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Phillip Gaines (Rice) - 2014 NFL Draft Pick #87 by KC

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Phillip Gaines (2014 NFL Draft)

Player Overview:

Phillip Gaines was a standout cornerback from Rice University, known for his athleticism, ball skills, and competitive nature. He made a name for himself in college with impressive performances both in coverage and as a playmaker.

Physical Attributes:

• Height: 6'0"
• Weight: 193 lbs
• 40-yard dash: 4.38 seconds

Strengths:

• Speed and Agility: Gaines possesses exceptional speed, allowing him to keep up with fast receivers. His agility enables him to change directions quickly, making him effective in man coverage.
• Ball Skills: He demonstrated great ball-hawking ability in college, recording multiple interceptions and pass breakups.
• Work Ethic: Coaches praised his strong work ethic and dedication to improving his craft, which bodes well for his potential development at the professional level.
• Versatility: Gaines has experience playing both outside and in the slot, providing teams with flexibility in defensive schemes.

Areas for Improvement:

• Body Control: While athletic, Gaines occasionally struggled with body control when making contested catches, leading to some missed opportunities.
• Physicality: Needs to improve his physical play at the line of scrimmage to better handle bigger receivers in the NFL.

Overall Assessment:

Phillip Gaines was viewed as a potential mid-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. His combination of speed, agility, and ball skills made him an intriguing prospect for teams looking to bolster their secondary. With further development, he had the potential to become a reliable starter in the league.