With NFL training camps set to get started this week, despite the looming presence of COVID-19 all across the country, the fine folks at Touchdown Wire began ranking the top-11 players at each position.
The USC Trojans have put a handful of excellent players into the NFL, and it appears they have a few who will be labeled among the best at their position.
The first is nickel cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman, who came in at No. 6 among slot cornerbacks, according to Doug Farrar.
Robey-Coleman brings excellent anticipation to his game — he can sniff out a screen and blow it up as the ball’s being thrown — and he’s also outstanding in man and match coverage with his pattern-reading and route follow-through. Robey-Coleman has played for the Rams over the last three seasons, but the Eagles picked him in free agency on an absolute steal of a deal — one year, $1.35 million. Along with Darius Slay, Robey-Coleman should do a lot to redefine Philadelphia’s secondary.
Last season, Robey-Coleman allowed 32 catches on 52 targets for 272 yards, 144 yards after catch, one touchdown, and an opponent passer rating of just 80.1.
The Eagles will certainly be more than happy with the production they get from Robey-Coleman, especially on an affordable contract. NFL contracts have not caught up with the importance of nickel corners, meaning they can be had at a bargain – particularly for teams who use their nickel sets frequently.
Robey-Coleman recorded 107 tackles and seven interceptions while at USC from 2010-2012, before joining the Bills as an undrafted free agent.
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