I was expecting us to pick either Brown, Kendricks or Landon Collins with our first round pick (yup, the safety) and was hoping for us to pick Kendricks. I was shocked at first when we picked Randell, because it seemed like a huge reach a first, but after reading up and watching tape it starts to make sense!
I still don't like the pick, but I don't hate it either!
Like I said in the Landon Collins topic, I like the idea of safeties playing the slot in some sub-packages (see link from that topic).
It a way to improve your pass D, without giving too much ground in the run game, since those safeties are
in general much better tacklers than most corners. So that's why I considered Collins a option at the time.When you compare Landon Collins and Randall it becomes clear that Randall is a better athlete (4,46 vs 4,53 40 yard dash and 6,83 vs 7,38 3 cone). After watching tape of both players it also becomes clear that Randall is the better cover corner. The real issue is tackling. Landon Collins is a sure tackler, and Randall is anything but a sure tackler. That stats aren't even that bad (12 missed tackles, 102 tackles made per PFF on twitter). But some of those missed tackles look really really bad on tape. He is way to aggressive sometimes and takes himself out of position. Let's hope that is fixable.
If this is fixable Randall has the potential to become one of the better slot corners in the NFL (this is a big IF).
The reality of modern day football is that the NFL is a passing league. Sub-packages are more important than ever! Therefore slot corner, although a part time position, is probably more important position than inside linebacker. There has been a huge influx of quick/fast slot receivers (for example, Seattle just drafted Lockett, who ran 4,40 40yd dash). If you can find a slot corner that can run with the guys, that is huge for your pass-D. The bottom line is that Randall is probably much better suited for this role than Collins. Heck he might even play outside in the future. Moreover we already have Hyde, who is slower, but also more physical and a better tackler. Therefore he is more suited to cover tight ends and bigger/slower slot receivers.
Moreover the versatility is huge plus. First of it limits the possibilities for offense to create mismatches. Second, it allows you to get more creative with your coverage's.
So I short, I can see why Ted liked Randall better than both Collins and Kendricks. I expect us to use Randall a lot in the nickel and the dime this year depending on the match-ups.
