Joe Haden: NFL Draft Profile

We’ll take a look at Florida cornerback Joe Haden as he enters the 2010 NFL Draft. We will examine his strengths/weaknesses, college career and our expectations for an upcoming NFL career.

Strengths
•       Man Coverage: Despite his size, has the ability to shut down opposing wide outs consistently
•       Break on ball: A great cornerback like Haden has the ability to shut down one half of the field with his ball-hawking mentality, which creates a great advantage for the defense
•     Great Instincts: Reads the quarterback’s eyes well and has the capability of breaking on a running back immediately

Weaknesses
•       Size: Haden is only 5-11, 190 lbs; this could be an issue in the league when bigger receivers such as Andre Johnson or Terrell Owens are opposing him
•       Vulnerability: Susceptible to being beat by a quick, shifty receiver
•       Takes unnecessary risks: Because of his quickness, he tends to gamble on making a big play rather than making the sure play

(All statistical information obtained from Wikipedia.com and ESPN.com)

Haden came to the University of Florida after a high school career where he starred at quarterback for Friendly high school in Maryland.  Haden became the first true freshman to start at cornerback for the Gators in history.  Haden superseded all expectations in his inaugural campaign as he racked up 63 tackles (43 solo) and one interception.  Haden’s first season enabled him to become a freshman All-American.

As Haden’s sophomore season began, expectations were high and the 19-year old sophomore was up to the challenge.  He tallied up 77 tackles (54 solo) and three interceptions.  His number of tackles show what a great eye he has for a developing play and makes the most of his opportunity to shine on defense.  He also put his cover skills on display as he began to be the shutdown corner the coaching staff knew he would be after a solid freshman season.

Haden’s junior season, everything came together as he began to put on a clinic for NFL scouts.  Haden was known around the nation as the cornerback with no flaws; an effortless display of courageousness and intensity for the game that is unparalleled.  His 57 tackles (45 solo, four interceptions, and three sacks earned him a spot in finals for the Jim Thorpe award, which was won by Eric Berry of Tennessee.

While Haden doesn’t get much publicity because the University of Florida is constantly loaded with stars, he is clearly the best cornerback in college football.  Haden’s possesses an optimum skill-set as he proceeds to the next level, whereas other cornerbacks have to learn to excel at aspects of the game that Haden has already mastered.  Haden became a starter as soon as he stepped onto Gainesville turf, and if he manages to be chosen in the top-10 as ESPN’s Mel Kiper predicts, then he will be an immediate starter in the league as well.

Haden directly emulates Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Leon Hall because of his similar size, speed and skill-set.  Hall’s size came into question as Haden’s has, but Hall is been very serviceable at the next level as he has teamed up with Jonathan Joseph to make arguably the best combination of cornerbacks in the league.

It is my assertion that Haden will go to the Cleveland Browns at #7.  The Browns were ranked 30th in the league in pass defense and if new Browns’ GM Mike Holmgren wants to make an immediate impression with the Cleveland faithful, he will sure up the secondary, which has been an ongoing issue in Cleveland for a long time.