We can't afford to wait much longer for Hawkins to develop. This is his 3rd year. It seems all but Davon House are in this 3-4 year development window. We can't have a stable of young guys all trying to develop playing such an important position.
Hawkins either gets it this year or it's time to send him away along with a bunch of other guys who have had far too long to get it. It didn't take Sam Shields as long as it's been taking everyone but House at CB and he was a UDFA just like Hawkins. Plus, Sam was converted back to CB from WR at The U. You either can play or you can't at that position. It shouldn't take 3-4 years for anyone to develop and you really shouldn't be going with that philosophy at that position in the first place.
Originally Posted by: uffda udfa
Things are not so absolute; some guys take longer!
Players have varying levels of intellect and football acumen, some have cognitive impairments. Some are more adept at processing things into their play taken from a book, diagram and/or film; others need hands-on experience to process classroom stuff into on-field performance.
Hayward had the skill, but he is a dog. He simply refused to be dedicated and disciplined in his technique. When he focused on his technique he played very well; but WAY too often he refused the coaching. You cant have a veteran in the lockerroom serving as an example to the young DBs teaching them to be careless, me-first, assholes. This opinion of this value was universal, thatâs why he only got $15M/3 years/2.5M guaranteed and its why GB didnât want him back for any price. I donât know if he played better in SD, but if he did, it was ONLY because he moved on.
Tramon Williams showed so little in camp w/ Texans [2006] he was cut, no practice squad and NO ONE picked him up, until GB got him on PS in November. It wasnât until 3rd year he looked like he had a chance to be elite. And he continued to get better thru his time in GB.
When a CB plays, opposing players and coaches search for weaknesses. Not if, but WHEN theyâre found, they will be exploited. The CB adjusts/makes a correction to his technique or heâll wash out. This is why some guys flash early and wash-out.
We had some discussions about Davante a while back. I kept preaching that WRs donât
get separation with speed, they do it with technique and timing. Similarly, CBs limit separation with technique, timing and reading WRâs tells, not with speed or loose hips. In addition to knowing various GBâs defense, knowing the opposing offense allows the CB to anticipate the WRâs move. Then the CB needs to learn not to over commit to this anticipation. The CBs have to learn to subtly hold and redirect the WR with their hands and body so as not to draw a flag and they must learn to conceal their tells from WRs.
If it only took 2-3 years for a CB to get good; a ton of CBs from schools like Ohio St and âBama with pedigree and pro coaching would be NFL-ready when drafted; but rarely can DBs play in their rookie year. Most CBs take a path like Devon House or Dre Kirkpatrick, they donât start because of their play [they may start due to injury] until years 3, 4 or 5 and like OLmen it is very common for them to show decent improvement each year deep into their careers.
I'd suggest go to draft site, get a list of all CB drafted in rounds 1-2, 4, 5 and 6 years ago and learn that most did not become capable starters until year 3; this will adjust your expectations to reality rather than relying on outlier examples. And note the characteristics of the busts.