David Amerson (CB) | NC State | Scouting Report

Prospect: David Amerson

School: NC State

Best Position: Outside Corner

Height: 6-1

Weight: 205

Year: Junior

40 Time: 4.44 (Combine)

Overview: David Amerson came into his Junior season, hyped as one of the best defenders in college football, following his 13 interception Sophomore campaign. While he couldn’t manage 13 again in 2012, he continued to show why he is one of the better defenders in college football. David Amerson is the type of rare prospect at the position that you can throw out there and line up across from any wide out, because of his combination of instincts, height, speed, and ball skills.

Size/ Strength/ Athleticism: David Amerson has the type of body NFL scouts are looking for, especially after the success the Seattle Seahawks have had with Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner. While Amerson is long (6-3) he isn’t as physically dominant as the fore mentioned pair, but he makes up with it by being very athletic. His length is one of his greatest strengths, and while he projects best as a Zone Corner his size and athleticism make him an option at Free Safety as well.

Man Coverage: At NC State they run a very zone heavy scheme, so opportunities to see him lined up 1 on 1 in press man were very rare. In the rare occasions, Amerson did play in man you can tell his hips aren’t immensely fluid, but his speed and quickness around the ball make up for the occasions his hips let him down.

Zone Coverage: Amerson is tremendous in zone coverage, in fact he is one of the best college Corners i’ve seen in zone, coming out  in recent years. He sits perfectly in the zone and makes well timed breaks on the ball. His great ball skills mean when he does make the right break on the ball it will almost certainly end up as a pass break up or an interception.

Run Support: Amerson has shown a willingness to come up and play the run. He will try and make the play and not shy away from contact.  His technique in the tackle still has a lot of room for improvement. He too often tries to make the hit with his shoulder up high on the ball carrier. With just some simple technique adjustments, Amerson could become a solid tackler at the next level.

Ball Skills: Sitting in zone coverage, Amerson is a threat the offense must be aware of. Like every good ball-hawk he can bait the QB to throw the pass and then use his athleticism to make the play on the ball. This rare trait reminds me of the way Asante Samuel plays in zone coverage and is the big reason why Amerson has recorded 18 interceptions over the past two years.

NextEra RAP Best Postion Grade: 101.7 (Outside Corner), (#1 Rated Corner) (#9 Overall)

Other Positions: 99.2 (Zone Heavy Corner) , 91.7 (Free Safety)

Amerson would be best in a zone heavy scheme like the Tampa 2. He also has the ability to be very successful as an outside corner or a free safety in a standard defense. Amerson’s flexibility and ball skills could see him garner a top 10 pick this April.

Projection – Top 10

NFL Player Comparison – Antonio Cromartie

College Tape:

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