Assessing Possibilities: Mike Mickens

A couple of days ago we looked at LB/DE hybrid Nick Reed, and how, for a 7th round pick possibility, he may become a true contributor of an NFL football team who may dedicate some time to develop him.

Today I wanted to focus on what I consider will be a sleeper at the position which Miami needs to fill the most in the coming draft.

Mike Mickens, CB, 6-0 184lbs.
40 Time: 4.53/ Vertical: 35 1/2

- First team All-Big East 2006
- Second team All-Big East 2008

Mickens was a dominant corner for most of his career at Cincinnati. He is a great athlete with a nose for the football. He can run with the best of them. His 4.53 40 time during his pro day was with him at 85% back from arthroscopic surgery, and had he been 100% he would definitely have been in the low 4.4's. Mickens plays tougher than he looks, and is not afraid to tackle the ball carrier.

He has a nose for the football, and is a playmaker. He has above average hands for a cornerback, and is a natural when the ball is in his hands. He has a second wind, and possesses the speed to make up for any mistakes. He is the type of cover corner that can blanket a receiver. He's as close to a ballhawk as you get for a corner. His burst to the football causes QB's to hesitate when throwing to his side. He has a second gear if the opposing Wideout tries to go deep on him.

At Cincinnati, Mickens improved every year. He is very coachable and is very confident in his abilities. He has played a variety of defensive schemes, and understands and excels in all of them. He was extremely good in a zone scheme where there is heavy blitzing, and in cover 2 with a safety shading him. This allows him to take more risks and make more plays.

Possible negatives with Mickens are that he plays with huge attitude, and although that may be great, he will draw penalties from time to time, and will get called for holding beyond 5 yards in press coverage every once in a while. Mickens's size gives him trouble when he attempts to come off blocks to make plays in the running game. His tackling technique is flawed, as he leads with his shoulder rather than arm wrap the ball carrier.

Mickens is the type of cover corner who has both the tangibles and intangibles to translate his skills effectively into the NFL game. He is a high motor, no quit guy, who's very dedicated to being successful. With the proper coaching and the right players around him, Mickens can develop his skills and become a very good corner in the National Football League.

Overall: I like Mike Mickens to come into the NFL and possibly steal the nickel or dime spot from anyone on any team. With Miami's thin depth at corner, I feel he can come in and possible take the nickel spot right away, and may have a legitimate shot at the number 2 spot by the second half of the year. His draft position may have taken a hit due to his injury, but judging by what he managed to do at the Cincinnati pro day at only 85% I think he'd be worth the pick if he fell into the fourth round.