Prospect Profile: T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State

Context

Plays almost exclusively as the outside CB. Converted WR.

Coverage

In press he has the size, length and footwork to be the complete press man CB but he hasn’t put it all together yet. His footwork in soft press is excellent, and he’s able to match angles with most types of receiver. There is some tightness in the hips but he is able to flip them and run with the receiver downfield when they make their move. He doesn’t yet consistently disrupt the receiver with leverage. And the main area for development is when he jams a receiver at the line. He lacks any kind of plan for press with a jam and he has poor hand timing and placement. Given his size and the play strength that shows up at the break-point and the catch-point, he does have the potential to grow this part of his game with more understanding of technique and how to attack a receiver at the line. He’s good in bail and off coverage, and works well on the half-turn. In Man coverage, it’s first worth noting that he doesn’t have ideal long speed and it can affect him against better athletes when running downfield on vertical routes. He has excellent processing and reads his opponent at a high level, allowing him to supplement his quick feet and relatively fluid hips to stay in phase on shorter and intermediate in-breaking and out-breaking routes.

On hitches and comebacks there is a small false step in his drive mechanics when he breaks on the ball. Will compete at the break point with subtle hand usage and play strength allowing him to compete, even with bigger receivers like Tight Ends. Despite his lack of experience playing in the slot, he may be a good matchup weapon for NFL teams because of this. He is aggressive at the catch-point and has excellent timing with his hands to break up the pass. As a former receiver, he often sells out to make the interception and on occasion this can mean he misses the more simple pass break-up. In general, while his hand timing is good at the catch-point, his accuracy is not always there.

Run Support

At times he will shrink from contact in taking on blocks. He will play as a force player but do the bare minimum and won’t constrict running lanes. He normally stands his ground rather than attacking blocks when it’s appropriate to do so. As an open-field tackler that lack of aggression and competitiveness shows itself again as he makes himself small when facing down bigger ball carriers with little technique. When tackling smaller receivers he will show more willing but can give up a running lane and lunge/leave his feet.

SUMMARY
Developmental Press Man CB. Could have exceptional skills at the LOS if he develops a jam. To play this role though he will need to develop more aggression and toughness as a run defender.

PRODUCTION 
SR: 49 To. Tackles, 2 INTs, 6 PBUs
JR: 48 To. Tackles, 1 INT, 1 FF, 8 PBUs
Injury: None

RAVENS FIT
Athleticism 3
Intelligence 4
Versatility 2
Grit 2
Scheme 3