How good can Sam Shields become?

[Scott Campbell]

There have been a lot of cornerbacks in GB over the past 10 years. After you get past Woodson, Harris, McKenzie and Williams, has any cornerback played as well in GB as Shields is playing now? I don't think so.

Shields is so inexperienced at corner and seems so dedicated to getting better (from what stories have been written) that there could be a lot of improvement yet to come. As he becomes more comfortable with his own play recognition and coverage abilities, I can see him making more attempts at interceptions. His speed and quickness really could make him a top-notch player. Unlike some of the fast CBs, he seems willing to stick his nose in on tackles. Watching the way Woodson plays is sure a good role model for him.

Can he be an All-Pro in the future?

Next year should be really interesting. If you get the 2nd year bump with him the way you do with many players, he could be right there. But like Tramon is finding out with the Probowl voting, it takes a while to establish a reputation.

His play has probably impacted our draft this year, as I was pretty certain that Ted would have had to take a CB given Woodson's age.