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How NFL Draft Evaluations Can Help You Improve Your Game as a DB

Every year, NFL teams invest millions into evaluating college defensive backs ahead of the draft. They analyze film, interview players, review testing numbers, and dig deep into football IQ and character. As a high school or college DB trying to level up, you can use the same evaluation process to take your game to the next level.

Here are some key areas NFL scouts look at—and how you can apply them to your development:

1. Technique Matters More Than Hype
Scouts closely evaluate backpedal efficiency, transitions, hip fluidity, and hand placement in press. Even elite athletes fall in the draft if their technique isn’t polished. That means every drill you do at practice is an opportunity to tighten up the small things. Film yourself and be critical—if it wouldn’t pass at the next level, clean it up.

2. Football IQ Is a Game-Changer
Understanding route concepts, offensive formations, and how to disguise coverage is something that separates good from great. Scouts love DBs who can process fast and anticipate. Watch film of your games and ask: “What did I miss pre-snap? Could I have recognized that route combo sooner?”

3. Positional Versatility Boosts Your Value
NFL DBs who can play corner, nickel, and safety go higher. If you only play one position, start learning the others. Understand the leverage, run fits, and responsibilities across the board. It will also make you a smarter player at your primary spot.

4. Speed Is Good, But Recovery Speed Is Better
Straight-line 40 speed is great, but scouts love guys who can recover and compete through the catch point. That comes from technique, understanding spacing, and mastering change-of-direction. Your cone and shuttle drills should be a weekly focus.

5. Coachability and Character Are Always Evaluated
Scouts talk to coaches, trainers, and academic staff. If you’re tough to coach or inconsistent with effort, it shows up. The best thing you can do? Show up consistently, be vocal in a positive way, and hold yourself to a high standard—even when no one’s watching.

Use the Process to Level Up
You don’t have to be draft-eligible to take your game seriously. Start thinking like a pro now, and you’ll play like one sooner.

The Key to Using Your Hands in Press Man Coverage

The idea of press man coverage is to disrupt the timing and route of the wide receiver. To do this, your hands will often come into play, as they help redirect the receiver. However, many young DBs use their hands incorrectly. In this article, we’ll fix that.

It’s camp season, which means a lot of one-on-one reps. The offseason is the perfect time to sharpen your man-to-man skills, especially press man coverage.

Once the regular season begins and schedules tighten, there isn’t always time to get extra one-on-one reps. Savvy defensive backs use the offseason to polish their technique and refine their craft.

As I watch young DBs at camps and 7-on-7 events, one thing becomes clear: a lot of them rely too much on their hands. It may surprise you to learn this, but your hands are actually the last part of the press man process.

Great press man defensive backs know the order of operations: eyes, then feet, then hands. For your hands to be effective, your eyes and feet must do their job first.

Step 1: The Eyes

Before the snap, your eyes should be locked in on the wide receiver’s hips. The hips provide a central point for the entire body. Where the hips go, the receiver follows.

Many defensive backs make the mistake of watching the receiver’s hands, feet, shoulders, or head—all of which can move rapidly and cause confusion. The hips, however, move at a much slower pace. Since the hands and feet can’t go anywhere without the hips leading the way, your eyes should focus on the hips at the line of scrimmage and throughout the route.

As a famous song once said, “The hips don’t lie.”

Step 2: The Feet

When your eyes are focused on the right target, your feet must move to put you in position. Many young DBs struggle with this. Instead of using their feet to mirror the receiver’s release, they panic, open up too quickly, and start running down the field.

While this might seem logical, it often leads to trouble. Good wide receivers know how to manipulate a DB’s movements. They use deceptive and explosive releases to disguise their true intentions. A defensive back who turns and runs too early will get fooled.

When a DB realizes he has been fooled, he often overreacts and uses his hands to compensate. This usually leads to two outcomes:

  1. The DB lunges with his hands, freezing his feet and ending up in a trail position.

  2. The DB grabs the receiver’s jersey, drawing a penalty.

Training your feet to match a receiver’s release is a major key to being successful in press man coverage.

Step 3: The Hands

Once your eyes are in the right place and your feet are moving correctly, then and only then should your hands come into play.

Focused eyes allow well-trained feet to put you in position, setting up proper hand strikes that disrupt both the timing and shape of the route.

Before drilling yourself on hand usage in press man coverage, you must first master eye discipline and footwork.

In the great-tasting cake of press man coverage, your hands are the icing—and we all know the icing comes last.

Want to know how to train your eyes and feet so your hands can be lethal? Pick up a copy of my best-selling book, 101 DB Tips. It’s packed with outstanding information to help you lock down receivers and become the playmaker you need to be.

Click here to get your copy: 101dbtips.com

How to Read a Wide Receiver’s Body Language to Anticipate Routes

One of the biggest advantages a defensive back can have is the ability to read a wide receiver’s body language. Being able to anticipate where the receiver is going before they make their move can help you stay in phase, break on the ball faster, and make more plays. Wide receivers are trained to disguise their intentions, but their bodies often give away clues. The key is knowing what to look for.

1. The Stance at the Line of Scrimmage

Before the play even starts, a receiver’s stance can give away hints about the upcoming route.

  • Weight Distribution – If the receiver has more weight forward on their front foot, they may be preparing for a deep route or an explosive release. If their weight is more balanced, they could be preparing for a short or intermediate route.

  • Alignment – A receiver who lines up closer to the sideline may be setting up an inside-breaking route (like a post or dig), while a receiver lined up inside the numbers could be working toward an outside-breaking route (like an out or comeback).

  • Notes – This requires careful film study then awareness once the game comes. Watch film with intent,  looking for clues.  Then when the game comes use the early snaps to match up the study with reality.

2. Release off the Line

The first few steps of a receiver’s release can indicate the type of route they’re running.

  • Aggressive Burst – A quick, hard release off the line often signals a deep route like a go, post, or corner.

  • Slow Play or Hesitation – If the receiver takes a few short, choppy steps without going full speed, they may be setting up a hitch, slant, or double move.

  • Immediate Inside or Outside Movement – A receiver who quickly works inside may be setting up a slant, dig, or post, while an outside release often leads to a fade, comeback, or out route.

  • Notes – These cues are to be used for anticipation and not overplay.  Defensive backs typically get in trouble when they think they know the route and overplay it.  Though you may have a strong cue,  continue to use good technique and mechanics while anticipating.

3. Body Lean and Upper Body Movement

Receivers naturally lean into their breaks, but a well-trained DB can use this to their advantage.

  • Shoulder and Head Positioning – If a receiver starts leaning forward aggressively, they are likely preparing to stop (hitch, curl, comeback). If their head and shoulders stay upright, they may be staying vertical on a fade or post.

  • Arms and Hands – A receiver pumping their arms aggressively usually means they are trying to sell a vertical route. If their arms slow down or get ready to push off, they may be preparing to break off their route.

  • Notes: Use these cues to determine your upper body positioning.  If your keys say that the route will break off,  keep your center of gravity low and your chest down.  If the cues say route is going vertical then start getting tall to accelerate.

4. The Three-Step Indicator

By the time the receiver takes their third step, a DB should already have a good idea of what route is coming.

  • Full Speed with No Breakdown – The receiver is likely running a deep route. Stay in phase and play top-down coverage.

  • A Sudden Drop in Hips – This is a key indicator of a break. Be ready for a hitch, curl, or comeback.

  • Choppy Steps – If a receiver suddenly shortens their stride but doesn’t break, they may be setting up a double move (sluggo, out-and-up).

  • Notes – This is also where film study becomes a powerful weapon.  Take note of these indicators on the receivers you will be covering.  Also, be sure hip drops and choppy steps and fake.  Breakdown when they breakdown but your hips should match theirs.  If they turn,  you break.  If they remain vertical then so should yours.

5. Late Route Adjustments

  • Eyes and Hands – As the ball arrives, watch the receiver’s eyes and hands. If they start looking back early, a deep ball is coming. If their hands start creeping up, they are preparing to catch. Use this as a cue to make a play on the ball.

  • Body Positioning in the Break – A receiver who leans into a break at an angle may be setting up an out route, while a more vertical lean suggests a curl or comeback.

Conclusion

Reading a receiver’s body language is an art that separates average DBs from great ones. The best defensive backs don’t just react—they anticipate. By studying film, recognizing tendencies, and training your eyes, you can gain the edge needed to make more plays and shut down your opponent.

Want to learn more about how to watch film? Join the All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area.  Over 200 posts on a number of DB topics including film study, route combos and more.  Click here for more info!

These 3 Things Are Killing Your Off Man Reps

Have you ever been in this position before? You went to a camp, and you were all geared up to do one-on-ones because you wanted to crush the receivers with your press man skills, only to have the coach tell you that you aren’t allowed to play press. It felt like he told you to do the camp without your cleats on.

If you find yourself in this position and weren’t able to perform because you’re not good at off man, you are likely making the three mistakes I’m going to outline in this article.

Wrong Alignment

The biggest mistake I see defensive backs make when playing off man is that they are not aligned correctly. There’s a saying that goes, most battles are won or lost before they begin. If you don’t align right in off man, prepare to lose.

First of all, you must be aligned at the proper depth — this means how far off the receiver you have chosen to set up. If you’re aligned at 5 yards, you are too close and are in what is known as No Man’s Land. This is where you’re too far to play press and too close to play off. You’ll be in trouble the moment the receiver comes off the line of scrimmage — he’ll get you turned fast, and you’ll eventually end up spun around. You can also align too far off, allowing the receiver to run an assortment of short routes that make it easy for him to connect with the quarterback.

Your typical alignment should be 7 yards off. This allows you to comfortably keep a cushion over the wide receiver as he starts his route. It also allows you to maintain a backpedal for a reasonable amount of time before you either have to break or flip your hips to run deep. This alignment has been tried and true over many years. Feel free to test it, but it will most likely be at your peril.

The next alignment issue is leverage. A lot of DBs line up directly in front of the wide receiver, allowing the receiver to run right at them and make a break in either direction to gain separation. Quite frankly, you need to take something away.

When you’re in a camp doing one-on-ones, there is no help. My recommendation is to align inside by at least one yard. If the receiver has a wide split, you may want to experiment with aligning 2 yards inside. If that receiver wants to run an inside route, he’s going to have to work for it. If he decides to run an outside route, you have the ability to put yourself between him and the quarterback.

If you’re playing Cover 1 in a game situation, your coach may ask you to align outside since there may be help inside against the routes. In that case, you would align 7 yards off and one yard outside.

Poor Eye Focus

When it comes to this, off man coverage is just like press coverage — if your eyes aren’t right, you’ll be lost.

Some guys get a little lazy when they’re playing off man. They don’t feel as much urgency because they aren’t as close to the wide receiver. This leads to them placing their eyes wherever. Having that amount of space between you and the receiver can make it harder to focus on his hips, causing some defensive backs to look at the face and shoulders of the receiver. This is a recipe for disaster.

Instead, narrow your focus on the receiver’s hips. Do what you have to do with your vision to cut his torso off. When I played in games, I would pull my facemask down to block my view of the top of the receiver. It was a reminder to me to keep my eyes down during any off man rep. If you struggle to keep your eyes focused when you have distance off a receiver, consider doing something similar. The shoulders and head move faster than the hips — you don’t want to get fooled by false moves from the receiver.

Bad Break Mechanics

The final big problem in off man coverage for a lot of defensive backs is getting in and out of their breaks. Not enough work is done on this by many DBs — most training nowadays focuses heavily on playing press.

The truth is that in most defenses, you’re going to spend more time playing off the receiver than right up in front of him. Sometimes you will have to play off man, and a lot of times you will be off in a zone coverage.

With this in mind, it is in your best interest to work on getting out of your breaks. This means learning how to keep your weight over your toes, be efficient in your plant, and become exceptional at driving out of your breaks. None of these things are going to happen if you don’t put in the time practicing them.

Sometimes you can effectively anticipate a route by a receiver and still fail to make a play because your break mechanics were bad. Mechanics also include being able to effectively turn and run when the receiver goes deep. Inefficiency in that skill will get you beat a lot of times. I highly recommend that you put in the time with your drill work to improve in these areas.

Conclusion

If you want to shine at the next camp or make a ton of plays this season when you have to play off man coverage, I highly suggest that you fix these three errors. Whether it is aligning wrong, having poor eye focus, executing bad break mechanics, or all three, winning your off man coverage reps will be difficult.

Put the time in this offseason training in these areas and watch your performance rise. I have a ton of drills and education on playing off man in the All Eyes DB Camp Members Area. If you are not yet a member, I highly recommend that you join. Click here for more information.

Defensive Back in Football: The Ultimate Guide to Excelling at the Position

When it comes to playing defensive back in football, mastering the fundamentals, understanding the game, and refining technique are essential. Whether you’re a cornerback or a safety, your role in the secondary is crucial in shutting down opposing offenses and making game-changing plays.

What is a Defensive Back in Football?

A defensive back (DB) is a player in the secondary whose primary role is to defend against the pass and support the run defense. Defensive backs are typically categorized into two main positions:

  • Cornerbacks (CB) – These players line up near the sideline and are responsible for covering wide receivers, breaking up passes, and making tackles.
  • Safeties (S) – This includes free safeties (FS) and strong safeties (SS), who play deeper in the field and provide coverage support while also stepping up to stop the run.

Key Skills Every Defensive Back Must Master

  1. Footwork and Agility
    • Quick, controlled footwork is vital for staying balanced in coverage.
    • Use drills like the W-drill and T-step drill to enhance agility.
  2. Backpedaling and Transitions
    • A smooth backpedal helps a DB react quickly to a receiver’s movements.
    • Learn to transition fluidly from backpedal to sprint without wasted motion.
  3. Press and Off-Man Coverage Techniques
    • In press coverage, use proper hand placement and footwork to disrupt the receiver’s route.
    • In off-man, focus on reading the receiver’s release and maintaining proper leverage.
  4. Reading the Offense
    • Recognizing offensive formations can help a DB anticipate plays before they happen.
    • Study film to understand tendencies and route combinations.
  5. Ball Skills
    • Elite DBs locate the ball quickly and make plays on it.
    • Work on tracking deep passes and timing your jump for interceptions.

Common Mistakes Defensive Backs Must Avoid

  • Biting on double moves – Stay patient and trust your technique.
  • Losing leverage in coverage – Always maintain inside or outside leverage based on the play.
  • Looking at the quarterback too early – Stay locked on the receiver before turning to locate the ball.

Training Tips for Becoming an Elite Defensive Back

  • Improve speed and explosiveness – Sprint work, resistance training, and plyometrics will help you keep up with fast receivers.
  • Develop mental toughness – A short memory is key; bounce back quickly from mistakes.
  • Strengthen tackling fundamentals – Open-field tackling is a vital skill that separates great DBs from average ones.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a top defensive back in football requires relentless effort, discipline, and attention to detail. By mastering the key techniques, avoiding common mistakes, and committing to consistent training, you can elevate your game and dominate on the field.

For more expert advice, drills, and training tips, visit the All Eyes DB Camp Library and take your defensive back skills to the next level!

5 Sleeper Cornerbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft

The 2025 NFL Draft boasts a deep pool of cornerback talent, with standout names like Travis Hunter and Will Johnson leading the pack. However, beyond these headline-makers, several underrated prospects deserve attention for their potential to make significant impacts at the professional level. Here are five such cornerbacks who, despite flying under the radar, could become valuable assets for NFL teams:

1. Quincy Riley, Louisville

Quincy Riley has showcased exceptional ball skills and coverage instincts during his tenure at Louisville. His ability to read quarterbacks and anticipate routes has led to numerous pass breakups and interceptions. Riley’s agility and quickness allow him to effectively mirror receivers, making him a formidable presence in the secondary. Despite not being a household name, his consistent performance suggests he could be a steal in the upcoming draft.

2. Jesse Johnson III, Austin Peay

Coming from a smaller program, Jesse Johnson III might not have garnered the same attention as his peers from larger schools. However, his physical attributes—standing at 5’11” with a 79-inch wingspan—combined with his football lineage as the nephew of former NFL star Antonio Cromartie, make him an intriguing prospect. Johnson’s length and instincts enable him to disrupt passing lanes effectively, and his under-the-radar status could make him a valuable late-round selection.

3. Cam Stone, Hawaii

Cam Stone has been a standout performer for Hawaii, consistently demonstrating his ability to lock down receivers and make impactful plays. His speed and fluidity in coverage allow him to stay stride-for-stride with opposing wideouts, while his physicality aids in contested situations. Stone’s performances may have been overlooked due to his team’s lower profile, but his skill set indicates he has the tools to succeed at the next level.

4. Ameer Speed, Michigan State/Georgia

Ameer Speed is an intriguing prospect who started his career at Georgia before transferring to Michigan State. At 6’3″ with long arms, he has the prototypical size that NFL teams covet in press-man corners. While his college production wasn’t eye-popping, his length and athleticism make him an intriguing developmental prospect. With the right coaching at the next level, he could blossom into a reliable outside corner.

5. D.J. James, Auburn

D.J. James quietly put together a strong career at Oregon before transferring to Auburn, where he showcased his ability to play both man and zone coverage effectively. He’s got fluid hips, quick reaction time, and solid ball skills, making him a solid sleeper in this draft class. His ability to disrupt routes and compete against SEC receivers should not go unnoticed by NFL scouts.

5 Top Tier Cornerbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, several cornerbacks have distinguished themselves as top prospects, showcasing exceptional talent and potential to make significant impacts at the professional level. Here are some of the most highly regarded cornerbacks expected to be early selections:

1. Travis Hunter, Colorado

Travis Hunter is widely considered the premier cornerback in the 2025 draft class. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 185 pounds, he possesses impressive top-end speed and length, making him a formidable presence in press coverage. Hunter’s exceptional ball skills and ability to bait quarterbacks into making mistakes have set him apart as an elite zone-coverage defender. His knack for creating turnovers and disrupting passing lanes makes him a coveted prospect for teams seeking a dynamic playmaker in the secondary.

2. Will Johnson, Michigan

At 6’2″ and 202 pounds, Will Johnson offers a rare combination of size and agility. His fluid change-of-direction ability allows him to effectively shadow top receivers, and his versatility enables him to excel in various coverage schemes, including assignments in the slot. Johnson’s smooth transitions and understanding of leverage make him a reliable defender in both man and zone coverages. While he can improve his press technique and tackling consistency, his physical attributes and football intelligence position him as a top-tier prospect.

3. Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame

Benjamin Morrison has emerged as a standout cornerback, showcasing a blend of speed, agility, and ball-hawking instincts. His ability to read quarterbacks and anticipate routes has led to numerous pass breakups and interceptions. Morrison’s disciplined technique and quick reflexes make him a formidable opponent for any receiver. His performance at Notre Dame has solidified his status as one of the top defensive backs in this draft class.

4. Jahdae Barron, Texas

Jahdae Barron has garnered attention for his disruptive play in the slot, effectively challenging timing routes and demonstrating strong instincts in coverage. His physicality and quickness allow him to match up well against a variety of receivers. Barron’s ability to read plays and react swiftly has made him a valuable asset in Texas’s defense, and his skill set translates well to the next level.

5. Shavon Revel Jr., East Carolina

Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 193 pounds, Shavon Revel Jr. offers an intriguing blend of size and speed. His length and athleticism make him a challenging matchup for receivers, and his potential as a press-man corner is evident. While considered a developmental prospect, Revel’s traits and character suggest he could become a valuable contributor in an NFL secondary with proper coaching and experience.

These prospects represent the top tier of cornerbacks entering the 2025 NFL Draft, each bringing a unique skill set that could significantly bolster an NFL team’s defensive backfield.

Elite Cornerbacks Can Do These 4 Things Very Well

It’s recruiting season, and if you’re looking to elevate your profile as a high school cornerback, there are certain areas of your game that need to be on point.

If you’re trying to grab the attention of recruiters, the best thing you can do is make yourself the most complete defensive back possible. Most young players tend to focus solely on one area where they feel strongest. However, being a well-rounded player with multiple tools will bring you more attention.

With that said, here are four key areas of your game as a cornerback that need to be sharp to attract the most interest from college football programs.

1 – Press Man Coverage

For most cornerbacks, this is the most exciting part of their game to train. Some even believe it’s the only aspect of playing cornerback. While that’s not true, it is extremely important. A dominant press-man corner has value to almost any program in the country.

To achieve this, you need quick feet, strong hands, and as much speed as possible. Spend the proper amount of time this offseason in the weight room and working on your speed. Ideally, all cornerbacks should run track if their school offers it.

Great eye discipline, route recognition, and body control will be the finishing touches to making you the most dominant press-man cornerback you can be.

2 – Off-Man Coverage

This is an area of the game that young corners often neglect, but it’s one that will help separate you from the competition.

College defensive coordinators love cornerbacks who are equally skilled in both press and off-man coverage. Excelling in off-man coverage gives your coach more versatility when trying to slow down an offense. Additionally, it gives you more tools to combat elite wide receivers.

To maximize your effectiveness in off-man coverage, you’ll need good eye discipline, a strong backpedal, quickness out of your breaks, and a true understanding of how wide receivers run routes.

Spend your offseason refining these areas. If you really want to master off-man coverage, take a deep dive into studying quarterbacks. Knowing their tendencies will help you anticipate routes, jump breaks, and make game-changing plays.

3 – Zone Coverage Ability

Many young cornerbacks believe zone coverage is only for those who can’t play man-to-man. Maybe that’s true in your high school system, but at the next level, that mindset won’t cut it.

Simply put, a cornerback who struggles in zone coverage will find himself on the bench. Few programs run strictly man-to-man, and no coach wants a liability in zone coverage.

Being great in zone requires two key things:

  1. A complete understanding of your team’s defensive schemes – You need to know more than just your own job. Understanding what everyone around you is doing will make you a smarter player.
  2. Knowledge of how offenses operate – Learn how route concepts and quarterback reads dictate the offense’s movements.

Discipline and communication also play major roles. Having consistent eye discipline ensures you’re in the right spot, while strong communication skills will help your teammates execute their responsibilities effectively.

4 – Tackling Skills

Tackling as a cornerback isn’t glamorous, but it is absolutely necessary. In today’s game, offenses will find ways to put you in tackling situations through screens, quick passes, and jet sweeps. If you’re a liability in open-field tackling, you’ll be exposed.

When coaches watch your film, they want to see that you can be relied upon to bring ball carriers down. College coaches are well aware that offenses will test a cornerback’s tackling ability.

Spend time perfecting your tackling technique and study proper tackling fundamentals. When spring football or summer training comes around, don’t neglect this part of your game. Show that you’re a strong, reliable tackler, and offenses will be less likely to challenge you with screens and sweeps.

Final Thoughts

Every cornerback has strengths and weaknesses. There’s nothing wrong with continuing to refine your strongest skills, but ignoring your weaknesses will only hurt your chances of getting recruited. With so many talented athletes across the country, there’s no reason to take yourself off a college coach’s radar by lacking in these crucial areas.

If you want to learn how to play your position like a five-star athlete, join hundreds of players and coaches in the All Eyes DB Camp Members Area, where they’re improving their football IQ daily.

3 Ways to Become a Faster DB This Offseason

It’s the offseason, and your mind is set on improving for the next season and becoming more productive. If you’re in high school, you’re likely thinking about how to get on the radar of college coaches or earn more offers. No matter your goals, one thing is certain—gaining more speed is a priority. Everybody wants to get faster, and here are three ways to achieve that as you prepare for the next football season.

1 – Get Stronger

Speed and strength go hand in hand.

“But Coach, sprinters are skinny.”

Sure, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t strong. You need strength to be fast. The essence of speed is generating force into the ground. Do you think that happens without strength? Skipping workouts and avoiding the weight room is a surefire way to fall short of your offseason speed goals.

Hopefully, your school has a well-developed and organized weightlifting program. If not, focusing on three key lifts can help improve your overall strength: Squats, Power Cleans, and Bench Press.

  • Squats develop leg strength, which translates to sprinting power.
  • Power Cleans build explosive muscle reactions needed for speed.
  • Bench Press increases upper body strength, which helps you pump your arms with more force in sync with your legs.

Additionally, strengthening your calves, hip flexors, hip extensors, and hamstrings will significantly improve your sprint speed. I often refer to the hamstrings as the engine—don’t neglect them!

2 – Get More Knowledgeable

I bet you didn’t think of this one—but you should.

You could have 4.3 speed, but if you don’t know where to go or what to do on the field, you’ll never truly reach top speed.

Having a deeper understanding of your responsibilities on defense and recognizing what the offense is doing will allow you to activate your muscles more effectively. I’ve seen guys with 4.2 speed play like they run 4.6 because they’re processing information instead of reacting. They literally slow down to make sense of the play.

Don’t let all your work in the weight room and on the track go to waste because your brain can’t keep up.

  • Learn all the coverages (Cover 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, cloud, sky, etc.).
  • Understand common offensive route combinations and how formations are used to attack defenders.

The more you know, the faster you’ll play.

3 – Get on the Track

If your school has a track team—join it.

The most sprinting some guys do in the offseason is running away from the track team. There’s no better way to improve your speed than doing rigorous workouts and competing in sprint events. The competition alone will make you faster.

Put your ego aside and stop worrying about being slow at first. You’re not looking for a track scholarship or a spot in the Olympics (but who knows?). Your goal is simple: get faster.

If you run an 11.8 in the 100 meters at your first meet and end the season running 11.4, guess what? You just became a faster football player. Running the 200m, 400m, and even the 800m can also help, as the longer sprints build strength that translates to power when football training resumes in the summer.

If your school doesn’t have a track team, or you have a legitimate reason for not joining, make sure you’re still sprinting.

The key to getting faster is running at top speed. Most guys who train on their own end up doing conditioning work instead. They run too many reps with minimal rest, which improves endurance—not speed.

  • Sprint with full recovery: A general rule is to rest 1 minute per 10 yards sprinted. So, a 60-yard sprint requires a 6-minute rest between reps.
  • Keep sprint sessions low-volume: A solid workout might be 5 x 60-yard sprints with full recovery after sprint drills.
  • Mix in low-intensity endurance runs: Try 12 x 100m at 65% speed with 2-minute rest between reps.

If you’re a coach overseeing speed and conditioning, implement weekly competitive days where your skill guys race each other. Competition drives results. That’s why track works so well.

In Conclusion

There are several ways to improve your speed this offseason, but the most effective methods are:
✅ Getting stronger
✅ Increasing your football knowledge
✅ Sprinting—preferably on the track team

A commitment to these areas will undoubtedly make you a faster and more explosive player next season.

If you are ready to up your knowledge so that you are the fastest DB you can be the next time you suit up then join the All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area.  There is no better place for you to go to improve your IQ on technique, coverages, strategy and mentality.  Click here to become a better DB quickly.

The Best Defensive Backs of the 1990s: Lockdown Legends

The 1990s were a golden era for defensive backs in the NFL. It was a decade filled with elite shutdown cornerbacks, ball-hawking safeties, and versatile defenders who could change the course of a game with one play. These players set the standard for future generations, leaving a lasting impact on the art of pass coverage and defensive dominance.

The 90’s represented a great coming together of things.  The athleticism of the defensive backs took a big jump during this period and the rules in football allowed defenders to play a little more carefree.  It was not uncommon to see big hits in the secondary that would either jar the ball loose or a receiver helmet off.  In addition, defenders could be more aggressive at the line of scrimmage and take receivers out of the game.

Here’s a look at the best defensive backs of the 90s who terrorized quarterbacks and wide receivers alike. There may be some names you recognize as well as some others you may have forgotten.  Now onto the list:

1. Deion Sanders (1989-2005)

Teams: Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Football Team, Baltimore Ravens
Arguably the most electrifying defensive back of all time, “Prime Time” was the definition of a shutdown corner. Sanders had unmatched speed, elite ball skills, and an uncanny ability to take away half the field. He was a two-time Super Bowl champion, an eight-time Pro Bowler, and a six-time First-Team All-Pro. His ability to flip games with interceptions and punt returns made him one of the most feared defensive backs of the decade.

2. Rod Woodson (1987-2003)

Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, Oakland Raiders
Woodson was a rare combination of size, speed, and physicality. A dominant cornerback before transitioning to safety later in his career, he was a true game-changer. He won the 1993 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award and finished with 71 career interceptions, including 12 returned for touchdowns. His leadership and playmaking were pivotal in the Ravens’ Super Bowl-winning defense in 2000.

3. Aeneas Williams (1991-2004)

Teams: Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals, St. Louis Rams
Williams was one of the most underrated shutdown corners of the decade. Despite playing much of his career on struggling Cardinals teams, he was a six-time Pro Bowler in the 90s and a relentless ballhawk. He finished his career with 55 interceptions and was finally recognized for his greatness with a Hall of Fame induction in 2014.

4. Darrell Green (1983-2002)

Team: Washington Football Team
Green’s career spanned three decades, but he remained an elite defender throughout the 90s. Known for his blazing speed and impeccable coverage skills, he was one of the toughest cornerbacks to beat deep. A two-time Super Bowl champion and seven-time Pro Bowler, Green’s consistency and leadership made him a defensive staple in Washington.

5. LeRoy Butler (1990-2001)

Team: Green Bay Packers
A versatile and physical safety, Butler was a key figure in Green Bay’s resurgence in the 90s. He was instrumental in the Packers’ Super Bowl XXXI victory and is credited with inventing the famed “Lambeau Leap.” A four-time All-Pro, Butler’s ability to cover, tackle, and blitz made him one of the most complete safeties of the era.

6. Steve Atwater (1989-1999)

Teams: Denver Broncos, New York Jets
If you were a wide receiver crossing the middle in the 90s, Steve Atwater was the last player you wanted to see. Known for his devastating hits, Atwater was a two-time Super Bowl champion and an eight-time Pro Bowler. His iconic hit on Christian Okoye in 1990 remains one of the most legendary plays in NFL history.

7. Eric Allen (1988-2001)

Teams: Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints, Oakland Raiders
One of the most consistent cornerbacks of the decade, Allen recorded 54 career interceptions and was a six-time Pro Bowler. He was a key piece in Philadelphia’s feared “Gang Green” defense and continued his strong play into the late 90s with the Raiders.

8. Ty Law (1995-2009)

Teams: New England Patriots, New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos
Though his peak came in the early 2000s, Ty Law was already establishing himself as one of the league’s best corners in the 90s. His physical style and ability to make clutch plays helped pave the way for New England’s dominance in the next decade.

9. Eugene Robinson (1985-2000)

Teams: Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers
Robinson was a durable and productive safety, racking up 57 career interceptions. He played a critical role in Green Bay’s Super Bowl run in 1996 and was known for his intelligence and leadership in the secondary.

10. Merton Hanks (1991-1999)

Teams: San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks
Hanks had a unique style with his long neck and famous celebratory dance, but his play spoke for itself. A four-time Pro Bowler and a key part of the 49ers’ defense, he was a ballhawk who constantly made big plays in coverage.

Final Thoughts

The 90s were stacked with elite defensive backs who changed the game with their skill, toughness, and playmaking ability. Whether it was Deion Sanders shutting down an entire side of the field, Steve Atwater delivering bone-crushing hits, or Rod Woodson picking off passes, these players left an unforgettable legacy. Their influence is still seen in today’s game, as modern DBs strive to reach the high standard these legends set.

Who do you think was the best defensive back of the 90s? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

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