Alfonzo Dennard
5'10, 205 pounds | Cornerback | Nebraska
First word: There were several occasions in the 2010 season that Nebraska's Alfonzo Dennard outplayed highly touted teammate Prince Amukamara. That's not to downgrade the Giants' first-round pick this year. Instead, it should affirm Dennard's rating as one of the best cornerbacks in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Dennard has been a starter since midway through the 2009 season but really came on as a junior. He finished last season with four interceptions and seven pass breakups while starting 13 games. Dennard is an all-around cornerback who plays the run well, when asked. Dennard strongly considered going pro following his junior season, but his mother urged him to return to school. That will allow Dennard to get his sociology degree.
His game compares favorably to Leon Hall of the Cincinnati Bengals.
Games viewed: Washington (2010, twice), Texas ('10), Missouri ('10), Texas A&M ('10), Oklahoma ('10)
Bold statement: Dennard may not be a top 15 pick in the NFL Draft, but he'll be a good pro for a long time.
Alfonzo Dennard 2012 NFL Draft prospect notes
Alfonzo Dennard
5’10, 205 pounds | Cornerback | Nebraska
Notes:
• Gives too big of a cushion at times and will be beaten when wide receivers work back to the inside. The Oklahoma game exposed this flaw the most, though it is partially a scheme issue.
• Is at his best when he can be physical with a wide receiver to break up a play.
• Uses good hand placement to make a play on the ball but not get hit with pass interference calls.
• Plays with a lot of sudden movement and looks to have good quickness to break on the ball.
• At a listed 5’10, Dennard may have slightly short arms, but he knows how to use them jamming at the line.
• As a high school wide receiver, Dennard has natural hands which he gets to use when he’s playing in front of the receiver. Finished 2010 with seven pass breakups and four interceptions.
• On run plays, Dennard can struggle getting off blocks, which is surprising considering his bulk.
• Injuries of note include shoulder injury as a sophomore and a concussion as a junior.
