Ras-I Dowling NFL Draft scouting report

by Dan Kadar on Apr 11, 2011 8:00 PM EDT in 2011 NFL Draft

Ras-I Dowling
6'1, 198 pounds | Cornerback | Virginia

Strengths: Is a big, physical corner who has a lot of experience despite missing a majority of the 2010 season. Does a nice job of high-pointing the ball and has long arms to break up the pass. Has been used in zone and man. Is good in both, giving him some flexibility. Seems to understand complex route principles and typically isn't beat on double moves. Is decent supporting the run. Tackling is above-average for a cornerback. Could have a future at safety at some point in his career.

Weaknesses: The biggest issue teams probably have with Dowling is his injury history. He played in just five games in 2010 (starting two). He was lost for the year in November due to a fractured ankle, but also had knee and hamstring issues. Doesn't tend to play up to his timed speed. Has trouble keeping up with shifty receivers, especially on quick routes. Likes to watch the quarterback too long instead of playing his man.

Final word: Following the 2010 season, Dowling looked like a solid first-round pick. He was more regarded than Vikings second-round pick Chris Cook and budding Cavaliers star Chase Minniefield. Other than his injury history, Dowling has the look of a top-level cornerback. Staying healthy, though, has been such an issue that it's hard to think too highly of him.

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Dowling

Would like to see him in a Steelers uniform. I think he is going to make a terrific CB. Big and physical.

Proud fan of Pittsburgh's professional sports teams and the Pirates too.

by Black&GoldTrain on Apr 11, 2011 9:17 PM EDT reply actions

werd

by tkired on Apr 12, 2011 5:54 AM EDT up reply actions

I like Dowling...

Injuries I would consider a minor issue… Wouldn’t take him in the 1st, but definitely in the top to mid 2nd!

You've been Stroh'd™!!!

by Strohman on Apr 11, 2011 9:34 PM EDT reply actions

Ravens = 2nd or 3rd rd pick - would love to see him in da pur and black

Just Win Baby !

by sethg28 on Apr 11, 2011 9:55 PM EDT reply actions

purp and black *

Just Win Baby !

by sethg28 on Apr 11, 2011 9:55 PM EDT reply actions

sure the injury bug ate him alive in 2010

But he was healthy for the rest of his career. I think his label as “injury prone” is a little unfair. Quite a few people over at Behind the Steel Curtain are now seeing him as a possibility at 31. Of course this has no bearing on what the organization is actually planning (they did bring him in for a draft visit) but if they look past his injuries like they did with another Virginia alumni-Heath Miller back in ‘05-then I think he very well may be a first rounder. I’ll take this kid over Jimmy Smith every day of the week.

BTSC Obituaries

OldManSteeler, ominously died two days before Superbowl 123 where the Ravens are set to attempt their 7th superbowl win, facing the Detroit Lions on Sunday. He was 86. His last words are are said to have been "MALOR CAN SUCK IT!!!". Like friends and family, we can only guess what this could mean.

by Tim Mullhaupt (HSS) on Apr 11, 2011 10:03 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Depends

What kinda coverage you use. Smith is a great man cover CB. Dowling is better at zone than Smith, but not as good at man… For Pitts, I think they play a good combination of man and zone, Dowling might make more sense. He’s yours if you want him at 31. I don’t think anyone else would consider him that high in the draft!

You've been Stroh'd™!!!

by Strohman on Apr 12, 2011 12:40 AM EDT up reply actions

Lots of zone

very rarely man. May be that they lack the corners to play an effective man (other than Ike Taylor). I think he’d be a perfect fit for the Steelers.

by mojo88 on Apr 12, 2011 8:27 AM EDT up reply actions

Perfect fit?

Even in round 1? A little high for my tastes, but my Packers play more man, and a little zone.

You've been Stroh'd™!!!

by Strohman on Apr 12, 2011 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Yea Capers and LeBeau are very similar,

But the Steelers are much more zone-coverage oriented. I think his character and work ethic are exactly what the Steelers look for in their potential players. I’d love to know where Colbert and Tomlin have him valued right now.

BTSC Obituaries

by Tim Mullhaupt (HSS) on Apr 12, 2011 8:01 PM EDT up reply actions