A couple of things here.
You're correct that I'm basing my evaluation of a small amount of data. I only saw that game and the Texas A&M game you referred too. But here's the thing. Aren't you doing the same thing when you only point out one game where he played well? Are you really saying that he fell to the 6th round in a league that is starving for competent CBs because of some strange quirk of fate or the inability of all the GMs, scouts and HCs in the league to recognize his talents? Sure, that's happened before but come on now, how big of a chance is it that that's true?
More importantly though, I'm not basing my evaluation on a bad game by him and I'm pretty sure you're not basing your evaluation on him by only looking at his good Texas A&M game. My problem with what he brings to the table goes much deeper than him getting burned by a great WR in coverage. Every good/great WR burns good DBs or they wouldn't be great. Every great hitter goes 0-5 in some games. I'm not even saying he doesn't have good coverage skills like he demonstrated in the Texas game. In fact, I said as much in my post.
My problem with him is based on the limitations inherent with his size, speed and attitude. He can't get off blocks, he can't tackle and he's a hit or miss tackler who if, like jrry suggested and I agree with becomes a FS, makes everyone hold their breath if he's the last line of defense against an opposing WR taking it to the house. Frankly, the choice between having him or our punter Hekker attempting to make the TD saving tackle would be pretty close if the returner wasn't also a smurf.
He doesn't have good game speed in traffic because he has to try and run around everyone else on the field and his attitude towards tackling seems to be defeatist. I look at tapes of other munchkins like Joyner and I don't see that. Could that be one of the huge reasons why Joyner went in the 2nd round and Gaines went in the 6th?
He can't change his size or his speed in traffic but can he suddenly decide to try and tackle players? Maybe, I hope so but I have no valid reason to believe that except for the fact that he's a Ram and I'm rooting for him.
I'm just gonna leave it at this. We just disagree, and if you truly think he lacks the desire to tackle, then I'm not sure how much you have actually seen of him. That's the one thing he's not afraid to do. Like I said, above, both he and Joyner, are perfect examples of the measurable not being a true indicator of how a guy plays the game.
He has lined up against the top receivers every weekend, in two very elite conferences (Big XII for all its issues, could put some dynamic offenses on the field) and the SEC is what it is. And for you to refer to him as a smurf at 5'10 is nothing more than you going over the top to make a point.
E.J. Gaines
CB5'10"190
Missouri5.2
Pick Analysis: "He showed good quickness and was very smooth in his (pro-day) workout, showing he has good hands. If he were 6-foot tall, he would be drafted a lot higher." -- Gil Brandt
Overview
Cornerback-running back who also played basketball and ran track as a Missouri prep. Played in 13 games as a true freshman in 2010 and recorded 26 tackles, one pass breakup and no interceptions as a special-teams player and reserve defensive back.
Took over as a starting cornerback in 2011 and tallied 69 tackles, 16 pass breakups and two INTs with three tackles for loss and one forced fumble. The combined 18 passes defended set a Mizzou record and ranked fourth in the NCAA. Returned nine punts for 98 yards (10.9-yard average) and one touchdown, a 44-yard scamper against Western Illinois. In 2012, he totaled 74 tackles, 11 pass breakups and one INT with seven tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. Scored on a 13-yard fumble recovery against Kentucky. In 2013, recorded 75 tackles, three pass breakups and five INTs with four tackles for loss. In the SEC championship game against Auburn, he had an 11-yard fumble recovery for a TD. Missed two games with a quad strain. Team captain. Bench pressed at the combine but was medically excluded otherwise (pelvis).
Analysis
Strengths
Good muscularity and thin ankles. Fills aggressively and supports the run. Likes to hit. Plays with confidence and carries a swagger. Good attitude and football demeanor. Competes hard and brings energy to the field. Good eyes and route recognition. Has experience matching up with slot receivers in nickel coverage and has returned punts. Very good career production on the ball. Proven special teams coverage defender.
Weaknesses
Is short and short-armed. Plays a lot into the boundary. Shows some tightness in his hips. Average transitional quickness -- lacks ideal burst and acceleration to recover and close ground. Can do a better job disengaging from blocks. Most of interception production stemmed from tips and overthrown balls (not created). Average hands.
Draft Projection
Rounds 4-5
Bottom Line
Strong, physical zone corner with the toughness, awareness and football IQ to function highly in short spaces.
A solid tackler, Gaines plays bigger than his size and takes a professional approach. Can make an immediate impact on special teams and work his way into a lineup.
