CB Dexter McDougle: Scouting the NFL Draft

Jul 21, 2013; Greensboro, NC, USA; Maryland Terrapins cornerback Dexter Mcdougle addresses the media during the ACC Kickoff Day at the Grandover Resort. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Not only is the NFL draft about signing future stars, it is about acquiring depth for your squad as well. You can never have enough depth when your front line players go down. So, tonight, we spotlight a guy that could fill that bill, a guy that our buddy Jake Steinberg mentions here:

#Jets have a visit lined up with Maryland CB Dexter McDougle. #nyj

— Jake Steinberg (@Steiny31) April 8, 2014

That’s who we look at tonight, from Maryland, CB Dexter McDougle.

Defense & Fumbles

He measured at 5’10”, and weighed in at 196 pounds at the NFL Combine, although he didn’t participate in any of the drills.

Here is some video, as always, to get an idea of what this guy is all about:

PROS: First off, Dexter has great hands. Whether he is showing the soft hands needed to pick the pass off, or get in there and knock it down, his hands are quite effective. What I like a lot, is the guy plays some press coverage, which seems to be rare in the college game. He uses his hands well on the receiver. He also is able to get his head around when the ball comes in, avoiding the PI call.

CONS: Here are his weaknesses from the NFL profile:

Lacks ideal height. Short on length and strength to jam and re-route receivers — too often yields uncontested release off the line. Occasionally gets caught trying to read the quarterback’s mail — squats on routes, bites on fakes and gets beat. Durability could be an issue.

I didn’t see the release issues on the tape, but then again, the tape is only going to show great plays. If in fact that is an issue, it is something Dexter will have to improve at when he hits the next level, jamming at the line of scrimmage. If he does that, he definitely has talent.

He could be a nice pickup towards the end of this draft.