Antoine Cason CB 6' 191 Arizona 4.48

From the time Cason stepped on Arizona’s campus, he has been something special. Not many true freshman start their first game in college, but Cason did, and he has started every game since. As a freshman, he was in on 70 tackles, with 5.5 coming for loss, along with four interceptions. As a sophomore, he had already emerged as a big time corner and teams went the opposite way, but he still managed 50 tackles, 2.5 for loss, and three picks. Cason earned All America honors as a junior, finishing the year with 62 tackles, two for loss, and three interceptions. Cason came back as a senior to win the Thorpe award, finishing the season with 71 tackles, four for loss, a sack and five interceptions. He returned two of those picks for touchdowns, and also added two more TD’s on punt returns.

Cason has the ability to be a true shutdown corner. Not only does he have the athleticism, quickness, and ball skills, but he has the attitude of a top tier corner. Cason will not back down from anyone, and loves be tested. He shows the ability to turn and run with receivers, and has the ability to locate the ball while it is in the air. Cason does not shy away from run stopping either. He is very active and quickly reads a run and aggressively pursues the ball carrier.

Although Cason is a complete corner, he could be more disciplined. He will go for the ball and the big play too much. Also, while he is not small, his size is nothing special, and he is a tad lanky for an NFL corner. With his aggressive style, he may need to bulk up to handle the way he throws his body around.

Cason surprised many when he decided to return for his senior season. He came back and had another fine season, and is back in the same situation he was last year. He appears to be underrated as a prospect. Some question his speed, but if you watch the tapes and his times in workouts, he has no problems covering ground. He may be the best corner in this draft, even though he probably will not be selected until the late first round, at the earliest.