Ross’ draft stock is on the rise
By Anthony Gimino
I wrote earlier in the week about Devin Ross’ game-saving interception against Oregon State (with a video breakdown from Versus.com), and today I talked to an NFL draft analyst about the senior cornerback.
Ross is Arizona’s top senior prospect, listed as a third- or fourth-round prospect by the reputable NFLdraftscout.com, whose work also appears on CBSSports.com.
Look for Ross’ ranking to be improving really soon.
“I am looking forward to watching this week against Washington,” said analyst Rob Rang of NFLdraftscout.com.
“That third-round grade is what we had going into the year, and we haven’t made any adjustments. My typical rule of thumb is to watch three games before adjusting a player’s stock, and this will the third game of Arizona that I will be able to see.
“I have watched enough to see that teams are favoring the other side of the field,” Rang added. “From what I have seen, Ross is at a second- and third-round grade. He looks like a player from what I have seen.”
Each of Arizona’s cornerbacks — Ross and sophomore Trevin Wade — is playing well. Ross leads the team with 31 tackles and has one interception. Wade has four interceptions, which is a combination of great play and opportunity as offenses chose to not challenge Ross.
“Teams are looking to pass on the other side — or anywhere else they can — because of his natural cover ability,” Rang said. “It isn’t a surprise. It is absolutely a function of the respect teams have for Ross.”
Tags: Devin Ross, Rob Rang, Trevin Wade
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October 8th, 2009 at 4:23 PM
Another great piece, Anthony.
If THE U is PG U, why then it’s gotta be DB U too, wouldn’t you say?
Just how many Naismiths, high draft picks, cover men in the NFL now and prior, conference and country “pick” leaders do the ‘Cats have over the last, I don’t know, 10, 20 years?
If Ross is just 2nd or 3rd round material, how good are those that are higher?
What does our man Devin have to do to get some love from the so-called experts?
And please, tell us Wade’s not going pro after this, his sophomore year?
Anthony, one more thing…
Have you in your time covering the team ever seen so much talent on the side of the ball that The Heat Seeking Missile – No. 6 in your program and No. 1 in our hearts (ok, tied for No. 1 with No. 89 and No. 68) – calls violence personified?
Props to Coach Mark Stoops and his Position Coaches, including the Strength Coach!
Bear Down!!!!!!!!!!!
October 8th, 2009 at 7:14 PM
azgood,
UA’s first-team all-conference Pac-10 defensive backs (All-Americans in CAPS):
Dave Liggins
Al Gross
Randy Robbins
Allan Durden
CHUCK CECIL
Jeff Hammerschmidt
DARRYLL LEWIS (Thorpe Award)
Keshon Johnson
TONY BOUIE
Brandon Sanders
CHRIS MCALISTER (should have won the Thorpe Award)
Darrell Brooks
ANTOINE CASON (Thorpe Award)
Not bad, huh?
I would think the fact that Devin is considered a second- or third-round pick is pretty good “love” from the experts.
As for the talent on defense, this group has a long way to go to be compared to the Desert Swarm era teams.
October 8th, 2009 at 8:05 PM
Thanks, Anthony.
I wrote Naismith when I was thinking Thorpe.
True, while not quite yet Desert Swarm-quality, I’ve got to wonder how today’s D would compare in terms of strength, speed, overall skills and years of starting experience, players 1-11.
Anthony, what position on D, if any, as we write is up there with, or better than, DS, starter through back-ups?
Who right now, ’09 vintage, would you say will be playing on Sundays in his career?