DB E.J. Gaines - Missouri

I like Gaines. My 98th best player right now on my big 270 board.

Also my 12th best CB on my rankings.

Great speed, good tackler, good cover corner. A bit undersized, not badly though. Does commit some penalties. But he is a high riser right now. Should be a 2nd day pick. Probably mid 2nd-early 3rd.

Here's some info I found on him.

STRENGTHS: Gaines sports a well-defined build for the position. The combination of his broad-shouldered, long-armed frame and very good overall athleticism makes him a tough draw for any pass-catcher. Has alternately lined up in press or off-man on most snaps, showing the fluid hips to turn and run with receivers, as well as very good lateral agility and balance and speed to burn. He anticipates routes well, under-cutting receivers to remain between them and the quarterback and has quick, active hands. Gaines is a reliable open-field tackler. Gaines' ability to avoid blockers and wrap securely make him a frequent blitz threat off the edge. E.J. Gaines locked down Mike Evans when Mizzou took down Texas A&M and put himself on the map. He has enough size combined with his technique to be a rookie starter on the outside.

WEAKNESSES: Gaines is a classic grab and drag tackler, only occasionally dropping his shoulder to provide an impactful hit. Scouts would like to see him turn more of his many career passes broken up into interceptions. More of a hitter than a tackler at times, and needs to avoid dropping his head on contact.

He reminds me of a young Tarrell Brown. I'd be very happy to draft him.

I'm hoping Gaines does terribly at the combine so the Niners can pick him up late. This guy's a sleeper. Luckily he already measured pretty small, so that could cause him to drop a bit.

Originally posted by VPofCarnage:
I'm hoping Gaines does terribly at the combine so the Niners can pick him up late. This guy's a sleeper. Luckily he already measured pretty small, so that could cause him to drop a bit.

Well now I´m confused. Isn´t your logic " talented player + bad combine = no success in the NFL " ???

Originally posted by DeUh:

Well now I�m confused. Isn�t your logic " talented player + bad combine = no success in the NFL " ???

Let's put it this way: I hope his performance is a bit below average for a CB so the Niners can pick him up late. If he does well at the combine he'll probably go in the 2nd or early 3rd round, and there are a ton of players I want the Niners to draft who have been considered anywhere from late first rounders to 4th rounders:

Moncrief
Dominique Easley
Bradley Roby
Lamarcus Joyner
Gaines (clearly)
Stanley Jean-Baptiste (late 3rd???)
Marcus Martin
Travis Swanson (or was it Travis Samsonite? I forget)
Kyle Fuller

Maybe Cyrus Kouandijo & red shirt him if he drops to the 4th or so due to injury? Depending on how bad it is of course.

...obviously the Niners can't get all of these guys, so I'm hoping Gaines does poorly at the combine so he can be had in like the 5th round. That'd be sweet.

Went to the damn Rams

Originally posted by jrg:

Went to the damn Rams