or down the sideline. Capable of getting a solid punch at the line of scrimmage in press and the quick feet to stay with his man down the field after contact. Lines up receivers in the open field for the big hit. Displays the hip fluidity to open up to stay with deep routes or drop into his zone, while also possessing the foot quickness to stop-start on cut-off routes and on attempted double-moves. Very fluid hips, changes directions easily and clicks his feels to drive on the ball in a flash. Straight-line speed is also impressive, and will use it to hustle across the field when he’s uncovered. Also translates to closing speed when playing off his man or attacking plays in the backfield. Makes the easy interception, but also has the vertical and strong hands to win jump balls against larger receivers. Keeps outside leverage in the run game, forcing plays inside. Violent hand help him rip off receiver blocks. Knows defensive concepts, and playing for Saban gives him a huge step up in more advanced pattern-reading principles. Directs linebackers on combination coverage outside. Flashes the physicality to wrap up ball carriers and drive them to the ground.
Weaknesses
Stout running backs and physical receivers can run through his tackles, and he has a tendency to leave his feet and lunge. He should continue to get stronger, but needs to break down more consistently to get leverage. Dives at the feet of ballcarriers regularly, can be eluded in space. Doesn’t always land heavy hands on his man at the line of scrimmage when required, but his recovery speed usually makes up for it. Played on a loaded defense, pro quarterbacks will challenge his coverage at the next level. Like all Saban cornerbacks, he was not taught or asked to backpedal in college, and will need to develop new technique and footwork. Can lose track of the ball in the air and will mistime his plays on the ball.
NFL Comparison
Carlos Rogers
Bottom Line
Overshadowed by his high-profile teammates like fellow corner Dre Kirkpatrick over the span of two seasons, Milliner has made plays when given the chance (six interceptions, 38 pass break-ups in three years starting). He is ready to use his pro-ready size, athleticism and change-of-direction ability to become a household name in the NFL after winning back-to-back BCS Championships at Alabama. Milliner’s role grew extensively as a junior, and he showed the skills to be a first-round pick in the NFL.
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