Cincinnati Bengals Draft Profile: Jason Verrett

Feb 25, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas Christian defensive back Jason Verrett runs the 40 yard dash during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

CINCINNATI- With the NFL Draft among us Thursday night the Cincinnati Bengals have not indicated which prospect they are leaning towards the most. What is known is the Bengals are likely looking to pick up a cornerback as they are in dire need for one. Good thing for the Bengals is the 2014 Draft has a few exceptional prospects at cornerback.

Cincinnati picks 24th overall Thursday night. If Texas Christian University (TCU) cornerback Jason Verrett is on the board when the 24th pick comes around look for the Bengals to select Verrett.

Verrett was a the best among this 2014 class at the NFL Combine in terms of 40-yard dash time and vertical jump. A 4.38 40 time and a 39 inch vertical were the best of the combine. Having speed and the ability to jump is essential for the cornerback position. You can see why the Bengals are interested in him.

His hand eye coordination is exceptional, especially compared to the other cornerbacks in this draft. Verrett was one of the best corners in terms of passes defended, 30 in two seasons, he is continually making plays on the ball. Exactly what the Bengals need.

http://youtu.be/XqLiAVGkVXo

Possibly the only knocks on Verrett are his size and possibly his durability. Measuring in at 5’9″ he is certainly not the tallest corner in the draft. His size has some concerned that he can cover the likes of Calvin Johnson. Good news is if the Bengals draft Verrett he will not have to worry about covering Johnson, just once every 4 years. 

As for durability Verrett has received the injury prone tag by some scouts. Verrett has had two surgery in college, one would be arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. He followed up surgery with 6 interceptions and 16 pass breakups the following season. The other would be a torn meniscus at the end of the 2012 season. He came back in 2013 stronger, it doesn’t appear Verrett let this slow him down.

The Bengals are in need of a cornerback. Currently the Bengals rely on Adam Jones (31), Terrence Newman (36) and Leon Hall at the cornerback position. Newman at 36 likely will not be back in 2015, if he makes the 2014 roster. Jones at 31 has slowed down a tad, a mediocre 2013 has some questioning his abilities. Then there is Leon Hall who when healthy is immensely effective.

If the Bengals can add Verrett he will join Hall and Dre Kirkpatrick as the future of the Bengals secondary. While a quarterback would make the fans happy a new cornerback would help rebuild a depleted defense.