Ahmad Black
5'9, 184 pounds | Strong safety | Florida
Strengths: A three-year starter for a vaunted Florida team, Black has excellent read and react skills. Although he doesn't have the best speed or quickness, he's smart. Black rarely takes a bad step and and has good enough agility to move around with ease. Was recruited to play cornerback and can handle the slot against receivers who aren't overly fast. Plays with good technique and doesn't get off balance. Black can keep up with a lot of receivers because he has quick feet and understands route progressions. Is a try hard player against the run. At the least, he can hold up the ball carrier allowing teammates to finish off the play. Uses his small size to his advantage shooting gaps.
Ahmad Black NFL Draft scouting report
Weaknesses: Even though Black doesn’t avoid contact, he’s not really that physical of a defender. Playing the run or attacking tight ends with the ball may be problematic for Black in the NFL. Will get beat over the top by fast receivers. Although he times his jumps properly, Black just doesn’t have the height to always make an impact against taller receivers. Some teams may question his work ethic. Almost quit football during his freshman season. Waffled on his decision on whether or not he’d enter the 2010 NFL Draft.
Final word: As everyone says, if Black were four inches taller, he’d probably be a top 50 draft pick. Black has faced size concerns throughout his career, but he just seems to make big plays in big games. He had 13 career interceptions to go with 244 tackles and 14 tackles for loss. Returned three interceptions for touchdowns.
Still, it will be impossible for some to get past Black’s size limitations. Fair or not, it is a detriment to his game and will be only more evident in the NFL.
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