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Courtney Van Buren (Ark-Pine Bluff) - 2003 NFL Draft Pick #80 by SDG

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Pre-Draft Analysis: Courtney Van Buren - 2003 NFL Draft

Player Position: Cornerback

College: University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Overview

Courtney Van Buren emerged as a standout cornerback during his collegiate career at Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Known for his exceptional athleticism and ball skills, he was regarded as one of the top defensive prospects from the SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference) heading into the 2003 NFL Draft.

Strengths

• Speed and Agility: Van Buren showcased impressive straight-line speed and quickness, allowing him to keep up with faster wide receivers.
• Ball Skills: He had a knack for making plays on the ball, evidenced by multiple interceptions and pass deflections during his college career.
• Physicality: Van Buren was not afraid to engage in run support and showed the ability to tackle effectively in the open field.
• Work Ethic: Coaches praised his dedication to improving his craft, indicating a strong desire to succeed at the next level.

Weaknesses

• Level of Competition: Concerns were raised about his performance against lesser competition in the SWAC, leading to questions about how he would fare against elite NFL receivers.
• Technique: While athletic, there were inconsistencies in his technique, particularly in press coverage and backpedaling.
• Injury History: A few minor injuries during his college career raised red flags regarding his durability at the professional level.

Draft Projection

Van Buren was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 2003 NFL Draft. His combination of speed, ball skills, and potential made him an intriguing prospect, but concerns about the level of competition he faced in college could impact his draft stock.

Conclusion

Courtney Van Buren had the tools to be a successful cornerback in the NFL, but teams would need to weigh his potential against the risks associated with his background and technique. His pre-draft evaluations indicated that he could develop into a solid contributor with the right coaching and opportunity.