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Coaching DBs to Read Keys, Not Just Watch the Ball

I run a company called All Eyes DB Camp, so that just goes to show you how important I think eyes are when playing the position of defensive back. If you’ve been coaching for any amount of time, then you are in the same boat with me. The question is: how do we train players to use their eyes to their advantage every chance they get? I will cover that in this article.

The first thing you’re gonna need to do is incorporate drills that focus mainly on the eyes. Virtually every drill that you do that involves breaks should have an emphasis on eyes. Most coaches make the feet the main focus, and that’s totally understandable. However, most foot mistakes can be corrected by training the eyes.

If I put you on a track to run a 100m dash and told you to look up in the sky while you do it, chances are you would not run correctly. I am 100% certain that your form would be better if you looked straight down your lane to the finish line. This simple fact is overlooked when doing drill work. I have this saying that goes, “You will run to what you look at.” When a player’s eyes are a mess, so too are their feet. So as you craft drills and start running them, the first and most important thing you want to correct or emphasize is what the eyes are doing.

Furthermore, you may want to break a skill down in segments, and the first segment should be eyes training. For instance, if you are teaching press, a good drill to start off with is having a receiver move side to side with the DB directly in front of him, shadowing his movement while keeping his eyes focused on the receiver’s hips. In such a drill, we are doing nothing else but mirroring the movements by using our eyes. We’re not shooting our hands, and we’re not focusing so much on our feet. Rather, we are emphasizing that the eyes stay locked on the receiver’s hips.

Creating drills that specifically train the eyes and breaking down skills into segments that begin with eye control will help us reach our objective.

The next thing you’re gonna want to do is build zone drills that focus on eyes. Having the correct focus with our eyes is more difficult in zone than it is in man.

Oftentimes in zone coverage, our focus needs to shift from one key to another. This could mean reading the end man on the line of scrimmage and then shifting eyes to the backfield. Or it could be reading one receiver, then shifting our eyes to another receiver based on what route is run.

With that being the case, create zone drills that focus on the initial read. So for instance, if you have coverages like Palms that require a cornerback to read number two, then create the following drill: Have your corners line up in their outside spot without a number one receiver in front of them. Have a slot receiver line up and run various routes. The outside corner can put his sole focus on reading number two and then reacting. Removing the number one receiver from in front of the corner eliminates the distraction of what the number one receiver is doing while the corner is learning to read number two. Once he has mastered reading number two and reacting, you can introduce having a number one receiver in front of him while he’s reading number two. The same can be done for a safety who plays quarters or any other coverage that involves reading. Start off with drills that have him reading his key and only his key without other routes to distract him.

If we agree that the eyes are the most important thing in these coverages, then we must train that first and completely before moving on to anything else. Try crafting drills like this to improve the skill of reading your keys.

The third thing you can do is create focus drills. This is something that can be extra. Perhaps you can have these types of drills in pre- or post-practice.

In my training sessions, I will often use a lacrosse ball. The lacrosse ball forces the players to narrow their focus on the object to complete the catch. Since the lacrosse ball is much smaller than a football, the athlete’s brain is triggered to focus better on the object they need to catch. Performing drills using smaller objects builds up an athlete’s focus skill. This is similar to baseball players taking swings at golf balls or Wiffle balls that move a lot. Using those items forces the athlete to focus. Any time you can develop that skill, you increase your athlete’s ability to read their keys.

Finally, it is important to film your drills. If you aren’t filming practice or training sessions, you are missing the chance to speed up development.

In this day and age, with all the technology that is available to us, there is no excuse to not film your drill work. If full-scale filming of your indie drills is not part of the practice regimen, then find a way to have someone film it with a smartphone. However you go about it, filming the drills and having the players watch it shows them what their eyes are doing. Training the eyes can be very difficult because quite frankly, you just can’t see your eyes. It’s hard to feel your eyes also. The only way to see your eyes is when you watch them on film. For most athletes, seeing is believing. Sometimes they think a coach is just picking on them. That is, until they see what they’re doing on film. This is especially so when you are telling them about their eyes.

In conclusion, reading keys is the essence of becoming a playmaker. If those are the types of players you want to have in your secondary, then reading keys will have to become primary. By incorporating drills that focus on the eyes, building zone drills that have an emphasis on the eyes, creating focus drills, and filming all of your drill work, you can develop your athletes’ ability to read their keys to an elite level.

For more on developing an athlete’s ability to read keys, improve eye discipline, and become a playmaker, pick up a copy of my book 101 DB Tips or join my rapidly growing community in the All Eyes DB Camp Members Area.

Dead at the Start: Correct These 4 Press Man Mistakes

If you do or watch something long enough, you get really good at predicting the future. Needless to say, I’ve been playing, coaching, and training football for quite some time. The majority of that time has been spent on the defensive side of the ball, primarily teaching defensive backs how to cover wide receivers. That experience has allowed me to recognize when a player is in trouble before the ball is even snapped.

A good start really helps you finish strong. So in this article, I’m outlining four press man mistakes that you need to avoid to win your one-on-ones.


1. Base is Too Wide

You might feel more comfortable with your feet far apart. That’s fine—to a point. Many young DBs sacrifice bending at the knees to get low, instead widening their feet for balance. That’s gonna be a no from me, dawg.

Your lateral power comes from pushing your feet into the ground under your center of gravity. The further your feet move from that point, the less explosive you become—and eventually, balance becomes a problem too.

Your feet should be shoulder-width apart or close to it. While each player will have their own stance, staying near this ideal is in your best interest. You want to react efficiently when the receiver comes off the line of scrimmage.


2. Too High in Your Stance

Closely related to mistake #1 is being too upright in your stance. As the receiver gets off the line, you’ll need to move—forward, backward, or laterally. All those movements begin with your knees. If you wait to bend your knees until after the receiver moves, you’ll always be playing catch-up.

With your feet placed near shoulder-width, there should be a bend in your knees. Some players bend more than others, but you must bend. Your quads need to be loaded so you can push in any direction at the start of the rep. For that to happen, your knees must be bent. You can experiment with the amount, but make no mistake—knee bend is necessary.


3. You Don’t Know Your First Step

Receivers come to the line of scrimmage with a plan. Doesn’t it make sense for you to have one too?

As a DB in press man, you should know what technique you plan to use. Each technique—whether it’s hard press, inch, or motor mirror—requires a specific first step. That step should not be based on what the receiver does.

Most DBs don’t have the ability to remain frozen while the receiver moves. So develop the ability to take your first step within your technique, regardless of the receiver’s initial move. You can adjust to his release afterward.


4. Eyes Move Up on the Snap

This one is common. A DB starts with his eyes in the right place (on the waist), but the moment the ball is snapped, his eyes shoot up. That’s a major problem.

Now you’re looking at what I call the lie zone: the shoulders and eyes of the receiver. These areas can be deceptive. As pop singer Shakira once said, “Hips don’t lie.” And that’s exactly where your focus needs to stay.

Since this is hard to self-evaluate, have a coach or friend observe you—or film yourself during one-on-ones. If your eyes drift up at the snap, here’s a hack: Start your eyes on the receiver’s feet. That impulse to look up at the snap will take your eyes to the hips, where they need to be. Try it out. Fix this issue, and your press man consistency will improve dramatically.


Conclusion

Don’t kill your press man reps before they even begin. Fixing these four issues—base too wide, stance too high, no first step, and eyes rising at the snap—will instantly improve your starts. And better starts lead to better finishes.

I’ve got a ton of tips like these in my best-selling book 101 DB Tips. Every defensive back and DB coach should have it in their library. Grab your copy at https://101dbtips.com.

Teaching Leverage and Alignment Across Multiple Coverages: A Blueprint for DB Coaches

One of the most overlooked, yet critical, components of elite defensive back play is understanding and executing proper leverage and alignment. Without it, even the most athletic DBs will consistently give up yardage and big plays. As a coach, teaching leverage and alignment across multiple coverages is not just about drawing up Xs and Os — it’s about instilling a mental framework that helps your players win before the snap.

This article breaks down the what, why, and how of coaching leverage and alignment for your DB room across man, zone, and match concepts.

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What Is Leverage and Alignment?

  • Leverage: Refers to the DB’s relationship to the offensive player — either inside, outside, or head-up. It’s dictated by the coverage call and where the help (if any) exists.

  • Alignment: Refers to the DB’s positioning in relation to the receiver and the formation — depth, width, and stance before the snap.

A DB with great leverage and alignment forces the offense into low-percentage throws, disrupts timing, and eliminates space.

Leverage in Different Coverages

1. Man Coverage (Cover 1 / Cover 0)

  • Leverage Rule: Play opposite your help.

    • Cover 1: Help is in the middle (free safety). DBs should play outside leverage to funnel routes inside.

    • Cover 0: No help. DBs should play head-up or with leverage based on scouting tendencies (e.g., inside if WR runs slants often).

Coaching Tip: Train your DBs to understand their leverage responsibility on every call. Build in checks where DBs communicate help presence pre-snap.

2. Zone Coverage (Cover 2, 3, 4)

  • Cover 2: Corners play outside leverage, squat at 5–7 yards, force receivers inside to safeties.

  • Cover 3: Corners align outside leverage and bail into deep thirds. Nickel/flat players should maintain inside leverage to wall vertical releases.

  • Cover 4 (Quarters): Corners play inside leverage with eyes on #2 to read vertical threats.

Coaching Tip: Use route tree visual aids and walk-throughs to show how improper leverage opens up windows in the coverage shell.


Alignment by Coverage and Situation

General Alignment Principles

  • Man: 1–2 yards inside or outside depending on help; 5–7 yards off or at LOS in press.

  • Zone: 5–7 yards off, wider splits to protect sidelines or flat areas.

  • Red Zone: Tighter alignment with adjusted leverage due to compressed field.

  • Down & Distance: On 3rd and short, be ready for picks/rubs — alignment may need to be more head-up or outside to avoid traffic.

Coaching Tip: Make your DBs recite their alignment rule on each install. Test them in meetings with formation shifts.

Inside the Member’s Area, we cover this with detailed whiteboard breakdowns and game film clips to help your players visualize and execute — not just memorize — their role in the scheme.


Drills to Reinforce Leverage & Alignment

  1. Leverage Shuffle Drill
    DB lines up in designated leverage, mirrors WR’s initial release without crossing face.

  2. Read-and-React Leverage Drill
    DB lines up in Cover 1 or Cover 3 leverage and reacts to a live WR release to maintain leverage position.

  3. Formation Recognition Period
    Walk-through style drill where DBs align vs. different formations and make calls based on coverage and help rules.


Film Room: Using Tape to Teach

  • Cut clips where your DBs either won or lost leverage.

  • Use telestrator to circle where help was supposed to be and how leverage either funneled routes into help or left them vulnerable.

  • Show NFL or college tape of elite DBs like Jalen Ramsey or Sauce Gardner leveraging properly across coverages.

Coaching Tip: Quiz your DBs by freezing the film pre-snap and asking, “Where’s your help? What’s your leverage?”


Coaching Cheat Sheet

Situation Help Location Leverage Rule Alignment
Cover 1 Middle Outside 5–7 yards off or press
Cover 0 None Head-up / Tendency Press or catch technique
Cover 2 (Zone) Safety inside Outside 5–7 yards off
Cover 3 (Zone) Deep middle Outside 7–9 yards, bail
Quarters (Cover 4) Inside or none Inside 7–10 yards, eyes on #2

Final Thought

Coaching alignment and leverage is not about barking at DBs for being “too far inside.” It’s about teaching intentional positioning with a purpose, based on coverage structure, help location, and down-and-distance.

Make leverage part of your DBs’ football vocabulary, and you’ll see the game slow down for them — and plays start to speed up in your favor.


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Top 5 Drills Every Safety Should Be Doing Weekly

The safety position is one of the most demanding on the field. You’re expected to tackle like a linebacker, cover like a corner, and think like a quarterback. That’s why your weekly training needs to sharpen every tool in your toolbox — speed, awareness, reaction, and technique.

Whether you’re a high school safety trying to earn a scholarship or a DB coach developing your unit, here are 5 drills every safety should be doing weekly to stay ready on game day.


1. Pedal & Break Transitions

Purpose: Improves backpedal control and change of direction.

Drill:
Start in a DB stance, backpedal 5–7 yards on command, then break 45° left or right on cue. Repeat from various alignments.

Coaching Points:

  • Stay low in your pedal

  • Keep eyes forward, chest over knees

  • Explode out of your break with 2 quick steps

Why it matters: Safeties are constantly reading and reacting. Crisp transitions help you close space in zone or attack underneath throws.


2. W-Drill (Weave and Plant)

Purpose: Builds lateral movement and hip flexibility.

Drill:
Set 5 cones in a zig-zag/W pattern. Pedal to each cone, plant and weave toward the next cone.

Coaching Points:

  • Maintain cushion and control

  • Open hips without losing leverage

  • Head stays level — no false steps

Why it matters: Great for pattern matching and covering space while staying square to the line of scrimmage.


3. Break Step / T-Step Ball Reaction Drill

Purpose: Trains your break step and reaction to passes.

Drill:
Start in a backpedal. On coach’s signal or ball release, plant your outside foot in a T-step and drive to break on the ball.

Coaching Points:

  • Bicycle Step or Make the “T” — toe perpendicular to heel

  • Explode off the plant foot

  • Attack the point of the catch

Why it matters: Elite safeties anticipate and arrive with violence. Clean T-steps put you in position to do both.


4. Open & Run with Route Recognition

Purpose: Simulates real route concepts and closing angles.

Drill:
Coach or receiver runs a route tree. Safety starts flat-footed or backpedaling, then opens and runs based on stem.

Coaching Points:

  • Recognize route types: post, corner, seam

  • Use proper leverage and angles

  • Don’t overcommit — stay on top

Why it matters: This mimics game action. Knowing how to turn and stay in-phase with receivers is essential to making plays deep.


5. Angle Tackling Drill

Purpose: Prepares you to make open-field tackles from safety depth.

Drill:
Set up a ball carrier and safety 10–12 yards apart at an angle. Ball carrier sprints toward a cone while safety tracks and fits up.

Coaching Points:

  • Close space under control

  • Keep inside leverage

  • Strike through the ball carrier with hips and eyes up

Why it matters: Safeties often have to save touchdowns. Practicing pursuit angles and wrap-up technique is a must.


Final Thoughts

Drills don’t make great safeties — intentional work on the right drills does.

Whether you’re a free or strong safety, focusing on these five every week will raise your game:

  1. Pedal & Break

  2. W-Drill

  3. Break Step / T-Step & Ball Reaction

  4. Open & Run

  5. Angle Tackling

Want more tips like this? Grab your copy of 101 DB Tips — a complete guide to mastering defensive back play. Or better yet, join our DB community at members.alleyesdbcamp.com where we break down drills, film, and technique every week.

How Safeties Can Disguise Coverage Without Getting Caught Out of Position

Disguising coverage is a valuable tool — but if you’re not careful, it can hurt more than help. Safeties need to walk a fine line between deception and discipline.

Let’s break down how to disguise your coverage — without getting caught out of position.

The Danger of Over-Disguising

Too many young safeties get excited about faking coverages. They stay too long in a false look, or rotate too late — and boom, they’re out of position when the ball is snapped.

Disguising doesn’t mean being sneaky for no reason. It means timing, depth, and understanding leverage.

Principles for Safe Disguising

1. Know Your Assignment Cold

Before you ever think about faking the quarterback, lock in your actual responsibility. Know your run fits, your drop zone, and the routes you’re vulnerable to.

2. Be Smart With Timing

The key to disguising is rotation timing. Some coverages allow for late movement (like Cover 3 rotation from a two-high look), but others require early positioning. Learn the timing of the coverage — and rotate with urgency if you need to.

3. Keep Your Depth

Safeties who creep up to fake a robber look and don’t get back in time are liabilities. Always disguise at a depth where you can recover. A good rule of thumb: don’t break 8-10 yards unless you’re coming down with a purpose.

4. Use the Sideline as Your Ally

If you’re rotating to the field side, you’ve got more ground to cover — so start your disguise from a tighter hash. If you’re rotating to the boundary, you can hold longer.

5. Talk With Your DB Unit

Disguises fall apart if the nickel or corners aren’t synced. For example, if you’re faking Cover 2 but your corner’s bailing like Cover 3, the QB will sniff it out. Disguising must be a unit-level operation.


The Result: Controlled Chaos

When done right, disguising doesn’t create chaos for your defense — it creates chaos for the offense. The goal is to make the quarterback guess, not your teammates.

Discipline + deception = disruption.


Final Thought:

Reps build habits. Great safeties don’t just know what to do — they’ve trained their body to do it. Get intentional with your drill periods and you’ll see results on Friday and Saturday.

Need a complete defensive system for 7on7 or summer install? Download my detailed coaching manual, “The Ultimate 7on7 Defensive Playbook” for drills, coverages, and diagrams. Get It Now → https://shop.alleyesdbcamp.com

How to Effectively Coach Safeties on Route Combinations and Pattern Reading

In today’s spread-heavy game, safeties must be more than just the last line of defense. They need to diagnose route combinations, anticipate concepts, and match patterns to shut down passing attacks. Here’s how to coach your safeties at the high school and college levels to do exactly that.


1. Train Eye Discipline on No. 2

Safeties must start every snap with great eyes. Teach them to key No. 2 in 2×2 or 3×1 sets and diagnose route intentions:

  • Vertical = carry and match
  • Under = zone off, alert dig/post from No. 1
  • Out = communicate and adjust depth

Use drill periods to reinforce eye progression on every rep.


2. Teach Route Distribution Rules

In match coverages, route rules simplify responsibilities. Install these rules in your playbook:

No. 2 Route Safety Response
Vertical Carry and match
Under Pass off, gain depth
Out Alert corner, zone off
Sit Zone off, eyes to No. 1

The quicker your safeties grasp route structures, the faster they play.


3. Install Coverages Around Route Combos

When installing coverage, start with route concepts, not just cover shell. Ask:

“How do we play Smash out of Quarters? How do we defend Flood from 3×1?”

Make your install context-based to improve recall and application.


4. Reinforce With Targeted Drills

Use 2v2, 3v3, and bunch recognition drills. Rotate route combinations and stress communication and footwork. Examples:

  • 2×2: Smash, Dagger, Levels
  • 3×1: Flood, Seam-Wheel, Trips Switch
  • Bunch: Snag, Spot, Spacing

Film these drills and review weekly with your safeties.


5. Film Study = Mental Reps

Build weekly film cut-ups of opponent route concepts. Make your safeties explain what they see and what their reaction is. Use it to teach anticipation and build mental reps.


Final Thought:

Pattern recognition separates good safeties from great ones. If you want your safeties to play fast and eliminate explosive plays, invest in route teaching every week.

Want a complete coaching guide with tips, drills, and breakdowns to elevate your DB room? Grab a copy of my best-selling book 101 DB Tips and sharpen your edge as a coach. Order Now → https://101dbtips.com

How Safeties Can Identify Run vs. Pass in Under 1 Second

One of the most overlooked skills in safety play is diagnosing run vs. pass — fast. A delay in reading the play can pull you out of position or get you beat over the top. Great safeties don’t just react — they anticipate.

This guide gives both players and coaches a framework to train quicker reads and improve pre- and post-snap recognition.


What to Look At — and When

  1. Pre-Snap: Alignment and Formation Tips

    • RB Depth: Deeper backs (7+ yards) usually signal a run or play-action. Flat or even-level backs may suggest pass.

    • TE/Y Off Ball: Tight ends off the line often run routes. Watch split width too — tighter splits often = run support.

    • WR Stance: Wide receivers in relaxed stances or looking around = likely run plays.

  2. Snap-to-Step Key Reads

    • OL High Hat / Low Hat

      • High Hat (pass): Linemen pop up vertically — no fire out.

      • Low Hat (run): Linemen come off the ball aggressively with forward drive.

    • RB Flow

      • Is the back pressing the line of scrimmage or immediately moving laterally? Look for flow indicators.

  3. QB Behavior

    • Quick drop back = pass.

    • Turned shoulders or stretch handoff = run or play-action.


Training the Run-Pass Key

For players:

  • Start every play with eyes on your run-pass key: usually a guard or the near tackle.

  • Process quickly, then move. Speed without clarity is a mistake waiting to happen.

For coaches:

  • Use half-speed recognition drills where safeties read OL off the snap.

  • Mix in play-action reps to train eye discipline.

  • Quiz your safeties in film sessions: “Run or pass? Why?”


Elite Safeties React Fast Because They Recognize Fast

The top safeties aren’t just fast physically — they’re fast mentally. With the right eye discipline and reps, you can train that skill too.


Want to see these concepts in action?
Check out the All Eyes DB Camp YouTube Channel for breakdowns on DB fundamentals, safety reads, coverage tips, and real film analysis. Whether you’re a player trying to level up or a coach sharpening your teaching toolbox, we’ve got videos that bring it all to life.

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How to Improve Your Open-Field Tackling as a Safety

Open-field tackling is one of the most challenging — and most critical — skills a safety must master. Whether you’re the last line of defense or filling the alley in run support, your ability to get a ball carrier on the ground often makes the difference between a short gain and a touchdown.

This quick article breaks down the essentials of open-field tackling for players and gives coaches tips on how to teach it effectively.


The Reality of the Open Field

In today’s game, especially at the high school and college levels, offenses are built to isolate defenders in space. Spread formations and quick passes force safeties to make tackles in one-on-one situations. If you’re late, off-balance, or out of control — it’s 6 points.

Key Elements of a Great Open-Field Tackle

Approach with Control
You can’t tackle what you can’t track. Come to balance with a “shimmy” step as you approach. Short, choppy steps reduce your momentum and allow for directional control.

Maintain Leverage
Know where your help is and keep the ball carrier on your inside hip. Never overrun or cross your leverage. Funnel him toward pursuit or the sideline.

Break Down with a Wide Base
Drop your hips, widen your feet, and keep your chest up. Your feet should be outside your shoulders, allowing for lateral movement.

Track the Near Hip
Lock in on the ball carrier’s near hip, not his head or feet. The hip doesn’t lie — it tells you where he’s going.

Shoot Low, Wrap, and Run Feet
Aim for the thighs or waist. Keep your head up (no ducking), wrap tight, and drive your legs through contact.


Coaching Tips for Teaching Open-Field Tackling

Use Alley or Angle Drills to simulate space tackling with controlled pursuit angles.

Coach Eyes and Feet: Remind DBs to watch the near hip and keep their feet active all the way into contact.

Reinforce Leverage Rules: Build in “contain responsibility” and fit rules in every drill.

Film Feedback: Show missed tackles in meetings and slow it down — focus on breakdowns in approach, not just the miss.


Final Thought

Being a reliable open-field tackler makes you a coach’s dream and a nightmare for offenses. It takes discipline, footwork, and repetition. Coaches: keep it simple and consistent. Players: don’t just aim to hit — aim to finish.

Want more tips like this?
Join the All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area for complete video breakdowns, coaching clinics, and player lessons.

Or grab the ultimate guide to DB play: 101 DB Tips – a must-have for every safety and secondary coach.

Biggest DB Draft Misses and What Went Wrong

Every year, talented defensive backs get picked early in the NFL Draft with sky-high expectations—only to struggle or flame out after a season or two. These draft misses aren’t just cautionary tales; they’re valuable case studies in what not to do.

Here are a few common reasons why DBs fail at the next level and how you can avoid the same fate:

1. Relying Too Much on Athleticism

Some prospects test off the charts but never develop the technique needed to match NFL route runners. Athleticism is a tool, not a solution. If your whole game is built on being faster or stronger, you’ll eventually face someone faster and more technical. Build a strong foundation in footwork, eye discipline, and leverage.

2. Poor Film Study Habits

Several DBs have admitted they didn’t study much film in college. That catches up to them fast. Offenses in the NFL are complex and fast-paced. DBs who fail to adapt mentally struggle. Start building good habits now—study your opponents and yourself every week.

3. Struggles with Adversity

Draft busts often hit the wall when they lose confidence after giving up a big play or losing reps in camp. Mental toughness is a key trait. Learn how to bounce back quickly and stay focused. Every DB gets beat sometimes—it’s about how you respond.

4. Inability to Learn a System

Some DBs look great in one scheme and get drafted by a team running another. If they can’t adapt, they struggle. The more you understand different coverages (man, zone, match), the more valuable you become.  You have to have a love for defense and defensive history.  Understanding the philosophies helps you easily adapt to the adjustments that are made.

5. Off-Field Issues

From discipline problems to poor work ethic, character concerns have derailed many promising careers. Take care of the off-field business. Be reliable, focused, and professional.  It is very difficult to separate personal life from career life.  Only a small handful can but this is not a bet that you need to make.

6. Poor System Fit

Every year we see this mistake being made by organizations.  They will draft a cornerback off of a name or even traits but simply is not a fit for what they do defensively.  Case in point was Derek Stingley in Houston.  Stingley is a man corner with solid route reading skills in 3 deep zones.  However,  Houston drafted him to play Cover 2 primarily.  This was not his strong suit and thus he was invisible for his first couple of seasons.  Under the new staff he has been placed into a more suitable fitting system and has thrived.

7. Poor Player Development

It isn’t always on on the player.  Some teams just aren’t good at player development. Whether it is failure to pick the right player for their scheme or failure to develop the player’s mindset / tools for their defense,  some organizations are notorious for failing a certain position.  Ultimately,  it’s on the player but some guys enter the league and are climbing an steep uphill battle.  Being strong mentally in those situations is crucial.  A player’s career depends on it.

Turn Mistakes into Motivation
Instead of just watching the highlight reels of draft picks, study the cautionary tales too. Learn from them. Don’t just aim to get drafted—aim to stick and thrive.


Want to build elite DB habits and mindset?

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.

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