Nov 2, 2013; Fort Worth, TX, USA; TCU Horned Frogs cornerback Jason Verrett (2) during the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Amon G. Carter Stadium. West Virginia won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
TCU cornerback Jason Verrett is a very interesting talent, but may be limited by his size. At 5’9″ tall, he could be seen as just a nickel corner for most NFL teams. Despite that, he could find his name called on day one of the draft based on his physical skills alone.
However, Verrett is scheduled to have shoulder surgery to repair his labrum on the 17th of March this year. That itself is enough to concern a lot of NFL general managers, but when you add in the lack of size and strength, you get a player that could find himself making a significant slide on draft day.
His size and recovery from surgery may not scare every team away. He is excellent in pass coverage and a pretty solid tackler. For a team in search of a nickel corner, he could be a gem in the making.
Here are his statistics over three seasons at TCU:
Nov 30, 2013; Fort Worth, TX, USA; TCU Horned Frogs cornerback Jason Verrett (2) during the game against the Baylor Bears at Amon G. Carter Stadium. The Bears defeated the Horned Frogs 41-38. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
37 games played
34 starts
117 solo tackles
160 total tackles
22 tackles for a loss
43 passes defended
9 interceptions
1 forced fumble
Strengths
- Changes directions well
- Excellent footwork
- Shadows receivers well
- Great special teams player
- Good awareness
Weaknesses
- Height
- Build
- Strength
- Penalty prone
Fit For The Vikings
Minnesota currently has Josh Robinson as their nickel cornerback, but could look to upgrade in this year’s draft.
My Take
Although Verrett could be an asset for the Vikings, his physical limitations make it hard to pull the trigger in the first or second round of the draft. Instead, the Vikings should pass on him and look for a bigger body or the best player available.