Dre Kirkpatrick NFL Draft scouting notes

Dre Kirkpatrick
6'3, 192 pounds | Cornerback | Alabama

First word: Kirkpatrick started 12 of Alabama's 13 games in 2010 at left cornerback. He finished the year with three interceptions, seven pass breakups and 53 tackles. As a freshman in 2009, Kirkpatrick sat and learned behind Javier Arenas and Kareem Jackson. Leading into his junior year, Kirkpatrick has all the tools to be an elite cornerback. He's still a work in progress, however, and much of the praise surrounding him is based on projecting potential.

Games viewed: (All 2010) Penn State, Arkansas, Florida, Tennessee, LSU, Auburn, Michigan State

Bold Statement: If Kirkpatrick lives up to his potential and physical skills, he will be the first cornerback taken in the draft.

Dre Kirkpatrick
6'3, 192 pounds | Cornerback | Alabama

Notes:

• Kirkpatrick has the kind of length and strength to be an elite press coverage cornerback. While he may not have a great jam at the line, Kirkpatrick is strong enough to reroute receivers.

• Possesses the agility and quickness of a much smaller and more compact defensive back.

• Can turn and run with just about any receiver and keep up. Has quick feet to flip open his hips and mirror vertically.

• Body control to adjust when the ball is in the above-average but nothing incredible. Keeps his balance nicely in his backpedal.

• Has had a recurring shoulder injury since high school that will be heavily scrutinized during the NFL Combine. Has dealt with smaller injuries during his career.

• While Kirkpatrick and handle receivers who are either singularly fast or physical, he has trouble with combination receivers. South Carolina's Alshon Jeffery gave him a lot of trouble.