Where will DRC rank for 2009?

by Andrew602 on Jul 4, 2009 5:00 AM MDT

In 2008 the Arizona Cardinalsselected a cornerback in the 1st round with hopes that he would eventually develop into a quality starter. They and the rest of us didn't expect a rookie to nearly turn into a shut down cornerback in a matter of a couple games. DRC, or Dominique Rodgers-Cromartiehas now become in just half a year and a whole post season, one of the most exciting defenders to watch play. He's also one of the more anticipated players we would like to see as the 2009 season approaches. Halfway through the 2008 season DRC stepped in the starting role and never relinquished it. Although he only started half of the season, if we multiply his second half stats by 2, he may of finished the 2008 season with 56 tackles, 8 interceptions and 28 passes defended. One could only wonder if that would've happened, and if it did, he could've been up for ROY honors. This year though, he'll be the starter come day one and will have a season, a playoff run, and a Super Bowl appearance under his belt. Cromartie was said to have a high learning curve, and we may see how quickly that happens when next season starts. With the addition of Bryant McFaddento play along side him, it only decreases chances that teams may pick on DRC as well, although he may enjoy it being thrown at.

In a February story, MVN.com released their top ten cornerback list, which didn't feature DRC. It's not shocking, as he's only going to be in his second year, but the real shock is the likes of Carlos Rogers and Cortland Finnegan. They're obviously good cornerbacks but when Fitzgerald burned Finnegan twice in the Pro Bowl, we may have seen the product of a dominant defense in 2008 in Tennessee. As far as Rogers, I do believe he is a good cornerback in the NFL, but I wouldn't say he has the better athleticism and skills then DRC...but that's just my opinion. Where would you rank DRC and do you think he's better then any of the cornerbacks on the list?

Poll

Where would you rank DRC to other cornerbacks in the NFL?

Top five easy

164 votes

He barely cracks the top ten

163 votes

Not top ten yet, but getting close

141 votes

Has a long way to go

12 votes

480 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Soon

While I don’t agree with the list I don’t take issue with DRC not being on it, yet. He showed an incredible amount of promise in the second half of last season/playoffs, but to put someone in the top 10 based on a half a season is premature. However, when a rookie shuts down a guy like Steve Smith in a playoff game, and when someone like Kurt Warner makes the observation that he hasn’t seen anybody explode to the ball the way he does, it does make me think that the comparisons to Lem Barney may not have been exaggerated. I think DRC could prove to be in the top 5 as early as this season, and may end of being the best CB we’ve had since Aeneas.

by Long Beach on Jul 4, 2009 1:24 PM MDT reply actions

I dont think DRC is quite there yet, but those rankings still blow.

by Fireking on Jul 4, 2009 1:41 PM MDT reply actions

Mah, unless a sopmore slump happens,

he could easily break top 5 this season. I don’t see a lot of cornerbacks with his athletic ability and I think his field knowledge will propel him into the elite ranks.

A man from Dallas who bleeds red, not silver and blue.

by Sir Whirly on Jul 4, 2009 2:27 PM MDT reply actions

I would have Asante Samuel myself. Go UCF Knights.

Life's too short. Be a fan. Magic, Cards and Rays! What a winning combo.

by hevchv on Jul 4, 2009 3:23 PM MDT reply actions

I don't think DRC is there yet, but he will be.

I personally don’t think it matters if Finnegan is a “product of a dominant defense,” he has been solid in his 3 years in Tennessee. Also, his 95 tackles in 2007 indicate he wasn’t just a “product” of said defense, but an integral part of it. Throw in his 5 picks with a 99yd pick-6 last year and I’d say he is deservedly in the top-10.

When I get sad, I stop being sad and be awesome again. True story.
-Barney Stinson

by Red Reign on Jul 4, 2009 5:13 PM MDT reply actions

We'll see...

DRC certainly is made of the right stuff and is currently on a terrific glide-path to be great, but a lot of things (including luck, durability, tenacity, confidence and a willingness to learn) still have to go right for him to get there.

I’ll confess, though, that of all the players currently on the Cardinal roster, he’s the guy I’m rooting the hardest for.

GBR

by jeffgollin@aol.com on Jul 4, 2009 6:41 PM MDT reply actions