Ronald Darby CB Florida State #3
Wt: 193
[level-scouting-reports]
Size/Athleticism: Average height but well built. Timed speed doesn’t always show up on the field. Appears to have recovery speed more than functional balance, agility and overall athleticism.
Coverage: Elite speed allows him to turn and run with almost any receiver (although Phillip Dorsett abused him over and over). Better at off-coverage than in press. Footwork is a little sloppy at the line of scrimmage and he doesn’t have the strength to jam receivers. Shows decent recognition skills and a great closing burst to collapse on underneath routes when dropping in off coverage.
Ball skills: Needs to do a better job turning to play the ball. Tends to chase the receiver and react, rather than try to make the play for himself.
Run support: Would prefer run support was not in his job description. He’ll gladly let the wide receivers block him, especially if the play would require him to venture into the thick of things near the line of scrimmage.
Intangibles: Was present for Jameis Winston alleged sexual assault and refused to testify at his hearing. Toughness has been questioned by scouts and coaches. Faced charges from FSU disciplinary committee in 2014 for ‘conduct of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment’ for their role in the incident.
Durability: Suffered sports hernia in 2013 which required surgery.
[/level-scouting-reports]
Overview: Darby is a track star but the speed isn’t necessarily functional speed. His speed helps him recover from mistakes, but he doesn’t have the consistent footwork and fluid agility to stay with receivers at the line of scrimmage. For a guy who supposedly wins with speed, it’s tough to ignore the fact that he was abused by Miami’s Phillip Dorsett in a battle of speed versus speed. That’s a red flag that has to stick with scouts. He probably best suited as an outside cornerback, but his ceiling may be limited.
