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Falcons take S Decoud:
Strengths: Possesses adequate-to-good height, bulk and straight-line speed. He's a fluid athlete for the safety position. Changes directions quickly. Shows enough quickness and athleticism to cover the deep-half when he makes the proper reads. Does a good job of matching up versus taller WR's and H-back types one-on-one. Recognition skills continue to improve with experience. Fills hard versus the run and is learning to take better angles in pursuit. Displays good power as a tackler. Blocked six kicks in first two seasons at Cal (2004-'05). Also is a big hitter on special teams both as a cover guy and blocker (see: block that sprung PR DeSean Jackson for 72-yard TD vs. UCLA in 2006).
Weaknesses: Is a smooth athlete but does not possess elite initial burst or top-end speed. Will struggle to recover from mistakes in coverage. Not able to match up one-on-one versus smaller, quicker slot receivers. Occasionally he will lead with shoulder and try to deliver the knockout blow rather than wrap up, which leads to some missed tackles. Ball skills are still very much in question. The type of DB that will get in position but won't make the big play. Knocks down some passes he should intercept. Does not always time his jumps well. He did not collect an interception in first three seasons (2004-'06) and only notched one pick in 13 games as a senior. Durability is a concern as well.
Overall: DeCoud arrived at Cal in 2003 and redshirted the year. In his first three seasons (2004-06), he played every position in the secondary and starred on special teams over 32 games (four starts), compiling 82 tackles (two for losses), three pass breakups and six blocked kicks. As a senior in 2007, he appeared in all 13 games (12 starts) and had 116 tackles (three for losses), one sack, two forced fumbles, one interception and four pass breakups. In 2006, DeCoud missed two games after suffering an MCL sprain in his right knee. In September 2005, he underwent surgery to repair a left thumb injury but missed no games. In '04, a right ankle sprain sidelined him for the season opener. DeCoud had his best season as a senior and his best football may be ahead of him. While not an elite talent, he does possess many of the physical qualities typically seen in a versatile starting safety in the NFL. DeCoud verified his athleticism by turning in a very good all-around combine performance, including a 4.50-second 40-yard dash, a 35.5 vertical jump, a 4.27-second short shuttle and a 6.85-second three cone. DeCoud may never be more than a reserve safety in the NFL but at least he has some versatility at the position. He also projects as a potential special team's standout, which gives him value early on Day 2.
Strengths: Possesses adequate-to-good height, bulk and straight-line speed. He's a fluid athlete for the safety position. Changes directions quickly. Shows enough quickness and athleticism to cover the deep-half when he makes the proper reads. Does a good job of matching up versus taller WR's and H-back types one-on-one. Recognition skills continue to improve with experience. Fills hard versus the run and is learning to take better angles in pursuit. Displays good power as a tackler. Blocked six kicks in first two seasons at Cal (2004-'05). Also is a big hitter on special teams both as a cover guy and blocker (see: block that sprung PR DeSean Jackson for 72-yard TD vs. UCLA in 2006).
Weaknesses: Is a smooth athlete but does not possess elite initial burst or top-end speed. Will struggle to recover from mistakes in coverage. Not able to match up one-on-one versus smaller, quicker slot receivers. Occasionally he will lead with shoulder and try to deliver the knockout blow rather than wrap up, which leads to some missed tackles. Ball skills are still very much in question. The type of DB that will get in position but won't make the big play. Knocks down some passes he should intercept. Does not always time his jumps well. He did not collect an interception in first three seasons (2004-'06) and only notched one pick in 13 games as a senior. Durability is a concern as well.
Overall: DeCoud arrived at Cal in 2003 and redshirted the year. In his first three seasons (2004-06), he played every position in the secondary and starred on special teams over 32 games (four starts), compiling 82 tackles (two for losses), three pass breakups and six blocked kicks. As a senior in 2007, he appeared in all 13 games (12 starts) and had 116 tackles (three for losses), one sack, two forced fumbles, one interception and four pass breakups. In 2006, DeCoud missed two games after suffering an MCL sprain in his right knee. In September 2005, he underwent surgery to repair a left thumb injury but missed no games. In '04, a right ankle sprain sidelined him for the season opener. DeCoud had his best season as a senior and his best football may be ahead of him. While not an elite talent, he does possess many of the physical qualities typically seen in a versatile starting safety in the NFL. DeCoud verified his athleticism by turning in a very good all-around combine performance, including a 4.50-second 40-yard dash, a 35.5 vertical jump, a 4.27-second short shuttle and a 6.85-second three cone. DeCoud may never be more than a reserve safety in the NFL but at least he has some versatility at the position. He also projects as a potential special team's standout, which gives him value early on Day 2.
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