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Darius Butler (Connecticut) - 2009 NFL Draft Pick #41 by NE

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Darius Butler - 2009 NFL Draft

Position: Cornerback

College: University of Connecticut

Overview

Darius Butler was one of the top cornerback prospects heading into the 2009 NFL Draft. His combination of speed, agility, and ball skills made him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their secondary. Having played at a competitive program like UConn, Butler demonstrated the ability to compete at a high level against quality opponents.

Strengths

• Speed and Agility: Butler possesses exceptional speed, which allows him to keep up with fast receivers and make plays on the ball.
• Ball Skills: He has shown a knack for intercepting passes and creating turnovers, showcasing his ability to read the quarterback and jump routes.
• Cover Ability: Butler is adept in man-to-man coverage, using his quick feet and technique to stay close to receivers.
• Experience: With multiple years as a starter at UConn, he has valuable experience and has faced a variety of offensive schemes.

Weaknesses

• Physicality: Although he is quick, Butler can struggle against bigger, more physical receivers, which could be a concern at the next level.
• Tackling: He needs to improve his tackling technique, as he can sometimes miss tackles in the open field.
• Consistent Technique: While he has the tools, Butler occasionally relies too much on his athleticism rather than his technique, which can lead to penalties or blown coverages.

Overall Assessment

Darius Butler is viewed as a talented cornerback with the potential to become a solid starter in the NFL. Teams will appreciate his speed and playmaking ability. However, he will need to refine his technique and improve his physicality to succeed against elite wide receivers in the league. He is projected to be a second to third-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.