NFL Rookie Preview: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (CB)

Cromartie, coming into the draft, was rated as the top cover corner of all the 2008 NFL draft picks. So needless to say, Arizona was very surprised and pleased that he was still available at the 16th overall pick. Cromartie, 6’2, 183 pounds out of Tennessee State is big and lanky, and can pretty much cover any receiver. We look for him to improve once put on a NFL caliber strength program.

While at Tennessee State, opposing quarterbacks had a terrible time completing passes thrown towards him. He caused only a 34.16% of passes completed. He also has 11 interceptions, while deflecting 25 balls. When passes thrown his way were completed, they were only for an average of 3.54 yards per pass. These numbers were by far, the best of any defender in the nation.

As a high school athlete at Lakewood Ranch in Florida, he was named to the 5A first team All-State in as a cornerback and wide receiver. He was touted as one of the best cornerbacks in the south, and received a four star rating from Rivals. He also competed in track, as a jumper in sprinter in high school.

Cromartie showed signs of inconsistency throughout the college level and had a difficult time tackling. It seems everyone goes through a spell of inconsistency. So, it’s only a matter of time until Cromartie breaks out of this. It’s scary to think about what this guy can do in the NFL if he become more consistent.