How do you think he translates as a FS in the NFL ? .... How's his tackling skills ?
I saw some rating him as a first rounder as recent as a month ago (I had him in the second) .... dropping to the 4th is a bit shocking to me especially in such short order.
From Walter's evaluation pre-2012 season:
2012 Season Outlook: No logical observer could expect Amerson to duplicate his 2011 season. Teams will be avoiding him like the plague next fall, so he will have his opportunities for interceptions reduced significantly.
If Amerson has an interception total in the 4-6 range that would be excellent.
To offset the likely drop in interceptions, Amerson can help his stock in other ways. He can tenaciously defend the run, as well as show more variety in coverage skills. Certain NFL teams will want to see how Amerson plays in press man-coverage. He typically lined up well off the line of scrimmage as a sophomore. Adding that flexibility will help Amerson to appeal to more teams, but that is also dependent on the scheme his coaches run.
When Amerson makes those grabs, he is dangerous with the ball in his hands. Amerson zooms up the field with nice cutting ability to make tacklers miss. It really looks like a big wide receiver running with the ball. He even finishes his returns well. Amerson doesn't shy away from getting physical.
He can hit hard and contribute well in run defense.
Amerson lined up with a nice cushion throughout 2011. He would either pick up receivers in man coverage or play zone. Amerson's bump-and-run skills are still in question, but he has good strength and physicality. One would think Amerson should have the ability to be good at jamming and re-routing receivers at the line of scrimmage. That is something he can learn from his NFL defensive backs coach.
To answer your question, like most college DBs he needs to improve his tackling but does show willingness to tackle. His size will help at either position. I think his draft will depend on his combine skills and 40 speed. Unless Quin leaves, any DB will have opportunity to learn without starting. I do think a NT or ILB needs to start unless we sign a vet FA. I also think a team with deep roster may select him much higher than many believe as reward higher than risk, imo.
