CB Asante Samuel Jr. is ideal scheme fit for Packers
One of the top cornerback prospects in the 2021 NFL draft looks like an ideal scheme fit for the Green Bay Packers.
Doug Farrar of Touchdown Wire studied the top of the cornerback draft class, looking for the best players at certain coverages. He identified Florida State cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. as the best cornerback in Cover-6, a hybrid coverage the Packers will likely employ under new defensive coordinator Joe Barry.
In a Cover-6 look, the defense plays Cover-4, or quarters coverage, to one side, and Cover-2 to the other side. It’s a two-high safety look that can be terrific at pre-snap disguise and taking away vertical routes, especially with an instinctive corner like Jaire Alexander handling one side and a rangy safety like Darnell Savage capable of covering ground for one whole half of the field. Adding a young corner like Samuel could make the look even better in Green Bay.
In the video example provided by Farrar, Samuel played the Cover-2 side of the coverage. He understood the route concepts happening from a trips formation and helped cover the vertical route deep before reacting to the action unfolding in front of him and working up and making the interception.
With Kevin King headed for free agency and likely to depart, the Packers are going to be looking for a new running mate for Alexander, a second-team All-Pro in 2020. Samuel, who has already had a virtual visit with the Packers, could be a first-round option.
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