2009 NFL Draft Prospects:
Darius Butler Profile

Strengths: Good height and athletic build with room to bulk a little in the weight room … Very instinctive; reads and reacts without hesitation … Very fluid hips; nice body control … Has the recovery speed and initial acceleration you look for; no questions athletically … Competitive and plays with a swagger … Anticipates routes in press man coverage … Physical and can play bump-and-run … Smart … Three-year starter and has experience … Solid work ethic … Will be a better pro than college player … Outstanding Senior Bowl week in Mobile … Lots of undiscovered potential.

Weaknesses: Needs to put forth more effort against the run … Soft tackler and needs to do a better job of reading an opponent’s hips, key in, and explode through in regards to tackling technique … Should have produced more interceptions; ball skills need to be closely evaluated … Lacks awareness in zone.

Summary: If Malcolm Jenkins runs poorly at his Pro Day, then is viewed as strictly a safety, and the NFL front offices seriously question Vontae Davis’ intangibles, Darius Butler could be the first pure corner off the draft board. I am not lying here; I am confident Butler goes off the board much higher than people expect in that 14-24 range. Do not overlook this talented player just because he does not have the Internet hype of Jenkins and Davis.

Player Comparison: Asante Samuel. Same build. Similar skill set, but Samuel has better ball skills, which Butler can improve.





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2009 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings