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Photo of Ryan Palmer
Grade
?
  • 4.62 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 16 REPS
    Top Performer
  • 36.5 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 121.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 7.15 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 4.31 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 5'8" Height
  • 190LBS. Weight

Overview

Palmer was the top returning member of the Texas secondary coming into 2008, and he proved to be a productive leader for the Longhorns. Much was expected of the diminutive cornerback after he emerged as a junior to post 80 tackles, 14 pass breakups and three forced fumbles. Opponents elected not to challenge him as often in '08, however, and Palmer struggled to make the same big-impact plays when they did due to season-long struggles with nagging injuries. Big 12 coaches recognized Palmer with second-team All-Big 12 honors despite less than eye-popping statistics: 32 tackles, three sacks, three interceptions and eight pass breakups. Palmer isn't the superstar-caliber DB Texas has produced in the past, but despite his lack of size, Palmer's confidence and toughness makes him a strong NFL nickel back candidate worthy of second-day consideration.

Analysis

Strengths

Positives: Short, but has a solid, athletic build. ... Good straight-line speed and agility. ... Loose hips to turn and run with receivers. ... Good lateral agility. ... Can plant his foot and break on the ball. ... Gets his hands on a lot of passes. ... Has shown a willingness in run support and surprisingly physical play considering his size. ... Helped himself with a strong week of practice at the East-West Shrine Game. ... Proved his toughness by playing through various (elbow, hamstring) injuries as a senior. Negatives: Because of injuries or possibly an effort to not endanger his pro stock, Palmer didn't play with the consistent aggression in 2008 he had shown earlier in his career. ... Seemed uninterested in run support as a senior, posting only 11 assisted tackles. ... Likes to duck and swipe as a tackler and too often ran wide around blockers rather than forcing the action. ... Good career INT numbers, but struggles with hot passes. ... Made most of his INTs off of deflections and wobbly passes. ... Lacks natural hands for the interception.
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Grade Title Draft (Round) Description
96-100 Future Hall of Famer Top Pick A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played
85-95 Immediate Starter 1st An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).
70-84 Eventual Starter 2nd-3rd A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.
50-69 Draftable Player 4th-7th A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.
20-49 Free Agent UDFA A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.
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