FSU's Cromartie draws Deion comparisons - The Orange Mane

GSRelyea · 04-18-2006, 10:59 AM

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/footb...romartie_x.htm

By Skip Wood, USA TODAY
It's difficult, if not altogether ridiculous, to make a case that cornerback Antonio Cromartie was a gamble when he signed with Florida State three years ago. After all, we're talking about a lad who was named USA TODAY's national defensive player of the year his final season at Tallahassee's Lincoln High.
Even so, Seminoles coaches had a wee bit of concern. Listen to longtime FSU defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews: "When we signed him, he weighed maybe 175 pounds —maybe. And when he got here, he was maybe 185 pounds —maybe."

But immediately after arriving on campus, Cromartie did everything and anything requested of him.

"Weights, running, overall conditioning — everything," Andrews said. "Not just because he had to, but because he really and truly wanted to do whatever it took to make himself better. He understood, you know? Some guys get it and some guys don't."

And now? Cromartie packs 210 pounds on his 6-3 frame, and despite missing all of last season with a serious knee injury, is among the more notable cornerbacks available in next weekend's NFL Draft.

"I don't see anything but great things ahead for him because of his talent but also his great attitude," Andrews said. "I think this is a guy who's got 'can't miss' stamped all over him."

Cromartie simply wants to get back on the field.

"I feel like I don't have any pressure on me right now," he said. "Just go out and do what I've always done, and that's just play football."

He didn't do any of that last season, though. The summer after being named a first-team, All-Atlantic Coast Conference pick, he tore the ACL in his left knee during a voluntary workout.

"I ... was going up for an interception," Cromartie said, "and I came down wrong."

But the surgery and subsequent rehabilitation process went about as well as could be imagined. Meanwhile, however, family financial problems and other medical issues began to weigh on Cromartie, and that's the primary reason he decided to forfeit his final two years of eligibility.

"For me, when I grew up, I was always in the projects," he said. "So it was money — it was always a problem for us familywise. But I feel like (now that) I'm taking on this opportunity now, we won't have any financial problems for the rest of our lives."

That wouldn't surprise NFL Draft expert Gil Brandt.

"He's a Deion Sanders-type athlete," Brandt said, referring to another former Seminole. "It seems like this guy can do everything, just like Deion did."

Andrews, who coached both players, chuckled when told of Brandt's assessment.

"Well, I guess I'd have to say the same thing," he said. "And I'll tell you, I'm not so sure he couldn't be a receiver."

Had Cromartie remained at FSU, that might have been something for head coach Bobby Bowden to ponder.

As it is, Andrews is left to ponder something else — and not necessarily what one might assume.

"To me, the worst thing is not losing a great player," he said. "When a kid leaves early, well, some come back and some don't (to complete their degree). That's just the way it goes. And with a player like Cro', well, you don't normally see too many millionaires in the classroom taking notes."

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Teams in need: Bears, Buccaneers, Cardinals, Chargers, Chiefs, Colts, Falcons, 49ers, Lions, Saints, Seahawks, Vikings

Insider's take: "He's a risk because of his knee, but he's a high-reward guy. Unbelievably good hands. The guy just has a knack for making plays." - Gil Brandt, NFL draft expert and former Dallas Cowboys personnel chief, on Antonio Cromartie

Prospect's view: "I feel like I don't have any pressure on me right now -- just go out and do what I've always done, and that's just play football." - Antonio Cromartie

Stats and stuff: Ran a 4.37 in the 40 during his pro-day workout. Before missing his junior season at Florida State with an injured left knee (ACL), he already had established himself as one of the nation's better playmakers. He had four interceptions as a sophomore, returned 19 kickoffs for 435 yards and was a first-team All-ACC selection.

Last year's gem: Ellis Hobbs, New England Patriots. Despite beginning the season in the shadow of such first-rounders as Adam "Pacman" Jones, Antrel Rolle and Carlos Rogers, the third-round pick (84th choice overall) had three interceptions and started the Pats' final eight games.

Cream of the crop: Antonio Cromartie (Florida State), Tye Hill (Clemson), Jonathan Joseph (South Carolina), Jimmy Williams (Virginia Tech)

Rascal · 04-18-2006, 11:16 AM

Yeah he is going to be good, but we have enough CB's.

Rascal · 04-18-2006, 11:19 AM

How he doesn't consider DW or Foxworth as last years gem is insulting.

Elway777 · 04-18-2006, 04:48 PM

If he is still on the Board at 22 pick then the Broncos might draft him. Jimmy William is also a guy the Broncos could draft at 22. The Broncos might go Manny Lawson at 15 then draft Cromatie or Williams at 22.Maybe Trade second round pick for Javon Walker.

ludo21 · 04-18-2006, 05:44 PM

I could see Jimmy Williams, but he says he WONT play S in the NFL, and Cromatie is a CB as well. I think we are ok there (i know i know, depth).

Someone is going to be happy when they steal this kid tho.

clint7 · 04-18-2006, 06:12 PM

Comparisons to Deion...does that mean the kid is a colossal jackass too?

yerner · 04-18-2006, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clint7

Comparisons to Deion...does that mean the kid is a colossal jackass too?

Nice.

I remember him before he got hurt. He definitely is one of those guys you notice. One of those athletes that have a unique style thats natural.

Elway777 · 04-18-2006, 06:49 PM

Here a mock draft with Denver taking Cromatie with 22 pick. 1a. Chad Jackson b. Cromatie 2. Bullocks . 3 The Broncos trade next year second for Early 3 and draft Claude Wroten . 4a Stanley McClover,Speed Rusher 4b Ron Sims 4c Tim Day 5a Brandon Marshall 6a Will Mongomery

broncohaven · 04-18-2006, 07:44 PM

Maybe we should draft him as a WR.

ibleedburgundy · 04-20-2006, 06:32 PM

As an FSU alum I watched Cromartie play a bit. Calling him the next Deion is a stretch. He was pretty good but not a complete shut down corner.

azbroncfan · 04-20-2006, 07:06 PM

The only comparison between Deion and this dude is they both went to FSU, both are black, and play DB.

Mediator12 · 04-20-2006, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azbroncfan

The only comparison between Deion and this dude is they both went to FSU, both are black, and play DB.

You have obviously not seen him play. He excels at all of the traits an NFL CB needs including closing speed and touches on the ball. The only Shutdown CB prospect in the draft and would be an easy top 5 if not for the ACL injury that has passed every physical. Ran a 4.37 at his pro Day and was clocked at 4.27 before the knee injury. He has great hip flip for a guy 6'3.

SoCalBronco · 04-20-2006, 07:49 PM

Med is quite correct. Cromartie at 100 percent is well above ANY corner in this draft. I learned that the hard way on Labor Day of 2004. He is an amazing talent and IMMENSELY gifted.

eddie mac · 04-20-2006, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCalBronco

Med is quite correct. Cromartie at 100 percent is well above ANY corner in this draft. I learned that the hard way on Labor Day of 2004. He is an amazing talent and IMMENSELY gifted.

Hope that someone takes a chance on him before we pick at 15. Means another player may fall into our lap.

SoCalBronco · 04-20-2006, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eddie mac

Hope that someone takes a chance on him before we pick at 15. Means another player may fall into our lap.

I really do not want him to go to the Chiefs. Unfortueatly I could see him sliding there.

Mediator12 · 04-20-2006, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCalBronco

I really do not want him to go to the Chiefs. Unfortueatly I could see him sliding there.

Dude, I would immediately call Chris Rix personally and apologize for all I said about him to keep Cromartie from SD or Chiefs

I said this earlier but that would absolutely suck

Kaylore · 04-20-2006, 08:40 PM

I want Jimmy Williams. I think he's a good fit here.

eddie mac · 04-20-2006, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaylore

I want Jimmy Williams. I think he's a good fit here.

As a cornerback

Hasn't he already stated he wants to play corner and wont make the switch to safety because of financial considerations.

I cant see the Broncos keeping 4 top corners happy who'll all deserve decent playing time.

Mediator12 · 04-20-2006, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eddie mac

As a cornerback

Hasn't he already stated he wants to play corner and wont make the switch to safety because of financial considerations.

I cant see the Broncos keeping 4 top corners happy who'll all deserve decent playing time.

Screw Williams over Cromartie Kaylore

As for four Cb's, may I remind you the starting tandem has yet to make the playoffs healthy since '98

If there are no pass rushers available, which I think there are, another CB is not out of the question.

Kaylore · 04-20-2006, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mediator12

Screw Williams over Cromartie Kaylore

As for four Cb's, may I remind you the starting tandem has yet to make the playoffs healthy since '98

If there are no pass rushers available, which I think there are, another CB is not out of the question.

Well if he's defiant about not playing safety, I guess it doesn't matter.

'Nique put on a little weight since I've seen him last. I am very intrigued if any of the corners are going to have a sophomore slump or not.

04-18-2006, 10:59 AM	#1
GSRelyea NEWOUTDOORSMEN.COM Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Saratoga, NY Posts: 1,074 Adopt-a-Bronco: Al Wilson	FSU's Cromartie draws Deion comparisons http://www.usatoday.com/sports/footb...romartie_x.htm By Skip Wood, USA TODAY It's difficult, if not altogether ridiculous, to make a case that cornerback Antonio Cromartie was a gamble when he signed with Florida State three years ago. After all, we're talking about a lad who was named USA TODAY's national defensive player of the year his final season at Tallahassee's Lincoln High. Even so, Seminoles coaches had a wee bit of concern. Listen to longtime FSU defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews: "When we signed him, he weighed maybe 175 pounds —maybe. And when he got here, he was maybe 185 pounds —maybe." But immediately after arriving on campus, Cromartie did everything and anything requested of him. "Weights, running, overall conditioning — everything," Andrews said. "Not just because he had to, but because he really and truly wanted to do whatever it took to make himself better. He understood, you know? Some guys get it and some guys don't." And now? Cromartie packs 210 pounds on his 6-3 frame, and despite missing all of last season with a serious knee injury, is among the more notable cornerbacks available in next weekend's NFL Draft. "I don't see anything but great things ahead for him because of his talent but also his great attitude," Andrews said. "I think this is a guy who's got 'can't miss' stamped all over him." Cromartie simply wants to get back on the field. "I feel like I don't have any pressure on me right now," he said. "Just go out and do what I've always done, and that's just play football." He didn't do any of that last season, though. The summer after being named a first-team, All-Atlantic Coast Conference pick, he tore the ACL in his left knee during a voluntary workout. "I ... was going up for an interception," Cromartie said, "and I came down wrong." But the surgery and subsequent rehabilitation process went about as well as could be imagined. Meanwhile, however, family financial problems and other medical issues began to weigh on Cromartie, and that's the primary reason he decided to forfeit his final two years of eligibility. "For me, when I grew up, I was always in the projects," he said. "So it was money — it was always a problem for us familywise. But I feel like (now that) I'm taking on this opportunity now, we won't have any financial problems for the rest of our lives." That wouldn't surprise NFL Draft expert Gil Brandt. "He's a Deion Sanders-type athlete," Brandt said, referring to another former Seminole. "It seems like this guy can do everything, just like Deion did." Andrews, who coached both players, chuckled when told of Brandt's assessment. "Well, I guess I'd have to say the same thing," he said. "And I'll tell you, I'm not so sure he couldn't be a receiver." Had Cromartie remained at FSU, that might have been something for head coach Bobby Bowden to ponder. As it is, Andrews is left to ponder something else — and not necessarily what one might assume. "To me, the worst thing is not losing a great player," he said. "When a kid leaves early, well, some come back and some don't (to complete their degree). That's just the way it goes. And with a player like Cro', well, you don't normally see too many millionaires in the classroom taking notes." DEFENSIVE BACKS Teams in need: Bears, Buccaneers, Cardinals, Chargers, Chiefs, Colts, Falcons, 49ers, Lions, Saints, Seahawks, Vikings Insider's take: "He's a risk because of his knee, but he's a high-reward guy. Unbelievably good hands. The guy just has a knack for making plays." - Gil Brandt, NFL draft expert and former Dallas Cowboys personnel chief, on Antonio Cromartie Prospect's view: "I feel like I don't have any pressure on me right now -- just go out and do what I've always done, and that's just play football." - Antonio Cromartie Stats and stuff: Ran a 4.37 in the 40 during his pro-day workout. Before missing his junior season at Florida State with an injured left knee (ACL), he already had established himself as one of the nation's better playmakers. He had four interceptions as a sophomore, returned 19 kickoffs for 435 yards and was a first-team All-ACC selection. Last year's gem: Ellis Hobbs, New England Patriots. Despite beginning the season in the shadow of such first-rounders as Adam "Pacman" Jones, Antrel Rolle and Carlos Rogers, the third-round pick (84th choice overall) had three interceptions and started the Pats' final eight games. Cream of the crop: Antonio Cromartie (Florida State), Tye Hill (Clemson), Jonathan Joseph (South Carolina), Jimmy Williams (Virginia Tech)

04-20-2006, 07:49 PM	#13
SoCalBronco Nixonite Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Arcadia, CA Posts: 33,298 Adopt-a-Bronco: D.J. Williams	Med is quite correct. Cromartie at 100 percent is well above ANY corner in this draft. I learned that the hard way on Labor Day of 2004. He is an amazing talent and IMMENSELY gifted. __________________ ITS A PLAYOFF HOCKEY NIGHT IN PITTSBURGH!

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04-18-2006, 11:16 AM	#2
Rascal RIP Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 16,581 Adopt-a-Bronco: Turf	Yeah he is going to be good, but we have enough CB's.

04-18-2006, 11:19 AM	#3
Rascal RIP Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 16,581 Adopt-a-Bronco: Turf	How he doesn't consider DW or Foxworth as last years gem is insulting.

04-18-2006, 04:48 PM	#4
Elway777 Ring of Famer Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 1,886	If he is still on the Board at 22 pick then the Broncos might draft him. Jimmy William is also a guy the Broncos could draft at 22. The Broncos might go Manny Lawson at 15 then draft Cromatie or Williams at 22.Maybe Trade second round pick for Javon Walker.

04-18-2006, 05:44 PM	#5
ludo21 RIP Darrent Williams Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Glendale, AZ Posts: 17,903 Adopt-a-Bronco: Paul Ernster	I could see Jimmy Williams, but he says he WONT play S in the NFL, and Cromatie is a CB as well. I think we are ok there (i know i know, depth). Someone is going to be happy when they steal this kid tho.

04-18-2006, 06:12 PM	#6
clint7 Ring of Famer Join Date: May 2001 Location: Parts Unknown Posts: 3,046	Comparisons to Deion...does that mean the kid is a colossal jackass too?

04-18-2006, 06:49 PM	#8
Elway777 Ring of Famer Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 1,886	Here a mock draft with Denver taking Cromatie with 22 pick. 1a. Chad Jackson b. Cromatie 2. Bullocks . 3 The Broncos trade next year second for Early 3 and draft Claude Wroten . 4a Stanley McClover,Speed Rusher 4b Ron Sims 4c Tim Day 5a Brandon Marshall 6a Will Mongomery

04-18-2006, 07:44 PM	#9
broncohaven Ring of Famer I'm Orange Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Green Mountains Posts: 2,250	Maybe we should draft him as a WR.

04-20-2006, 06:32 PM	#10
ibleedburgundy Just Drafted Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 45	As an FSU alum I watched Cromartie play a bit. Calling him the next Deion is a stretch. He was pretty good but not a complete shut down corner.

04-20-2006, 07:06 PM	#11
azbroncfan Ring of Famer Angry guntoting,meateating AMERICAN Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Scottsdale Posts: 8,669 Adopt-a-Bronco: TEBOW	The only comparison between Deion and this dude is they both went to FSU, both are black, and play DB.

04-20-2006, 08:40 PM	#17
Kaylore 6-37, Raider fans. Yummy birds and snow! Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Ceti Alpha V Posts: 41,037 Adopt-a-Bronco: Wesley Duke	I want Jimmy Williams. I think he's a good fit here.