Quote:This. ^ 

 

Colvin played nearly 80% of the defensive snaps in one of his games last season.  In the same way the RB is being devalued in certain systems, the Nickel is gaining importance in certain defenses.  Teams that run defenses that are as "secondary-centric" as the Carroll/Bradley model play quite a bit more nickel and dime.  The nickel DB gaining value is a current NFL trend IMO.  

 

While I'd have zero issue with Colvin being evaluated as the best option at one of the outside spots, I do understand where Bradley was coming from when he talked about Colvin's spatial awareness and ability to naturally react on the inside.  There are conceivably times when your third best corner isn't the best option at nickel. 

 

Simple question:

 

Who gets drafted higher and are the best players at the position - nickels or corners?

 

Colvin is much more than a nickel.

 

He's our best corner.

 

Nickels have a specialty.  You can find them.  Stud corners are much harder to find.

 

We're not going to squander our best corner by holding him back at nickel full time.

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