What's the skinny on this guy? From what I've heard, he could be a bit of a project, but he looks to have fantastic size and athleticism for a corner. Said he has somewhat tight hips, but big, strong and fast by all accounts.

He might be a long shot considering the position he was drafted at, but I like the pick regardless. Can never have too much depth at corner.

Was Mickens on the board when they took Underwood?

From what I understand:

Mike Mickens = football player
Brandon Underwood = measurables

My impression is they tried to get a little cute with this pick.

Here's what I can find on him:

nfl.com:

Round 6, Pick 14 (187) (From Saints) Brandon Underwood CB 6'1" 198 Cincinnati
Pick Analysis:Underwood was extremely productive and can play both safety and cornerback. He's probably more of a safety at the NFL level, but he can play some corner and gives the Packers some secondary depth.

Overview

The 2008 first-team All-Big East free safety showed nice versatility playing cornerback after senior star Mike Mickens went down with a knee injury. Underwood played only sparingly in three years (including a redshirt season) at Ohio State, then had his scholarship revoked due to missed meetings and academic issues. But in his only year playing for the Bearcats, Underwood proved to be a playmaker, recording 60 tackles, including 3.5 for loss, three interceptions, six pass deflections and two forced fumbles. His brother, E.J., played briefly in the NFL after playing at Ohio State and Pikeville College.

Analysis

Strengths: Tall, versatile defensive back with long arms who has played cornerback, nickel and free safety. ... Has good range in coverage. ... Drives on the ball and reads the quarterback's eyes to break up passes. ... Has the hands to intercept tipped balls or poor throws. ... Capable of a big return after an interception. ... Despite his wiry frame, Underwood gets a solid jam at the line of scrimmage and is willing to sell out to prevent big plays. ... Will knock the ball loose by getting his hand on the ball or lowering his shoulder. ... Has the speed and aggressiveness to blitz effectively from the edge. ... Good gunner on special teams, hustles and breaks down to secure open-field tackles.

Weaknesses: Thin build. ... Some teams may consider him a safety-corner "tweener." ... Looks like a safety -- tall and slow -- in his backpedal. ... Is a grab-and-drag tackler, not overly physical. ... Must prove he has the strength to bring down NFL backs and win fights with stronger receivers on the outside. ... Has the length to wrap, but often chooses to use his shoulder. ... Freelances, leaving open spaces in zone coverage for quarterbacks. ... Teams will likely closely consider his transfer from Ohio State.

Yahoo Sports:

The Good: A tall, long-armed defensive back with good fluidity and redirection skills in and out of his breaks. Has experience all over the secondary and can fill a wide array of positions at the next level. Does a nice job not only re-routing receivers in jam coverage but can also play the center field type of role as a free safety. Possesses good straight-line speed for his size and reaches full speed quickly.
The Bad: A jack-of-all-trades but a master of none. Lacks ideal footwork for the corner position and is slow out of his back-pedal. Has a tendency to open his hips too early and run with receivers. Not a real physical tackler and lacks the lower body strength to stick running backs in the hole.

Here's another article on him from the GB PressGazette:
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/articl...6058/1058/PKR01
The coaches from Ohio State say he is one of the most talented cornerbacks to go through their system in years. He just didn't keep up academic eligibility. Since then he has grown up. He even paid his own way to Cincinnati out of his own pocket so he could keep going to school. He also chose Cincinnati over UCLA, Louisville, or West Virginia just so he could be in the area and his family could see him play.

Nice, thanks guys.

He definitely sounds like he's got a lot of potential which, in the 6th round is all you can ask for. I like this pick a lot. Gives us options at both corner and safety.

I also think it's interesting that he's the taller type, and pretty good at jamming receivers.

I can't wait to see what they do in the secondary scheme-wise when TC rolls around.

Ohio State considered him one of the Best Athletes that was in their program. I have seen this guys arms, they are very long, He will be one of those that will eventually handle those big WRs.

Underwood is simular too Rouser in my opinion: it's not about talent-lots more about mental adjudtment issue required ast the Pro level! Time too mature abd be accountable for their own development?