Lots of attention is focused on Alexander, but how about Tankerlsey if he declares? And not necessarily as a CB, but as a FS. He's got good size, can cover ground, and from what I've seen from him, he's physical and effective in run support.
All this talk about FS being difficult to find, I'm surprised the team hasn't made more efforts to look at larger, physical college CB's and have them transition.
Any insight on Tankersley?
Without knowing much about Tankersley, there's a pretty wide gulf between just being a big, physical corner and being an effective free safety, particularly in Gus' defense where the free safety is usually covering the entire deep third of the field.
Quote:Without knowing much about Tankersley, there's a pretty wide gulf between just being a big, physical corner and being an effective free safety, particularly in Gus' defense where the free safety is usually covering the entire deep third of the field.
It would be a process to transition to free safety, of course, but being big, physical and rangy are definitely tools that are important to the position. When you look at the list of true free safeties in the college ranks, you realize it's pretty slim. If they're that hard to find, then the scope of potential players has to be widened. This would require coaching and patience to let the player develop. I'd rather take my chances on signing a stop-gap for a couple seasons (Eric Weddle would be nice), and then making the transition with a young, home-grown talent, than signing a free agent to a mega-deal with a huge amount of guaranteed money.
Missed the tackle on the k.o. return.
I doubt Tankersly declares this year. He started off the year pretty rough. With no one wanting to throw to Alexander's side of the field, that's kind of how it goes. He's gotten better as the year has gone on, but I think he needs another year. With Mackenzie gone, it'll be his time to shine next year as the premier corner
Tankersley has the skill set to move to free safety, but if Bradley/Caldwell took him I believe it would be to first try him out at CB.